PORTSMOUTH — Not only does the exclusive Carnegie Abbey Club have a new group of owners, it has a new name as well: The Aquidneck Club.

The leasehold rights to Carnegie Abbey’s private golf course, marina and more than eight acres of land designated for future condominiums and homes sold for about $8.8 million at a foreclosure auction Dec. 4 at the property’s clubhouse.

The property was purchased by a small group of previous members from the original club, and the deal was closed on Jan. 16.

The new The Aquidneck Club will be a member-owned club. Like the former country club, it’s the focal point of a luxury-living community featuring an 18-hole Scottish links golf course, a 41-slip marina, a club house with a dining room, bar, and spa and fitness areas. 

The grounds are also home to an equestrian center with 40 stables, and indoor and outdoor riding rings and a tennis club. 

Peter de Savary opened the original Carnegie Abbey Club in 2000 on 300-plus acres leased from the Benedictine monks who operate Portsmouth Abbey School.

The new ownership group has committed nearly $6 million to the new club to guarantee immediate financial stability, and to enable capital expenditures, according to a statement from the club. The owners will be spending nearly $3.5 million in the first two years to make upgrades to the clubhouse and golf course, the release stated.

"We are so fortunate to have such a beautiful location, grounds and facilities to create a new world-class private sporting club on Narragansett Bay,” said Andrew Tuchler, one of the new owner/investors.

Membership applications are now being considered, and additional information is available at The Aquidneck Club offices. For additional information, contact Laura Decker, membership director, at 401/423-4239.