The Groote Schuur Estate
Named after part the Granary that was built on the estate in 1667 by the Dutch East India Company, De Groote Schuur (The Big Barn) was to become far more important to South Africa than the Trading Company that had it built. In 1870, over 200 years after it was built Cecil John Rhodes arrived in Natal - South Africa. He was sent from England to School, hoping the climate would improve his health. Well the move certainly improved his wealth, he became a businessman, mining magnate (founder of De Beers diamonds), and the politician who founded the state of Rhodesia. A man of much influence CJ Rhodes took out a lease on the property in 1891. In 1893 he purchased the property and had the "Big Barn" in Rondebosch, on the slopes of Devil's Peak, converted by architect, Sir Herbert Baker, into the Cape Dutch building we would recognize today. He spent as much time on the surrounding estate as he did on his home, in 1897 he had cages built on the upper slopes to house lions, but soon the slopes of Devils Peak were filled with antelopes, zebra, eland, wildebeest and ostriches. The house itself was surrounded by bright luscious gardens filled with roses, hydrangeas, cannas, bougainvilleas and fuchsias. CJ Rhodes died on the 26 March 1902 and his final will left a large area of land on the slopes of Table Mountain to the South African Nation.
The land was divided, the upper campus of the University of Cape Town took part, another became the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, while much became part of the important conservation area the Cape Peninsula National Park under the care of The South African National Parks.
Part of the estate also became home for The Groote Schuur Hospital in 1938, this was the home to the first human heart transplant conducted by South African surgeon Christiaan Barnard
The Groote Schuur Residence however was the Cape Residence for the Prime Ministers of South Africa from 1910 to 1984 and then continued as the presidential residence up until FW de Klerk and the formation of the "Government of National Unity" (President Nelson Mandela never used The Groote Schuur as a cape residence, but opted for the Westbrooke, now known as The Genadendal building.)
One of the ironies of The Groote Schuur was a party thrown in May 1956 for South Africa's Nationalist Prime Minister Johannes Strydom in which speeches were made encouraging the continuance of "White Supremacy" in a country where they were clearly the minority. On 4 May 1990 The Groote Schuur made world wide headlines again, but this time it was the signing of the "Groote Schuur Minute" between Nelson Mandela of the ANC and F.W. De Klerk, the then President of South Africa.
Today The Groote Schuur stands as a monument of the past struggles of the South African people, and to the historical reformation that those struggles led to.
No Longer a presidential residence, the building and its grounds are open as a museum to the public but only by appointment.
For more information and bookings contact +27-21-6869100
Knightsbury Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Rondebosch
0km from Rondebosch
2 Km from The Groote Schuur EstateThere are 4 tastefully decorated rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Each is fitted with all the amenities necessary to making sure their guests' needs are attended to. The Knight's are an impressive double act at breakfast, which is indulgent with... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sandown Lodge
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Rondebosch
0km from Rondebosch
3 Km from The Groote Schuur EstateSandown Lodge is a charming 19th Century Georgian Guest House, centrally situated in picturesque surroundings in Rondebosch, Cape Town. Close to Newlands Cricket ground and the University of Cape Town which are within walking distance... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Thatchwood Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Pinelands
0km from Pinelands
3.5 Km from The Groote Schuur EstateThatchwood Cottage is situated in Pinelands which offers a self contained cottage with its own entrance and secure off street parking. There is a swimming pool and tranquil garden where guests can relax. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Mayfield Cottages
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Rondebosch
0km from Rondebosch
4 Km from The Groote Schuur EstateMayfield Cottages - 2 upmarket (spacious, sunny and comfortable) self-catering suites (each sleep 2 people) conveniently located in the leafy, historic suburb of Rondebosch, Cape Town. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Fernwood Manor
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Newlands
0km from Newlands
4.2 Km from The Groote Schuur EstateFernwood Manor is an elegant colonial style home in the leafy suburb of Newlands surrounded by lush greenery with wonderful mountain views. Our exclusive guest house, catering for no more than 16 guests, ensures warm friendly personal service... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Glencoy
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Claremont
0km from Claremont
4.4 Km from The Groote Schuur EstateGlencoy provides self catering accommodation in Claremont, Cape Town. Glencoy is an upmarket, private self-catering apartment and en-suite guest room. It is situated in the quiet residential area of Upper Claremont. With a striking view of Table Mountain. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
8 Neptune's Isle
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Milnerton
0km from Milnerton
5.1 Km from The Groote Schuur EstateNeptune's Isle cabana (sleeps 4) is a great getaway for pleasure seeking tourists, or for a weekend break. Self-catering - Cabana is situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean with views of Table Mountain & Robben Island across the bay, and from where... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Mount Sierra
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Cape Town
0km from
5.2 Km from The Groote Schuur EstateMount Sierra apartments offers self catering accommodation in Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Located in the heart of Cape Town it will delight you with its numerous award-winning restaurants, galleries, shops and tourist sites. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
5 Camp Street
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Cape Town
0km from
5.2 Km from The Groote Schuur Estate5 Camp Street provides self catering accommodation in Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Ideally situated in the central, trendy and historic suburb of Gardens, on the lower slopes of Table Mountain. Within easy walking distance of Kloof Street... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Valley Heights B&B / Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Kenilworth
0km from Kenilworth
5.5 Km from The Groote Schuur EstateValley Heights Guest House provides bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation in Kenilworth, Cape Town. Situated in the peaceful, safe and leafy suburb of Upper Kenilworth in Cape Town's Southern Suburbs and has easy access to major tourist... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Groote Schuur Hospital (0.12km)
- Rhodes Memorial (1.30km)
- The Beast Ultra Trail Run (1.30km)
- Celebrate Life Festival (1.43km)
- Missibaba Christmas Market (1.51km)
- Irma Stern Museum and Art Gallery (1.53km)
- Mowbray Maternity Hospital (1.60km)
- ABSA Cape Epic (1.77km)
- University of Cape Town (1.81km)
- Discovery Cape Times Big Walk (1.84km)
- Cape Town Big Band festival (1.95km)
- Baxter Food and Goods Market (1.95km)
- Cape Town Spoken Word Festival (1.96km)
- Cape Town Folk & Acoustic Music Festival (1.97km)
- Vodacom Funny Festival (1.97km)
- Baxter Dance Festival (1.98km)
- St Luke's Hospice Women's Day Brunch (2.36km)
- Devil's Peak (2.53km)
- Vincent Pallotti Hospital (2.87km)
- Josephine Mill (3.18km)
