Picture this a small seaside cottage overlooking False Bay. This unassuming building is Rhodes Cottage. It’s more than just a pretty building though. It’s where Cecil John Rhodes spent his final days. He died here in 1902 at the relatively young age of 49.
Rhodes was a fascinating man. He was an industrialist imperialist mining magnate politician and philanthropist. He was a powerful figure in his time. His influence shaped the subcontinent. He believed strongly in British colonialism. He helped bring almost a million square miles of Africa under British rule. Northern and Southern Rhodesia his legacy became Zambia and Zimbabwe. His impact is still felt today.
He was also a co-founder of De Beers. By age 35 he controlled the biggest diamond mining and trading companies in South Africa. He even served as prime minister of the Cape Colony from 1890 to 1896. He bought Rhodes Cottage in 1899. He wanted to be near the sea. He sought the fresh sea breezes for his health.
The cottage itself is simple. It has three large bedrooms and a living room. It’s a reflection of Rhodes’ simple tastes. It was quite suitable for his bachelor lifestyle. There’s also a smaller cottage nearby. It was originally a fisherman’s cottage. Over the years it was used by caretakers and staff.
Rhodes Cottage remained in the possession of the Rhodes Trustees until 1932. It was then donated to the Northern Rhodesian Government. In 1937 it was given to the City of Cape Town. This was under the condition that it be kept as a memorial to Cecil John Rhodes. On January 27 1938 it became a National Monument. The Rhodes Cottage Museum opened in 1953.
Inside you’ll find photographs and editorials about Rhodes. There are also pieces of his furniture. You can see the long conference table from the De Beers boardroom. There’s even the wooden chest he brought all his possessions in when he arrived in South Africa.
The cottage has a beautiful garden. It’s a mix of English country style and Cape fynbos. It’s a peaceful place to reflect on a remarkable life. Rhodes’ legacy lives on. Part of his fortune went to education. The Rhodes Scholarship still exists. It supports gifted students pursuing higher education. A visit to Rhodes Cottage is a journey through history. It’s a chance to learn about a complex figure. It’s a place to appreciate a remarkable life. It’s a window into South Africa’s past.