“Big Barn” does this name sound intriguing? That’s Groote Schuur’s original Dutch meaning. This estate tells a story of South Africa’s complex past. It sits nestled against Devil’s Peak in Cape Town.
Groote Schuur began as a granary for the Dutch East India Company around 1657. It later became a private residence. In 1893, Cecil John Rhodes bought it. He transformed Groote Schuur into his vision of a grand estate.
Rhodes hired Herbert Baker, an English architect. Baker renovated and expanded the house. He created a unique Cape Dutch style. This style included ornate gables and whitewashed walls. Teak woodwork added warmth. A fire in 1896 destroyed much of the original structure. Baker rebuilt it. He replaced the thatched roof with Welsh slates. Rhodes encouraged Baker to use brass and bronze fittings.
Inside Groote Schuur, Rhodes collected Cape furniture. He moved away from London imports. An Egyptian writing table stands out. So does an old Cape Town armoire with hidden drawers. Even an elephant-shaped drinking cup catches the eye. A massive bathtub carved from Paarl Mountain granite dominates the bathroom. It required reinforcing the floor. Water flows into the bath through a brass lion’s mouth.
Rhodes filled Groote Schuur with items reflecting his interests. The library held books on travel and exploration. Two photographs of falcon statues were placed next to his bed. These represented Ra, the Egyptian sun-god. Rhodes believed these civilizations were connected.
One of the most striking features is the soapstone bird from Great Zimbabwe. Rhodes wrongly believed non-Africans built Great Zimbabwe. He brought a soapstone bird back to Groote Schuur. This bird became his personal emblem. Baker incorporated its image throughout the house.
The gardens surrounding Groote Schuur burst with color. Roses, hydrangeas, and fuchsias bloomed. Rhodes opened his gardens to the public. People picnicked on the lawns. He famously said he preferred people to cows in his park.
Groote Schuur became a political hub. Rhodes hosted many guests. Rudyard Kipling and the Duke of Westminster visited. Rhodes wanted to create a unified white South African identity. He promoted the Cape Dutch style.
After Rhodes’ death, Groote Schuur served as the official Cape residence for South African Prime Ministers. From 1911 to 1994, eleven prime ministers lived here. F.W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela made history here. They signed the Groote Schuur Minute in 1990. This agreement paved the way for a peaceful transition to democracy.
Today, Groote Schuur is a museum. Visitors can explore its rooms by appointment. They can see the blend of Cape Dutch architecture. The house stands as a reminder of South Africa’s complex history. It showcases Rhodes’ vision and the country’s path to freedom. Groote Schuur is not just a house. It’s a symbol of a nation’s journey.