The details
This small seaside cottage in Muizenberg is where colonial empire builder Cecil John Rhodes spent his last days. Once Prime Minister of the Cape Colony, he purchased a section of property along the Main Road in 1899, which included the site now known as Rhodes Cottage Museum.
The cottage consisted of three large bedrooms and a living room, which was quite suitable for his bachelor lifestyle. Also on the grounds is a smaller cottage, thought to once be a fisherman’s cottage. After being managed by various trustees the cottage was taken over by the Cape Town City Council in 1937 and the museum is now run by the Muizenberg Historical Conservation Society.
Rhodes’ original furniture is on view, as well as photographs, clippings and some of his personal items. The property also boasts a fynbos mountainside garden. It was declared a National Monument in 1938.