The Venue

A memorial to Cecil Rhodes, headquarters of the Rhodes Trust, meeting place for Rhodes scholars and venue for wedding receptions and business events, Rhodes House is a magnificent building with a captivating history.

For nearly a century, Rhodes House has been a gathering place for Rhodes scholars and distinguished guests. Completed in 1928 as a memorial to British diamond magnate and imperial statesman Cecil Rhodes, the House is today headquarters of the Rhodes Trust, a residence for the Warden of Rhodes House and a meeting place for Rhodes scholars. And with the Trustees kindly agreeing to open the House, others can now enjoy this exclusive, beautiful and private world for weddings, business events and photo shoots.

A brief history of Rhodes House

When Cecil Rhodes died, much of his fortune was left in trust. Trustees subsequently built Rhodes House to serve as both a memorial to Rhodes and a home for the Rhodes Trust. One of the primary aims of the Trust has been to continually fulfil Rhodes’ intention to provide future leaders of the English-speaking world with an Oxford education that would broaden their views and develop their abilities.

To win a Rhodes scholarship, candidates must prove great scholastic ability and show integrity of character, interest in and respect for others, and the ability to lead and use their talents to the full. Every year the Trust awards approximately 80 scholarships, and since inception there have been over 7000.

The perfect setting

Rhodes House itself reflects a number of influences: Cape Dutch farmhouse, English country mansion and the arts and crafts movements of the 1900s. The House can be hired on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis, making it ideal for a range of events from intimate business meetings in a single room through to large-scale celebrations, such as wedding receptions that encompass the entire venue.

Three principle rooms are available The Milner Hall, The Beit Room and The Jameson Room named after three of the original Trustees: Lord Milner, Alfred Beit and Sir Leander Starr Jameson. In addition, there is a grand, circular, domed entrance-hall known as the rotunda, which opens into the Parkin Vestibule — superb for welcomes and aperitifs. From here, you walk through to an oak-panelled gallery, reminiscent of a Cape Dutch stoep — a covered verandah.

Step outside and you’ll find yourself within the beautifully maintained, typically English gardens, offering green lawns, gravel pathways and herbaceous borders. This secluded walled garden, which catches the sun from early morning to late evening, is perfect for photographic shoots and garden parties, and the west lawn is large enough for a marquee.

For more information about Rhodes House and hiring the venue, please contact us.

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The Milner Hall

The largest and most impressive public room, the Milner Hall is ideal for large-scale events, such as weddings, product launches and receptions.

The Jameson Room

Perfect for receptions, presentations and meetings, the Jameson Room offers a comforting, calming ambience.

The Beit Room

The most intimate of the three public rooms, the Beit Room is perfect for business meetings, private lunches and dinners, and small receptions.