Genadendal Residence - Presidential Residence

Cape Town, South Africa, South Africa

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The Genadendal Residence is the official Cape Town residence of the President of South Africa, situated on the Groote Schuur estate in Rondebosch.

Originally built in the early 18th century as a barn for storing grain, it was converted into a private residence in the mid-1800s and was known as Westbrook. The name was changed to Genadendal in 1995 by former President Nelson Mandela, in honor of the historic town of Genadendal, which means "Valley of Grace" and is recognized as the oldest mission settlement in South Africa.

The residence features an elegant mixture of Georgian and Victorian architectural styles and includes several outbuildings housing staff and security personnel. It boasts one of the government’s most impressive art collections, and parts of the interior have been redecorated to reflect a contemporary South African atmosphere.

The residence is located on the Groote Schuur estate, a site rich in history that once belonged to Cecil John Rhodes and was originally stolen from the Khoi people of the Cape Peninsula. The estate is expansive, covering large grounds with lawns and gardens, although only a small section is the President's actual residence Genadendal.