Rudd House

About Rudd House

This low-eved typical example of a residence of the late 19th century in Kimberley looks every bit the part of its haunted reputation.

Regarded as one of the most paranormally active houses in the country Rudd House was built in the 1880s, originally with only four rooms, but was to frequently receive renovations until it became the large sprawling veranda-clad manor it is today.

Known simply as, ‘The Bungalow’, Rudd house was built on the site of the tin shack that served as the dwelling of Charles Dunnel Rudd - Cecil John Rhodes’ business partner in the company they founded together, Gold Fields of South Africa Ltd.

Today the original shack still forms part of the outbuildings. The house was built by Rudd’s son Percy on the property in 1896. Designed by DW Greatbach, it is a low, rambling, red and white striped mansion with a corrugated iron roof, its length and breadth decorated with the odd cupola, and a summerhouse.

Claims of the paranormal are said to include the cry of a baby from the nursery, the sound of cutlery and crockery falling to the floor, the sound of breaking glass and the claim of a ghost in the red room or formal dining room.

Percy’s second wife, upon her death, left the house to her family who sold the contents of the house - an unfortunate event for, although the McGregor Museum acquired the house (probably because of its claims of the paranormal), they were left to refurbish it in an art-deco style incorporating the few family photographs and trophy horns in the billiard room that was all that remained of the furnishings. The wallpaper and decorative paintwork were restored to match the original.

Rudd House is nonetheless well worth a visit, at least to witness its deep shaded verandas, dark panelling, hunting trophies, servants’ bells, green baize door that led to the servants’ quarters, and hatches in the floors.