Rand Club, Johannesburg

The Rand Club, established in October 1887, holds the distinction of being the oldest private members' club in Johannesburg. In 1902, plans were drawn up for the construction of its third clubhouse, which was subsequently completed in 1904.

The current clubhouse, designed by architects William Leck and Frank Emley, combines Edwardian Neo-Baroque style with inspiration from Michelangelo's Church of the Sacred Heart in Florence and the Reform Club in London. The front facade has a rustic ground floor with porticoes and Doric pillars. Two half-moon wooden benches by the front doors, a tradition since 1904, were used by members to observe street life.

This six-story building offers an array of impressive facilities, including Africa's longest bar at 31 meters (103 feet), a billiards room, private theater, grand staircase with a mosaic dome, two libraries, a ballroom, armory, six conference rooms, offices, and three bedrooms. Regrettably, the top two floors are still undergoing restoration after a fire in June 2005, which also led to the loss of a notable Pietro Annigoni portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Nevertheless, the club's interiors showcase artworks by prominent South African artists, past and present.

The Buckland Library in Johannesburg boasts a collection of over 10,000 historically significant books, some from the 19th century. It's a valuable resource for African topics, Johannesburg history, and biographies. The library also features works by club members like Sir Lionel Phillips and Anthony Akerman.

One unique aspect of the club's history is that it served as the official residence for members of the British royal family on two occasions during their official visits to South Africa in the 1920s and 1930s.