Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren lies at the foot of the Simonsberg, in the Drakenstein Valley in the scenic Western Cape winelands between Franschhoek and Paarl. It is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in the area, dating back to 1690. The original farm structures are beautifully preserved, reflecting the simplified Cape Dutch architecture of the era of white washed walls and thick thatched roofs. The magnificent gardens incorporate an ever changing seasonal variety of organic citrus, vegetables, herbs and vines.
Accommodation & Facilities
Babylonstoren has a number of options for accommodation; the Farm House has nine one-bedroom suites, a shared pool & spa and a library with complimentary bar, and is exclusively for adults. The five-bedroom Manor House is used for exclusive bookings, and is perfect for extended families or a group of friends. Six suites and seven one or two-bedroom cottages have been created from the original farm workers cottages, and are set in the grounds near the garden. They have contemporary white and glass interiors softened by red brick fireplaces, deep shuttered windows and open-beamed roofs. The six Fynbos Cottages have a lovely location up the hill in the vineyards and orchards, a short distance from the old farmstead. They have super views of the Simonsberg and Drakenstein Mountains, and have a shared pool. Each room at Babylonstoren has a TV, air conditioning, under floor heating and a DVD player. The cottages have a fully equipped stainless steel kitchen. The hotel has excellent restaurants, a beautiful farm shop, two pools, a gym and a spa. The old kraal has been converted into the Babel restaurant which serves wonderfully fresh and healthy fare using ingredients straight from the gardens; we recommend pre-booking a table here.
Activities
The focus of the farm is the diverse garden with beautiful pergolas defining the different ‘rooms’. There is an indigenous section, a meditation garden, and a maze and manicured labyrinths to wander through. The resident horticulturists guide tours around the garden, and these are often attended by scientists, academics and botanists from all over the world. Walking with the ducks or following the fynbos hiking trails are other highlights. There are rowing boats to take out on the natural dam or you can find a shady spot to relax by the pool which has been converted from a former farm reservoir. Four huge buildings make up the wine cellar and guests are welcome to view the wine making process and do some tasting. Mountain biking, private yoga lessons, the use of the gym and spa, olive oil tasting, and guided mountain drives are also on offer here.
