Babylonstoren, Winelands

rooms

The spacious and sophisticated guest suites and cottages echo original Cape Dutch farm buildings, a style which developed around the 17th and 18th century, with thick whitewashed walls, elegant gables and hearty fireplaces. Interiors are pleasantly cool in summer (due to thick walls) and are heated by open hearths and underfloor heating in winter.  

There are 6 One-Bedroom Suites, as well as 3 One-Bedroom Cottages and 4 Two-Bedroom Cottages. The Cottages feature a lounge area and a contemporary style kitchenette/dining area with views to the gardens and mountains beyond.

The Farmhouse Suites are the newest addition to Babylonstoren. These 9 one-bedroom suites are located near the Farmshop and access a communal outdoor swimming pool and hot spa area  - exclusive to Farmhouse Suite guests.

facilities & activities

This well-preserved and charming werf, is home to a Cape Dutch main residence, old cellar, koornhuis (where wheat and hay was stored), bell tower, ornate fowl pen and dove cote surrounded by the traditional low whitewashed walls. Some of these have been converted into guest accommodation, while a disused kraal has been turned into the award-winning restaurant, Babel.

Babylonstoren is well known for its diverse and beautifully tended gardens, where guests are able to join in the harvesting, pruning and planting of herbs, nuts, spices and vegetables. Set off on a walk that can span over three kilometres in the garden alone or join the guided tour every morning.  Further afield you can explore the Vineyards, go boating on the dam, or stay close to home and swim in the converted reservoir or indulge in a treatment at the Garden Spa. 

Guests staying in the Farmhouse Suites enjoy access to a communal swimming pool and hot spa area located near the farmhouse whilst other guests can enjoy the main swimming pool with Garden Spa.

dining

One of the biggest treats when staying at Babylonstoren is that you get to begin the day with an abundant ‘harvest to table’ breakfast served in the Greenhouse.  The breakfast menu is devised according to what's ready for picking in the garden!

The Greenhouse is open every day for lunch, with meals influenced by seasonal ingredients and local delights, such as ‘boerewors’ (farmer sausage).

Babel is open for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday and dinner daily, offering a seasonal three course menu that has fast become the talk of the town (booking essential!).

family

The hotel has taken the time to create unique and fun ways for families to enjoy this South African farm. Take your little guests to feed the donkeys, visit the hedgehogs and traverse the prickly pear maze! Select your breakfast eggs (note the territorial cockerel!) or cycle up to the dam and jump in to a canoe for the afternoon. For the more adventurous, you can climb the ‘mount’ to be rewarded with spectacular views.  

Two-Bedroom Cottages offer a spacious lounge with fireplace, en-suite bedrooms and fully stocked kitchenette.  

If you are travelling with children whose taste buds are still maturing, the restaurant can prepare a simpler menu, yet still incorporating produce from the gardens.

location

Babylonstoren lies in the Drakenstein Valley between Franschhoek and Paarl, 40 minutes from Cape Town Airport, in the heart of the Winelands. Whilst a destination in itself, it is also a perfect base for nearby sightseeing and winetasting, so great if you have a full day in your itinerary to do this.