At Babylonstoren’s Farm Hotel, the overall effect is relaxed yet well heeled with some of the existing farm buildings transformed into sophisticated guest accommodation.
Set adjacent to a 3,5 hectare (8 acre) cultivated fruit and vegetable garden, the hotel is characterised by thick whitewashed walls, elegant gables and hearty fireplaces that emulate an authentic farmstay experience.
There are six one-bedroom suites, as well as three one-bedroom cottages and four two-bedroomed cottages. The one- and two-bedroom cottages have a lounge area and basic kitchen. The Farmhouse suites include nine one-bedroom suites.
These all have access to an outdoor swimming pool and a hot spa area that includes a salt room, sauna and vitality pool as well as a lounge area.
ABOUT BABYLONSTOREN
With the Simonsberg, Du Toitskloof and Franschhoek mountains as backdrop, Babylonstoren's garden is majestic.
Dating back to 1692, the fortunes of this historic fruit and wine farm took a turn ten years ago when it fell under the gaze of former magazine editor Karen Roos.
Her passion for historic Cape Dutch style led to an authentic yet contemporary restoration that projects the farm into the future.
In 1692, Babylonstoren farm was granted to burgher Pieter van der Byl by the then Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel.
Prior to that, the Drakenstein Valley had been inhabited by the nomadic Khoisan communities for tens of centuries.
And so it was Pieter van der Byl who planted the first vineyards on the farm and who altered the water courses to provide irrigation.
Some of the farm’s earliest structures from that time remain on the farm today, with Babylonstoren’s Cape Dutch werf (farmyard) typical of the architectural style popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. As such it is considered to be one of the best preserved farmyards in the Cape today.
The original buildings comprise a manor house that dates back to 1777, while the Koornhuis (for storing wheat), the old cellar, ornate fowl house, dovecote, the leaning bell tower and the historic gates, all date back closer to the 1750s.
A disused cow shed was transformed into the current-day Babel restaurant. When new accommodation was added to create the Farm Hotel, every care was taken to ensure that the integrity of the original architecture and its sympathetic relationship with the landscape and climate, were reflected.
And so the signature look at Babylonstoren remains whitewashed walls of thick stone or primitive brick, with ornate gables and thatched roofs but with contemporary glass boxes (to house a kitchen and dining area) seamlessly added onto the Cape Dutch cottages.
The result is a modern yet authentic sensibility, that takes the farm firmly into the future.
Similarly, the garden at Babylonstoren looked to the past for inspiration, taking its cue from the Company’s Garden of Cape Town, which supplied passing ships to the Cape with food in the 1600s.
All of the more than 300 varieties of plants in the garden are edible or have medicinal value, with everything from blood oranges to asparagus, mushrooms and persimmons supplying the farm’s two restaurants: Babel and the Greenhouse.
As such the garden’s ever-changing tapestry and rich bounty of produce, informs every aspect of Babylonstoren.
BAYLONSTOREN'S FARM HOTEL
2010. Babylonstoren's restaurant and guest suites open.
2011. While Babylonstoren has always been a grape producing farm, the first wines (Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Mourvèdre Rosé, Babel and Shiraz) made under the Babylonstoren label are released in 2011.
2012. Opening of the Garden Spa. Construction of the Greenhouse, a 26 metre long vintage conservatory to supplement the food offerings on the farm. Construction of the Puff Adder – named so for its shape. This wooden structure meanders for 70 metres along a stream that emanates in the Simonsberg and slithers through the wild olives and blue gum trees in gardens.
2013. The hammam treatment in a specially built hammam is launched at the Garden Spa.
2014. Release of flagship red, a Bordeaux blend called Nebukadnesar, in November 2014. Clivia tunnel designed by Patrice Taravella of Prieure d’ Orsan in France and engineered by Terry de Waal, receives the award for contemporary design.
2015. Birth of Trompie the donkey, first born son of Lulu and Caballero from Upington. Construction starts on the Farmhouse suites adjacent to function venues. Release of Sprankel, Blanc de Blanc MCC.
2016. Official opening of the Farmhouse.
The pristine Cape Dutch style of two-bedroom cottages emulate a farm stay experience with thick walls, elegant gables and a hearty fireplace.
A contemporary glass cube has been seamlessly added to the 18th-century structure to house a dining and kitchen area.
The interiors continue this contemporary pairing with modern four-poster beds and furniture from international design brands such as Kartell, Magis, Philippe Starck and the Bourellec Bros.
Each bedroom also has a luxurious en-suite bathroom. Bookshelves filled with carefully selected books, underfloor heating and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the things that await you.
Cottages are either garden or vineyard facing.
A well-stocked personalised bar fridge as well as breakfast are included in the room rate. All two-bedroom cottages are serviced daily and come with a king-size bed, and a king or two single beds in the second bedroom.
Each open-plan suite has a luxurious en-suite bathroom and lounge area with thick walls, elegant gables and a hearty fireplace.
The interiors take on an altogether contemporary feel when paired with the modern lines of furniture by international design brands such as Kartell, Magis, Philippe Starck and the Bourellec Bros.
Bookshelves are filled with a wonderful selection of books while underfloor heating and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the things that await you.
A well-stocked personalised bar fridge as well as breakfast are included in the room rate. All one-bedroom suites come with a king-size bed or twin beds and are serviced daily.
Each of the slightly larger open-plan cottages has a luxurious en-suite bathroom and lounge area with thick walls, elegant gables and a hearty fireplace. Into this pristine Cape Dutch style, a contemporary glass cube has been seamlessly added to house a kitchen area.
The interiors continue this pairing with modern four-poster beds and furniture from international design brands such as Kartell, Magis, Philippe Starck and the Bourellec Bros.
Bookshelves filled with carefully selected books, underfloor heating and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the things that await you.
Suites are either garden or vineyard facing, with access to the garden and the farm. A well-stocked personalised bar fridge as well as breakfast are included in the room rate.
All one-bedroom cottages come with a king-size bed and are serviced daily.
Comfort is key in the one-bedroom Farmhouse suites where a moody interior theme comprising swarthy four-poster king-size beds, dusted moss walls, luxurious en-suite marble bathrooms and generous walk-in cupboards are paired with contemporary furniture and accessories such as extra-length MDF Italia sofas.
In addition to the underfloor heating, each room is fitted with a cast-iron stove. Bookshelves filled with a wonderful selection of books and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the things that await you. A well-stocked personalised bar fridge as well as breakfast are included in the room rate. All suites are serviced daily.
Housed in an old cow shed, Babel is a wonderful mix of Cape Dutch architecture with contemporary glass walls that makes for a simple yet edgy environment in which to try tasty yet often unconventional combinations.
Babel's farm-to-fork philosophy means to serve food that is seasonal and that reflects "pick, clean and serve" approach.
Because the menu is guided by what is available in the garden, the food always reflects the season, and so in summer may be served you a yellow salad of pineapple, gooseberries, granadillas, yellow tomatoes and apricots while in winter a slow-cooked leg of lamb in red wine is more likely.
Dessert subscribes to four flavours, namely salty, bitter, sweet and sour. And while meals are creative, Babel's team doesn't like to tamper unduly with food.
Meals are always clear in structure, so that fruit and vegetables gathered daily from the garden is often served with its skin on.
Helpings are generous and depending on the weather you can take your meal in the glass-enclosed restaurant or under the plane trees in the courtyard.
Daily08.00h – 09.30h
Wednesday - Sunday12.00h – 15.30h
September - MayDaily From 19.00hJune - AugustMonday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & SundayFrom 19.00h
Bakery offers scrumptious Italian-inspired evening meals, but also supplies shop with freshly baked bread to be enjoyed with delicious cheeses from Cheese Room.
Own wheat is grown on the farm which is stoneground after harvest.
This flour is sold in the Farm Shop, but is also used by own bakers who, under the guidance of head baker Ernie Beck, make sure they have freshly baked bread early every morning for restaurants and the Tasting Room.
There is a variety of breads, including sourdough, rye, white and whole wheat.
At dinners in the Bakery is served food family style – guests dish up for themselves from wooden boards placed on their table. Italian-inspired set menu starts with an antipasti and salad offering.
Main course may be enjoyed to your heart’s content. The meal is rounded off with a delicious dolce and famous coffee.
19.00h - 21.00h
Breakfast is included in your stay. There can be no better start to the day than sitting down to an abundant breakfast table.
Devised according to what’s in season and ready for picking in the garden, you can expect the freshest of just-blended juices, seasonal fruit, homemade muesli with a twist, freshly baked bread from bakery, thick farm-style yoghurts and own farm honey.
Signature farm breakfast also includes a choice of something delicious and hot, maybe Babylonstoren eggs and plum-smoked bacon, or smoked trout, all produced on the farm or sourced from local producers.
At the rear of the garden, tucked away between the oak trees, the Greenhouse offers guests the perfect place to rest and enjoy delicious home-baked treats, coffee, tea and fresh garden juices.
Also offered more substantial meals of artisanal breads with handcrafted cheeses and dressed meats, served with homemade herb oils, chutneys, preserves and relishes, as well as delicious, fresh garden salads.
The 26 metre vintage conservatory in dark green steel was custom built for Babylonstoren in France by Serres et Ferronneries d'Antan.
Paired with a collection of brick-red tables and colourful green Luxembourg chairs (the classic park chair design), the Greenhouse is a surprising but thoroughly logical refreshment station for guests who have completed the garden tour.
The Greenhouse menu subscribes to the self-same "pick, clean and serve" philosophy as Babel, with a strong emphasis on honest food with little to no fuss.
All food is served picnic-style in wooden crates with the preserves, jams and salads packaged in weck jars, while fresh bread from wood-fired oven come wrapped in the iconic blue-and-white Babylonstoren paper.
Despite its obvious aesthetic appeal and its function as a refreshment station, the Greenhouse also performs a vital role in the garden.
It is here where plants or varieties are brought when they struggle to make it in the formal garden due to the Western Cape’s winter rainfall or the lack of humidity in summer.
And so you'll find that exotic granadillas, ginger, cardamom, pineapples, dragonfruit, vanilla and even a baobab all reside here.
10.00h - 16.00h
Nature's medicine chest is an ongoing discovery of old and new herbs tried and tested over centuries by different cultures around the world. Originally collected from the wild, the best plants were selected, cultivated and shared.
The medicinal garden at Babylonstoren includes a range of beautiful species – some more powerful, aromatic, rare or even dangerous than others, but all with an interesting story worth discovering.
The central layout of the garden follows the form of the human body with herbs to heal head, heart, lungs, digestive system, organs, skin, bones and feet.
The trees planted in this garden are some of the “giants” in African healing traditions.
Herbs along the outer wall follow the seasons, summer to winter, specially selected to heal, soothe and balance the body through the time-honoured pleasure of tea.
Enjoy this Healing Garden as a quiet space, where you can slow down and blend herbal teas as guided by gardener Gundula.
Guests are seated on the floor of the shaded bamboo structure, where a selection of savoury and sweet confections is served to complement the infusions created by each one.
Only fresh, seasonal ingredients are used and great care is taken in the preparation.
Do not go before dipping your toes in the pond while reflecting on the moment and aiming to balance pleasure and health.
09.30h
The garden at Babylonstoren informs everything from the facilities and activities on offer to the themes of functions. With more than 300 varieties of plants in the garden, it comes as no surprise that the garden also dictates every aspect of menus.
Farm-to-fork philosophy leans towards simplicity, yet any plate sent out from kitchen shows spontaneous, creative styling.
All menus are directed by award-winning food stylist and author Maranda Engelbrecht, who works with the team of talented chefs.
"We are beholden to the garden," says Maranda, who famously grouped the food according to colour and taste for the farm’s signature restaurant Babel.
FAMILY MEAL + PLATED DESSERT
Start with the red, green and yellow salads that are served with freshly farm-baked bread and herb oil.
This is followed by a main course of grilled fish plus a choice of leg of lamb or pork belly, accompanied by delicious vegetables and herbed potatoes from the garden.
Both courses are served on generous large platters that are set down at intervals on the tables so that guests can help themselves.
End the meal off with a simple yet stylishly plated dessert of seasonal crème brûlée.
FAMILY MEAL + WHITE DESSERT STATION IN THE WHITE STUDIO
Once again, family meal starts with Babel’s signature red, green and yellow salads, fresh from the garden, and served with farm-baked bread and herb oil.
Hosted in the White Studio, the white dessert station consists of an incredible array of white desserts and cheeses, rosewater cupcakes, pistachio meringues, white chocolate yoghurt, gingernut biscuits as well as a sumptuous carrot cake topped with Eureka lemon frosting, perfect as a wedding cake. DRINKS
Babylonstoren is fully licensed and can supply all beverages, from homemade cordials, iced teas and homemade gingerbeer to Babylonstoren wines, as well as sparkling wine Sprankel MCC.
Guests can choose whether to offer a full bar service or wine, beer and soft drinks only.
Every morning, fresh herbs such as rosemary, lavender and lemon thyme are picked for use in the Spa’s daily rituals and for palate-cleansing spa food menu.
Dictated by what is ripe and delicious, spa menu is focused on fresh juices and whole fruits from the garden, as well as unusual varieties.
The Tasting Room sits adjacent to the Wine Cellar, offering views of the conical Babylonstoren hill, Simonsberg and the Banghoek Mountains.
The eye-catching steel-and-glass creation is a modern link between the two Cape Dutch-style wings of the wine cellar, and a perfect reflection of Babylonstoren’s philosophy of embracing both heritage and innovation.
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls offer breathtaking views over the vineyards towards the small rocky koppie from which the farm derives its name, while indoors the striking central bar bedecked in vivid green tiles mirrors the lush vineyards beyond.
A range of tantalising snack platters with charcuterie, cheese, pâté and fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden are on offer. The platters are an ideal light bite while tasting the Babylonstoren range of wines.
The Tasting Room is accessed via a maturation cellar revamped into a retail space, with exposed brick walls, lofty ceilings and a statuesque curving wall – a display of antique farming implements and packing crates creating a gentle farm motif in the triple-volume space.
For guests with a little more time to spare, informative cellar tours offer an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how the estate’s wines are crafted.
The tour includes a walk through the vineyards and a visit to the olive oil production plant.
Come and unwind in this perfect spot for wine sipping and cheese nibbling.
Wines are produced in a state-of-the-art winery and are made to showcase the soils and climate where its grapes are grown.
72 hectares (178 acres) under vine and produce 13 different grape varieties with highest vines – pinot noir and chardonnay – lying against Simonsberg at some 600 metres above sea level.
Some of the vines on the farm were planted by the farm’s previous owners, the Louw family, who lived here for four generations.
The Louws were grape growers for the former Simondium Co-operative Winery and other large wineries in the area.
In addition, there are plantings established in 2008 and 2009 under the stewardship of viticulturist Hannes Aucamp.
Echoing the farm’s 17th-century Cape Dutch architectural vernacular, Babylonstoren’s modern winery was designed by renowned Cape cellar architect Gerard de Villiers.
It has been fitted with custom-made processing equipment that can cater for gravity-fed production on a single level.
This includes three types of red-wine fermenters – stainless steel, raised concrete and 7 500-litre French oak vats. Led by cellarmaster Charl Coetzee (formerly of Kaapzicht) and winemaker Klaas Stoffberg, the farm’s 2011 harvest led to the first bottling of wine under the Babylonstoren label.
Wines are best exemplified by the Babylonstoren logo, which consists of the pipe (representing the farmer), the flower (representing the garden) and the bird (representing nature).
It is a combination of the very essence of Babylonstoren – keeping things simple and as true to the earth as possible. "It is this that we strive to achieve in our wine.
Truth to the area we are situated in on the slopes of Simonsberg, and simplicity by making elegant and balanced wines as natural as possible", says Charl Coetzee.
Like everything else at Babylonstoren, the Garden Spa is inextricably linked to the garden and the ever-changing seasons.
It is a living spa, set within a forest of bamboo with tranquil greenery and a myriad leiwater channels to set the tone.
Some of traditional treatment rooms are housed in the pavilion constructed of bamboo, which comprises a hammam, chill room and a gym.
There is a wonderful selection of classic treatments to be enjoyed in light and spacious spa rooms.
From hydrating body wraps to bespoke facials and deluxe pedicures, spa menu will cater to your every need.
Two natural, organic product ranges are used at the Garden Spa. Dr. Hauschka is a German product and Esse a local product.
Guests can relax at the Garden Spa, set within a forest of bamboo with tranquil greenery and a myriad leiwater channels to set the tone.
You can workout in gym overlooking the garden.
Experience an ancient cleansing ritual that is supremely good at relieving stress. The treatment increases circulation, relieves muscle tension, increases metabolism and keeps skin fresh as it rinses out toxins.
Available as parent-and-child treatments.
Bamboo is used to create outdoor spaces in which are performed rejuvenation treatments and also it is used during signature deep-tissue bamboo massage.
The swimming pool is a restored farm reservoir and perfect for hot summer days.
Lilian Terry wraps include a full-body scrub, wrap and application of a body oil.
A relaxing yoga class led by an instructor is a lovely way to start the day.
Whatever your predilection, you’ll find an outlet at Babylonstoren. Every morning at 08.00h, there is a guided walk around the farm with one of the gardeners, who takes guests up to the koppie (hill), through the fynbos area and the vlei (wetland), on to the citrus orchards and back past the dam.
Or at sunset you could go for a run up to the Babylonstoren Hill or koppie yourself, or walk up to the dam to row in one of canoes.
There’s no better place to sample some of the excellent wines grown on the farm than at the Tasting Room, overlooking the Babylonstoren koppie.
In the heat of summer lounge in a hammock in the cool of the trees and read a book from well-stocked library, or if you’re visiting in winter, curl up in front of a fire with a glass of red in hand.
In addition to domestic fowls, pigeons and more than 100 snail-harvesting ducks, Babylonstoren is also home to a myriad species of birds. So arm yourself with a pair of binoculars and spend some gentle hours in the garden.
Cape Point falls within the southern section of Table Mountain National Park. It offers exquisite natural beauty and rich maritime history.
South Africa’s world-famous wines are produced mostly in the Cape Winelands – a region of great beauty, fertile soil and historic towns surrounded by impressive mountains.
Simplicity, style and a focus on the abundance of nature are core to any event at Babylonstoren. There are three beautiful venues: Old Cellar, Wheat Barn and White Studio. All are housed in original, beautifully restored Cape Dutch farm buildings.
A main focus of farm shop is extensive selection of wines (available for tasting), the cheese room, bakery and the chacuterie too. You'll also also find a wide selection jams, cordials, preserves and olive oil and much more.
Franschhoek lies in an impressive valley between the Franschhoek Mountains and is arguably one of the country’s best-loved towns. It has a proud tradition as the wine and gourmet capital of the region.
Huguenot Memorial Museum in Franschhoek– a wonderful way to spend a few hours and learn about the French Huguenots who first came to Africa from France.
Stroll amongst the 7 000 indigenous unique plant species at the world-renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.
One of South Africa’s loveliest towns dating back to 1679, Stellenbosch was named after Simon van der Stel, father of the South African wine industry and the first governor of the Cape.
One of the new Seven Wonders of Nature, Table Mountain dates back some 600 million years. You can walk up Table Mountain via Platteklip Gorge – it’s the simplest (but steepest) route up that will have you there in an hour.
Set within 3,5 hectares, the big garden at Babylonstoren is at the heart of the farm. Hotel guests are invited to join in the harvesting, pruning, planting or picking of many fruits, herbs, nuts, spices and vegetables.
Typically, wedding ceremonies take place outdoors and pre-reception drinks are served on sun-dappled green lawns overlooking vineyards and the majestic Drakenstein Mountains.
Take guided cellar tour, which will take you through the whole winemaking process, past the vineyards, through the olive press, production cellar and maturation cellar, and includes a wine tasting.
Regular workshops at Babylonstoren are an ideal opportunity to learn not only about garden but about gardening in general.
The farm is a paradise for children with resident geese, chickens (where they can collect eggs) and beloved donkeys, Meisiekind and Lulu.
The donkeys live near to the Farm Shop and love nothing better than a snack of bread. Young guests are invited to help feed the donkeys and to help harvest fruit and vegetables from gardens, especially for the breakfast table.
Also complimentary mountain bikes are provided for all hotel guests.
They are located in the old pigsty near the entrance to the guest cottages.
BABYLONSTOREN
Klapmuts - Simondium RoadSimondium 7670PaarlWestern CapeSouth Africa