One of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, Babylonstoren offers a simplistic, yet elegant home where you can experience a slice of 18th-century farm life without compromising on luxuries. Ideal for families as well as romantics, Babylonstoren lies in the heart of the Cape Winelands and is ideally located to explore the surrounding farms. Explore the 200 acres of working farmland, perhaps visiting the extensive fruit and vegetable garden.

Walk or jog up the Babylonstoren Koppie for fantastic views and a closer look at the indigenous fynbos vegetation, cycle through the vineyards, or paddle on the farm dam in a canoe. Babylonstoren is ideally located to explore the wine farms of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. End these perfect days off with a sundowner at the picnic spot before visiting the Babel restaurant for a top-class meal, fresh from the garden.

Highlights

• Simplistic, yet elegant, farm-style lifestyle
• One of the best preserved Cape Dutch farmyards
• The Wineland's best farm-to-table concept kitchen - meals made with fresh, wholesome ingredients
• All fruit and vegetables are from Babylonstoren's garden
• Farm dam & restored reservoir for swimming
• Large, spacious rooms with a warm, clean feel, designed by award-winning South African designer and owner
• Get involved with fruit picking during the season

Activities

• GUIDED WALKS
• BIKING
• CANOEING
• SPA TREATMENTS
• WINE TASTING

Rooms

Two Bedroom Cottage

The Fynbos Cottages (fynbos is a specific type of heather found within the Cape Floral Kingdom) are set further from the main buildings at Babylonstoren to ensure privacy for more adventurous guests who love nature. Designed in the Cape Dutch vernacular, they adjoin the lush orchards and verdant vineyards of the working farm and overlook the farm dam. Birders should be on the lookout for up to 78 different species, including elusive African fish eagles, a species rarely heard around Cape Town.

There are four 2-bedroom cottages and two 1-bedroom units, making them ideal for small families or couples. A larger group may want to reserve all of the cottages for a special holiday or celebration.

The Fynbos Cottages have an exclusive-use leisure area known as The Pool Room. Fynbos guests have free rein in the lounge, bar and plunge pool, which is surrounded by natural water pools. Here you can enjoy time under the South African sun while savouring tea brewed from freshly picked herbs or a glass of special Babylonstoren wine among other delicious drinks.

Farmhouse Suite

With only 12 rooms available at Babylonstoren, you'll always enjoy a private, exclusive stay.

The exteriors of the suites are white-washed and built in the traditional Cape Dutch style, with gables and thatched roofs while the interiors are clean, contemporary, and spacious. In the summer months, the predominantly white decor and furnishings allow for a cool atmosphere, while during winter, the rooms are heated by the open hearths.

High ceilings and hand-picked furniture give the rooms a contemporary feel while maintaining the historical flair.

The exclusive private suites feature beautiful glass-fronted kitchens and exquisitely furnished interiors and are ideal for the more discerning traveller. The restored Manor House dates back to 1777 and is available for exclusive use.

Facilities

The spa area is situated between the garden and the vineyards, offering a beautiful environment in which to relax and unwind. The Hammam treatment offers an elaborate treatment in their traditionally designed room. There is also a plunge pool, steam room, sauna and private treatment rooms.

The farm dam is a wonderful place for a refreshing swim or some leisurely time spent paddling in a canoe. You can also go swimming in the main pool - a reservoir that has been restored.

The gym boasts modern equipment and overlooks the garden, giving active travellers a great place to work out.

The comfortable, welcoming lounge area is the ideal place to curl up with a book in front of a crackling fire.

Dining

As Babylonstoren boasts a large fruit and vegetable garden, you can be sure that all your meals will contain only the freshest ingredients.

The Babel, the in-house restaurant, is situated in an old 'kraal' that has been refurbished to provide a unique farm atmosphere. Take a stroll through the garden and pick your ingredients for a fresh lunchtime salad or sit back and let the talented chefs tantalize your taste buds.

Choose to enjoy your meals in a variety of locations on the farm grounds for a memorable dining experience.