South Africa Babylonstoren

South Africa Babylonstoren | Urbane Nomads

Overview

Babylonstoren is one of the best preserved werfs (farm yards) in the Cape Dutch tradition. Not only the manor house from 1777, but also pioneer structures all the way back to the founding of the farm in 1690. The Koornhuis (for storing wheat and hay) and the old cellar are exceptionally fine. An ornate fowl house, pigeon loft, leaning bell tower and historic gates embellish a traditional courtyard surrounded by a low, whitewashed wall.

Babylonstoren lies in the Drakenstein Valley between Franschhoek and Paarl. Surrounded by the Simonsberg, Du Toitskloof and Franschhoek Mountains, Babylonstoren is in the heart of the Cape Winelands. It is some 60km from the city of Cape Town and an easy 45 min drive from Cape Town International Airport.

Figures well as part of a luxury safari to South Africa.

Accommodations

Our guest suites echo Cape Dutch farm buildings. The style developed in the Cape Colony of the 17th and 18th century: outer walls are whitewashed and decorated with ornate gables and thatched roofs. Interiors are pleasantly cool in summer (due to thick walls) and are heated by open hearths in winter.

Babylonstoren has an exceptionally well-preserved werf. It consists of a main residence, old cellar, koornhuis (where wheat and hay was stored) and row of service buildings, 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 was turned into our restaurant, Babel.

Limited guest accommodation is available adjacent to the garden. We love the original architecture of the Drakenstein Valley and its sympathetic blending with landscape and climate. We also want to reflect its fine craftsmanship.

Dining

Our food leans towards simplicity – but with an edge. Meals are creative though always clear in structure. Vegetables and fruit gathered daily from the garden are often served with their skins on. Helpings are generous and meals may be taken in surprise settings around the farm, depending on the weather and the occasion.

Things to do

A wide range of activities are offered at Babylonstoren, depending on how energetic you want to be. We cater for staying guests who want to cycle, or gym or jog or swim or hike or merely stroll, to those wishing to pamper their bodies and revive their spirits. Or those wanting to sip wine and read, reclining.

THE GARDEN

Whatever the season, there is always something happening in our garden. Guests are invited to join in the harvesting, pruning, planting or picking of our many fruit, herbs, nuts, spices and vegetables. Walks span over three kilometres in the garden and the gardeners would love to give you a guided tour.

OUT AND ABOUT ON THE FARM

Go for a run or stroll up the Babylonstoren koppie - the views and fynbos vegetation are worth the effort. Guests may also choose to canoe on the farm dam, cycle through the vineyards and orchards or amble down the spruit which is lined with 7000 clivias. There are 200 hectares of this working farm to explore.

THE WERF (FARM YARD)

Discover Babylonstoren’s 320 year old Cape Dutch werf. The Manor House dates from 1777 and pioneer structures go all the way back to the founding of the farm in 1690. The Koornhuis (for storing wheat), old cellar, ornate fowl house, pigeon loft, leaning bell tower and historic gates all embellish a traditional courtyard surrounded by a low, whitewashed wall.

EATING

We take food seriously at Babel, our farm restaurant. Everything is fresh and comes either from our garden or from neighbouring farms. The food we serve is unpretentious – clean and visual dining experiences. Meals are served anywhere on the farm, depending on the season and the weather.

BIRDWATCHING

Over and above the variety of domestic farm fowls and pigeons in the historic Fowl House and the 100 snail-harvesting ducks, Babylonstoren is home to a myriad of bird species. Armed with binoculars, guests spend gentle hours ticking off birds from the farm’s list.

SPA, GYM AND SWIMMING POOL

After a workout in our gym overlooking the garden, guests can relax at the Babylonstoren spa which offers massages, a sauna, steam baths and an indoor plunge pool. The swimming pool is a restored farm reservoir and perfect for hot summer days.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Follow the light and let your camera capture the beauty of the historical buildings, the vineyards, the garden and the surrounding amphitheatre of mountains.

WINE TASTING, ANTIQUE SHOPPING, CAPE POINT AND MORE

Babylonstoren provides easy access to the wine farms of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek also Cape Town, Cape Point, whale watching and shark diving are all close enough for a day’s adventure. Golf courses within easy reach.

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This hotel can feature in this trip:

A superlative journey that would surely figure on any 'Trips of a Lifetime' list. Starting in Cape Town before departing via private plane to Antarctica, you will be spending days (and nights) in expedition-style tents on Antarctica, kite-skiing, exploring ice waves and talking to polar explorers. Combining an out-of-the-ordinary South African safari experience to the Antarctica trip, you'll find yourself witness to a rhino tagging exercise at the end of your stay- allowing you to come into close contact with these prehistoric animals.

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