ONE OF THE OLDEST WORKING CAPE DUTCH FARMS IN THE WINELANDS
Having planted its first vines over 300 years ago, Babylonstoren is one of the oldest and best preserved Cape Dutch farms in the region. At its core lies a magnificent 3.5-hectare garden – a destination in its own right – that supplies the hotel’s restaurants with a bounty of fresh produce.
Amidst these stunning surrounds, guests reside in beautifully converted farm buildings and worker’s cottages, all in the traditional Cape Dutch style with cosy lounges and fireplaces. A wonderful destination for families, kids are able to join in with collecting eggs for breakfast, feeding the animals and playing in the giant bird nests.
As well as leisurely walks through the grounds, vineyards and fruit orchards, days are filled with scenic bike rides, guided cellar tours and boating on the farm dams.
You can even join in the harvesting, pruning and planting of the gardens, and make your own olive oil to take away in a small tin. Picnic lunches can easily be arranged, as well as sundowners overlooking Table Mountain with a glass of local wine. There’s a swimming pool for hot summer days, and a spa set within a forest of bamboo.
BABYLONSTOREN WINE ESTATE, CAPE WINELANDS
At a glance
- Stylish boutique hotel and 750-hectare working wine and fruit farm dating back to 1692
- Set at the foot of Simonsberg in the Franschhoek wine valley
- Choice of accommodation in the historic manor house and in beautifully restored Cape Dutch buildings
- Authentic outer whitewashed walls, ornate gables and thatched roofs
- Open hearths that provide warmth in the winter months
- Vast bathrooms and well equipped kitchens
- Three restaurants, including the flagship Babel which celebrates the seasons and the bounty of the Babylonstoren garden
- An easy 45-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport
For leisure and pleasure
- Guided tours of the gardens and its 300 varieties of plants
- Spa with a steam room, sauna, heated jet pool and cold plunge pool
- Gym and dam-style swimming pool
- Fly fishing, canoeing and rowing on the farm’s dams
- Help with harvesting and feeding of the animals
- Picnic lunches and sundowners with views of Table Mountain
- Wine tastings, cellar tours and visits to award-winning vineyards and wine farms
- Array of activities for children, including exploring, cycling, fishing and canoeing
- Guided mountain drives taking in Babylonstoren’s history
- Browse the delicious produce available in the onsite Farm Shop
- Stroll up the Babylonstoren koppie (small hill) for views of the fynbos vegetation
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