Located near Franschhoek, Babylonstoren is a historic Cape Dutch farm that dates back to 1692. The Babylonstoren farm and hotel has become a beloved destination for travellers seeking an authentic South African experience that combines luxury, history, and natural beauty. From its breathtaking gardens to its world-class restaurants, Babylonstoren is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Cape Town. We will be exploring everything you need to know about this stunning property, from its fascinating history to its modern-day amenities.
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🚘 Babylonstoren Is A Drive From Cape Town. Make Sure You Are Prepared By Renting A Car 🚗
All About Babylonstoren 🌼
The Babylonstoren history is a vast and exciting tale with it starting as a working farm that has been in existence for over three centuries. Originally founded in 1692, it was one of the first farms to be established in the Cape Winelands region of South Africa. The farm was initially used to grow fruit and vegetables to supply passing ships, but later it was used to produce wine. In 2007 Karen Roos took over and commissioned French architect Patrice Taravella to plan the layout of the famous garden.
One of the most striking features of Babylonstoren is its historic Cape Dutch architecture. The farm’s buildings are characterized by their whitewashed walls, thatched roofs, and gabled facades. These features testify to the farm’s rich history and the enduring legacy of Dutch colonialism in South Africa.
The Babylonstoren Garden 🧑🌾
Babylonstoren is perhaps best known for its breathtaking gardens. The property boasts over eight acres of meticulously landscaped gardens, each inspired by a different theme. The gardens feature a variety of indigenous plants, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
One of the most striking features of the gardens is the magnificent greenhouse, which is home to a stunning collection of succulents and other plants. Visitors can stroll through the Babylonstoren greenhouse and admire the stunning array of colours and textures on display. The gardens also feature a series of waterways and ponds, which add to the property’s peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can relax by the water’s edge and take in the serene beauty of the gardens.
The Spice Garden at Babylonstoren 🫚
The Babylonstoren’s Spice Garden offers an experience like no other in the realm of aromatics and the historic spice trade. Enchanting the senses, the garden showcases a collection of spices, including the likes of turmeric, ginger, and nutmeg cloves. Two glass aquariums, teeming with tropical Asian fish, pay homage to the continent from which these spices originated, creating a harmonious blend of botanical wonder and cultural significance.
Babylonstoren invites visitors for private functions at the Spice Garden, accommodating groups ranging from 13 to 24 guests. Seasonally curated menus, tailored for both winter and summer, promise a journey infused with the essence of aromatic spices. Guests can anticipate a symphony featuring spiced tea or coffee, accompanied by freshly baked bread, handcrafted butter, Babylonstoren olives, vibrant salads, soul-warming soups, and an array of herbs and vegetables sourced directly from the nearby garden. A delectable dessert crowns the experience, ensuring that each visit to the Spice Garden is marked by botanical sophistication and tasty delights. The Spice Garden at Babylonstoren, now available for group bookings, stands ready to welcome visitors into its fragrant embrace, beckoning with a menu inspired by the aromatic treasures.
Babylonstoren Accommodation 🏘️
Babylonstoren Hotel offers a range of luxurious accommodations designed to showcase the property’s rich history and natural beauty. The rooms are located in a series of historic buildings, including the Family Houses, the Farmhouse, Garden Cottages and the Fynbos Cottages.
The Fynbos Family House is a refined retreat catering to up to ten guests across five en-suite bedrooms, each equipped with a fireplace. The bedrooms feature marbled tile floors and freestanding baths, emphasizing functionality and comfort. A contemporary glass cube houses the fully equipped kitchen, forming the core of the residence. The central courtyard is a communal space, complemented by a crystal pool fed by a shallow channel, echoing the estate’s natural streams.
The Farmhouse is a charming building restored to reflect its original Cape Dutch architecture. The building features six spacious suites, each of which is decorated with vintage furnishings and local artwork. The Farmhouse suite features a large marble bathroom, comfortable sitting areas, and four-poster king-size beds.
The Fynbos Cottages is a stunning and cosy cottage which is among the vineyards and orchards. The cottage features a fireplace, bookshelves and a luxurious en-suite bathroom. The cottage is perfect for couples or small families looking for a peaceful retreat within these beautiful Babylonstoren cottages.
The Garden Cottages have repurposed existing farm buildings into refined guest accommodations, surrounded by a meticulously cultivated fruit and vegetable garden. Characterized by whitewashed walls, elegant gables, and hearty fireplaces, these cottages exude an authentic farm stay experience. Offering a diverse range of accommodations with six one-bedroom suites, three one-bedroom cottages, and four two-bedroom cottages.
Click Here To Book An Unforgettable Stay At Babylonstoren Today! 💤
Babylonstoren Farm Shop 🧺
The Babylonstoren Farm Shop offers a selection of goods, providing a farm-to-table experience. While an online store exists for convenience, the on-site shop beckons visitors with its distinct spaces, each filled with the estate’s rich heritage and farm lifestyle. The Lekker Room, housed in an 18th-century building, tempts with a variety of roasted nuts, artisanal chocolates, and delectable treats. In the Scented Room, guests will find themselves in the fragrant world of Babylonstoren’s bath and body products, crafted from botanicals harvested on the farm, while also witnessing the essential oil extraction process. The Homeware section reflects the seasonal abundance of the garden, offering fine living decor inspired by simplicity and functionality.
The Milk Room showcases the expertise of Babylonstoren’s cheesemaker, featuring fresh cheeses made from water buffalo and Jersey milk. Meanwhile, the Meat Room is home to traditional South African recipes for biltong and charcuterie, with a maturation room lined with Himalayan salt tiles enhancing flavours. In the Bakery, bakers commence their craft before dawn, producing stone ground bread with no added chemicals or preservatives, including select loaves leavened with the estate’s sourdough starter. The Babylonstoren Farm Shop is a convergence of heritage and innovation, inviting guests to savour the farm through its diverse offerings, whether indulging in freshly baked goods, perusing homeware, or experiencing the sensory delights of the Scented Room.
Babylonstoren Online Shop: https://shop.babylonstoren.com/za
Babylonstoren Farm Shop: https://babylonstoren.com/farm-shop
Babylonstoren Wine Estate and Winery 🍇
Partaking in wine tasting at Babylonstoren is a journey through a crafted selection of varietals. The Tasting Room holds tasteful design elements and offers views of the Babylonstoren Hill, Simonsberg, and Banghoek Mountains. From elegant whites to a playful rose, and smooth reds to exciting bubbles, the estate’s vineyard produces a collection that mirrors the unique soils and climate of its location. Complementing the wine experience are themed platters, such as charcuterie, fish, or harvest, featuring artisan bread, award-winning olive oil, and fresh vegetables and fruits harvested from the gardens.
Next to the vintage wine cellar, the modern Tasting Centre with floor-to-ceiling glass panes maximizes the breathtaking views, providing a stylish space to savour Babylonstoren wines. The Deli and Dairy Platter, featuring Babylonstoren beef charcuterie, cured pork loin, artisanal cheeses, caprese salad, hummus, and homemade preserves, add a layer of delight. Led by cellar master Charl Coetzee and winemaker Klaas Stoffberg, Babylonstoren’s cellar tour takes visitors on a two-hour exploration, including an underground wine tunnel experience, showcasing the wine-producing vessels and tasty pairings with farm-grown delicacies.
Wine lovers can enjoy this immersive experience starting at R110 per person for a tasting of seven wines, with flagship wines available at additional costs. Express tastings and cellar tours are also available, contributing to Babylonstoren’s recognition as the Best Innovative Wine Tourism Experience in South Africa in 2022 by the Best of Wine Tourism Awards. For those on the Franschhoek Wine Tram, Babylonstoren is a must-stop on the orange line, offering an opportunity to partake in the estate’s wine tasting or daily cellar tour, further enhancing the stunning Franschhoek Winelands Valley experience.
Go On A Franschhoek Wine Tram Journey And Experience Everything The Winelands Have To Offer 🍷
Babylonstoren Restaurants 🥂
Babylonstoren is home to two world-class restaurants, Babel and Greenhouse. Both restaurants are committed to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create innovative, flavorful dishes. Babel is Babylonstoren’s flagship restaurant, and it has become famous for its inventive, farm-to-table cuisine. The menu features a range of dishes, from seafood to meat to vegetarian options, all made with ingredients sourced from Babylonstoren’s gardens and other local farms.
The greenhouse is Babylonstoren’s more casual dining option, located within the property’s greenhouse. The restaurant serves a range of light, healthy dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and freshly squeezed juices. Visitors can enjoy their meals surrounded by the stunning beauty of the greenhouse’s plants and flowers. Do not forget to try out their freshly made pasta and wood-fired pizzas at the Babylonstoren bakery.
What to do at Babylonstoren ☁️
There are plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained during their stay. The Babylonstoren garden is a must-do activity for anyone visiting. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide insight into the history and design of the gardens, as well as the various plants and flowers on display. Another popular activity at Babylonstoren. The property produces a range of wines, which visitors can sample in the beautiful wine-tasting room. Other activities at Babylonstoren include hiking and biking in the surrounding mountains, swimming in the property’s pool, and relaxing in the Babylonstoren spa.
Babylonstoren Workshops 🪻
Explore the knowledge and craftsmanship at Babylonstoren through a variety of meticulously thought-out workshops, designed to elevate your understanding of the estate’s rich heritage. These experiences cover an extensive selection, from the delicate art of botanical sketching to the mastery of vine weaving and the alchemical craft of soap making. Led by a team and specialists hailing from many fields, the Babylonstoren workshops take on participants in hands-on learning, allowing them to actively engage with the skills, techniques, and disciplines that define the Babylonstorians’ expertise.
The workshops, often full-day experiences that commence with a stroll through Babylonstoren’s gardens, with a farm-style lunch, provide an experience that marries education with a delight for the senses. For guests who are staying at the Babylonstoren Hotel, these workshops are woven into the fabric of their stay, offered at no additional cost. As Babylonstoren sees these workshops as an ideal platform for knowledge exchange, experts collaborate with the estate’s team to offer guests a rare opportunity to not only absorb the wisdom of the land but also actively contribute to the collective learning journey.
Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Tour 🫒
Take on the Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Tour, a delightful exploration of the estate’s renowned extra virgin olive oil and exquisite balsamic vinegar. Guided by the expertise of our olive oil sommelier, Klaas Stoffberg, and his dedicated team, the tour unfolds against the beautiful Simonsberg slopes, where the sun-drenched olives flourish. The process begins with a visit to the balsamic vinegar cellar, offering a glimpse into the production methods that result in our esteemed DOP-style vinegar. Guests are treated to tastings of both the three-year-old and twelve-year-old varieties, enriching their understanding of the artistry behind each drop.
Continuing the journey, visitors learn about the olive production plant to witness the meticulous creation of Babylonstoren’s table olives, experiencing firsthand the dedication that goes into creating these culinary treasures. The finale unfolds in the olive press, where the transformation of olives into liquid gold transpires through traditional hand-harvesting and cold-pressing techniques. The tour, limited to a maximum of six guests, calls all enthusiasts to partake in this experience for R200 per person, ensuring a delightful and informative escapade into the world of liquid gold.
Babylonstoren Spa 💆♂️
Don’t miss the Garden Spa at Babylonstoren, an extension of the Babylonstoren wine estate that intertwines with the natural beauty of its surroundings and physically finds the changing seasons. The facility boasts a diverse array of amenities, including a Turkish bath, a chill room, a hot spa, and a fully equipped gym. Beyond these, an extensive menu of treatments awaits, ranging from indulgent body wraps and revitalizing facials to soothing massages and pampering nail treatments. With a background of lush bamboo, verdant foliage, and babbling water channels, the Garden Spa is an oasis of world-class relaxation, complete with an outdoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, indoor heated vitality pool, tropical rain showers, a Himalayan salt room, and a state-of-the-art gym.
The Garden Spa also offers a living connection to the estate’s garden. The Garden Spa is open to both day visitors and hotel guests and offers an immersive experience where the therapeutic touch of rejuvenating treatments seamlessly integrates with the symphony of Babylonstoren’s natural surroundings.
Experience The Top Wine Farms Around Cape Town Such As Babylonstoren And More! 🍷
Babylonstoren is a truly unique destination that combines history, natural beauty, and luxury in a truly enchanting way. From its stunning gardens to its world-class restaurants, there is something for everyone at this Cape Dutch farm hotel. Whether you are seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Babylonstoren is a must-visit destination that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
Babylonstoren Entrance Fee
- The Babylonstoren entrance fee per adult is R100.
- Children under the age of 18 enter free of charge.
- A once-off entrance fee allows you to register for Babylonstoren Garden Membership with the free Babylonstoren app (This will give you unlimited admission to Babylonstoren for 12 months).
Babylonstoren Opening Times: The Garden is open from 9 am to 6 pm (last entry is 5 pm), please take note that the restaurant opening hours vary
Address: Babylonstoren, Babylonstoren Road, Franschhoek
Website: https://babylonstoren.com/
Contact Number: 021 863 3852
Email Address: enquiries@babylonstoren.com
FAQ
- What are the opening hours of Babylonstoren?
Babylonstoren is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm; the last entry is at 5 pm. However, the opening hours of the restaurant and the spa may vary. - What are the main attractions of Babylonstoren?
The main attractions of Babylonstoren are its gardens, which cover an area of 5 hectares and showcase over 300 varieties of plants that are all edible or have medicinal value. Visitors can also enjoy wine tasting, guided tours of the farm and garden, and relax at the spa. - Is Babylonstoren child-friendly?
Yes, Babylonstoren is child-friendly, and there are various activities for children, such as a farm tour, garden walk, and bug spotting. Children under 12 years old can also stay for free in the Farmhouse or Cottage, provided they share a room with their parents. However, some areas of the farm may not be suitable for young children, and parents should supervise their children at all times. - What type of wines does Babylonstoren produce?
Babylonstoren produces a range of award-winning wines, including Chenin Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Mourvèdre, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz. The wines are known for their purity, elegance, and expression of the unique terroir near Franschhoek. In addition to wine tasting, visitors can also take a guided tour of the vineyards and cellar to learn more about the winemaking process.
