Babylonstoren Farmhouse and Farm Hotel (Franschhoek)

Babylonstoren Garden Cottages

Set adjacent to a 3,5 hectare cultivated fruit and vegetable garden, the cottages are characterized by thick whitewashed walls, elegant gables and hearty fireplaces. That emulate an authentic farm stay experience. The interiors take on an altogether contemporary feel. Paired with the modern lines of furniture by international design brands such as Kartell, Magis, Philippe Starck, and the Bouroullec Bros.

There are 6 x one-bedroom suites. As well as 3 x one-bedroom cottages and 5 x two-bedroom cottages.

One-Bedroom Suite

Each open plan suite has a luxurious en-suite bathroom and lounge area with well-stocked bookshelves. The interiors take on an altogether contemporary feel. The one-bedroom suites come with a king-size bed or twin beds (sleeps 2).

One and Two Bedroom Cottages

The pristine Cape Dutch style of the one and two-bedroom cottages emulates a farm stay experience. With a luxurious en-suite bathroom and lounge area. 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.

Suites are either garden or vineyard-facing. With access to the garden and the farm. All the one-bedroom cottages come with a king-size bed (sleeps 2). All the two-bedroom cottages come with a king-size bed, and a king or two single beds in the second bedroom (sleeps 4).

One of the two bedroom cottages, Koorenhuis, has the same bedroom layout. But has different décor and is further away from the garden cottages. Just opposite the venues and Manor house.

Fynbos Cottages

The cottages are in the Cape Dutch style and adjoin the vineyards and orchards. Ideal for more adventurous guests. Guests can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural plant habitat of the Western Cape’s mountains.

There are 2 x one-bedroom (sleeps 2) and 4 x two-bedroom (sleeps 4) Fynbos Cottages offering a unique farm stay experience. A contemporary glass cube has also been seamlessly added to house a dining and kitchen area.

Manor house (Exclusive use Villa)

The Cape Dutch Manor House dates back to 1777. This exclusive house has five bedrooms accommodating ten guests. All rooms have a king-size bed, with two of the rooms having the option of twin beds. The interior has been beautifully restored to its former glory. But with a definite contemporary touch. The traditional farm kitchen boasts a roaring old wood-burning stove. Guests have access to the garden at all times, with games set up on the private lawn. Curl up in front of the hearty fireplace and admire the architecture, or enjoy refreshments in the garden while savoring the exquisite views.

Fynbos Family House (Exclusive use Villa)

Nestled at the foot of the Simonsberg and Franschhoek mountains, the Fynbos Family House is an elegant, exclusive-use home in Cape Dutch style in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Designed to offer families and friends an intimate shared space and the relaxed freedom to tailor-make their days any way they choose. This secluded spot is a peaceful retreat like no other.

Up to ten guests are can stay in five individual bedrooms. Each comprises a fireplace and spacious en-suite with marbled tile floors and luxurious freestanding baths to soak away your worries. Leading off the spacious lounge is a contemporary glass cube, seamlessly encompassing a fully equipped kitchen. The heart of the house is the private central courtyard, offering a gathering space for friends and family to share. A crystal pool in the center of the courtyard is fed by a shallow channel, emulating the streams on the rest of the property and providing the tranquil sound of gently trickling water.

Hotel guests will be able to take part in most of the farm’s activities.

Babylonstoren Garden

Hotel guests are free to explore 200 hectares (almost 500 acres) of the property. At its heart lies the 3,5 hectares (8 acres) garden of cultivated fruit and vegetables. The garden structure divides into 15 sections that include fruit, berries, bees for pollinating, indigenous plants, fragrant lawns, a prickly pear maze, a clivia tunnel, and a plethora of trees of historical and botanical import.

On both sides of the formal garden, there are some majestic old oaks and beautiful indigenous wild olive trees. These still growing as they were found. Between the hotel cottages and along the natural stream.

In addition to exploring the farm. In season, you can take part in the harvesting of fruit in the orchards or the pruning of our vines. Whatever the season, the garden is an ever-changing tapestry of fruit and vegetable plantings. Hotel guests may join in the harvesting, pruning, planting. Or picking of our many fruits, herbs, nuts, spices, and vegetables.

The is a daily guided garden tour. One of the experienced gardeners will be your guide on this tour. During which guests are encouraged to pick, taste, smell, and touch while walking through our garden. Each of the 300 plant varieties is edible or has medicinal value. The beautiful garden is not only pleasing to the eye but also provides the restaurants with fresh produce, harvested daily. Enthusiastic guides will share some of the garden’s special stories with you and give practical gardening tips.

Cellar Tour & Wine Tasting

Babylonstoren has about 94 hectares (232 acres) under vine and produces 13 different grape varieties. The highest vines; pinot noir and chardonnay; lie against Simonsberg Mountain at some 600 meters above sea level.

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 tantalizing 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. This is 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 creates 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. Here you are shown how extra virgin olive oil is made.

The Tasting Room is open daily. From 10 am to 5 pm in winter and 10 am to 6 pm in summer.
Daily cellar tours start at the Tasting Room, every hour on the hour, from 11 am to 3 pm.

Animals

You may come across resident tortoises, donkeys, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and squirrels that all roam happily. Or maybe even a wild steenbok. Keep your eyes and ears open – you may be lucky enough to see or hear the fish eagle. 58 bird species have been spotted on Babylonstoren. Binoculars are available at Reception.

Exercise

The gym, open from 6 am to 9 pm, is for the exclusive use of adults. There is a great selection of machines to keep you fit. Private yoga sessions are also available on request.

The map in your room suggests six trails for walking or running. These vary in length, the shortest being a mere 5-minute walk. A backpack with water, sun lotion, and a small first-aid kit is available. Enjoy the abundance of fresh air and country views!

Babylonstoren Spa

Like everything else at Babylonstoren, the Garden Spa is inextricably linked to the garden. And the ever-changing seasons. We like to think of it as a living spa; set within a forest of bamboo with tranquil greenery and a myriad lei water channels to set the tone. Housed in the pavilion constructed of bamboo, it comprises a hammam, chill room, hot spa, and gym.

The Garden Spa has a garden-inspired food menu to replenish, revive and delight you.

In addition, the outdoor pool is not just another infinity pool! Take a plunge or relax afloat the tractor tube. Enjoy bass fishing at the farm dam. Fishing rods are available from Reception. Bicycles are available for adults as well as children to explore the farm. Bottled still water and helmets are available from Reception, and in your room, you’ll find a map. You can walk or cycle to the dam – it is about 1,5 km. The view from the dam is spectacular. You will be amazed by the abundant bird life. Get a backpack from Reception (see above). There are three canoes and life jackets for your rowing expedition. Please note that children have to be accompanied by an adult.