Cape Dutch Charm at South Africa’s Babylonstoren
Tucked into South Africa’s iconic winelands, around one hour from Cape Town, Babylonstoren is one of those rare places where history, sustainability, and quiet luxury exist in perfect balance.
My first visit to South Africa included a day at Babylonstoren and its signature restaurant, Babel—a highlight that has stayed with me for years. It’s a place that lingers in your memory, not just for its beauty but for its seamless blend of heritage and innovation.
a living legacy
Dating back to 1692, Babylonstoren sits at the foot of the Simonsberg mountains, between Paarl and Franschhoek. But this isn’t just a preserved Cape Dutch farmyard—it’s a working estate where history meets contemporary living.
With vineyards, orchards, and eight acres of extraordinary gardens, Babylonstoren is part luxury retreat, part culinary destination, part working farm. The experience is immersive, whether you’re exploring the artisan bakery, charcuterie, and greenhouse restaurant, or indulging in the spa and wine cellar.
babel: a celebration of the land
Once a cowshed, now a restaurant, Babel pairs a minimalist, whitewashed interior with dishes as vibrant as the garden outside. The menu shifts daily, dictated by the season’s harvest.
Expect thoughtful combinations—pear macerated in Babylonstoren Viognier elevating a crisp green salad, or hot-smoked salmon terrine layered with heritage raspberries. Every dish is a quiet ode to sustainability and creativity, where simplicity meets precision.
the greenhouse: a garden escape
Beyond the formal gardens, shaded by ancient oaks, the Greenhouse Restaurant offers a more relaxed approach. Food is served picnic-style—fresh, unfussy, and deeply connected to the estate’s produce. The scones with seasonal preserves and farm-grown honeybush tea are a guest favourite, perfect after a slow wander through the gardens.
Nearby, the Spice House nods to the ancient spice trade, with fragrant cinnamon, nutmeg, and turmeric growing in abundance. Its menu reflects these global influences, adding another layer to Babylonstoren’s sensory journey.
the old bakery: a communal feast
For something more convivial, the Old Bakery brings guests together over rustic, generous boards of farm-baked bread, charcuterie, and local cheeses. It’s a place to linger with a glass of wine in hand, soaking up the estate’s easy rhythm.
A short shuttle ride away, Soetmelksvlei offers a step back to the late 19th century, an era before industrialisation reshaped farm life. This working farmstead isn’t a static museum—it’s a space where craftsmanship is alive and well. The farmhouse and Old Cellar are beautifully preserved, offering a rare window into a slower, more intentional way of living.
The Farm Hotel: Understated Elegance
The on-site hotel features 13 Cape Dutch-style guest cottages that marry historical charm with contemporary ease. Days here move at their own pace—cycling through vineyards, canoeing on the farm dam, or simply stretching out on the chamomile lawn, taking in the scent of the earth after a warm afternoon.
The Gardens: The Estate’s Heart
The eight-acre garden is more than a showcase—it’s a way of life at Babylonstoren. Home to over 300 varieties of edible plants, it supplies the restaurants and offers hotel guests the chance to handpick produce to cook in their own kitchens. A modern nod to self-sufficiency, woven seamlessly into the experience.
The Winery: Simonsberg in a Glass
With 62 hectares under vine, Babylonstoren produces wines that reflect the distinct terroir of the Simonsberg region. Daily tastings include both their wines and olive oils, a sensory introduction to the estate’s craftsmanship.
Effortless, Enduring
Babylonstoren has a way of drawing you in—its ability to honour the past while living fully in the present makes it a place you want to return to. Whether you’re sharing a meal at Babel, wandering through the citrus orchards, or simply standing in the vineyards, it leaves a lasting impression.
