Babylonstoren

Babylonstoren is a Cape Dutch farm in South Africa’s Cape Winelands region. The sprawling wine estate and meticulousy pruned vineyards and orchards are located in the Drakenstein Valley surrounded by a dramatic mountain range. A casual meal at Babylonstoren’s greenhouse restaurant or dinner at the fine dining restaurant, Babel, guarentees the opportunity to enjoy the freshest, highest-quality ingredients produced by the estate.

About 45 minutes from Cape Town, the 4,000-acre Babylonstoren sits at the foot of Babel mountain. The owners purchased the old Cape Dutch property and turned it into a leisure compound: they added rustic-modern cottages, vineyards along the side of the mountain, and acres and acres of produce that is used by the two on-site restaurants (book far in advance if you aren’t staying on property).

If “farmer chic” isn’t a thing yet, maybe it ought to be. The fabulous farm resort of Babylonstoren, in the Cape Winelands, can lead the charge. This stylish retreat, just a half-hour from Cape Town, is a dazzling treat for the senses and the sensibilities: lush, fragrant, impeccably manicured gardens set against a beautiful mountain backdrop, and on it an incredibly refined and stylish revamp of old farhmands’ quarters at a historic 17th-century Cape Dutch farm, courtesy the former editor of Elle Decoration. The food at Babylonstoren’s signature restaurant, Babel, and its more casual counterpart, Greenhouse, is beyond fresh — after all, it doesn’t get more farm-to-table than when the table is literally in the farm, does it? These scones and carrot cake might be the best I’ve ever had.

It’s not all vineyards in Franschoek. Babylonstoren is an incredible feat of landscape architecture, created in the grounds of a 17th century manor house by the modern-day owner who wanted to create the ultimate kitchen garden. And what a garden – a veritable cornucopia of fruit trees, berry bushes, herbs and veg, not to mention the more unexpected plantings, such as a cactus maze. If walking around a vegetable garden sounds like rather a quiet activity, well, it’s enlivened by the free-roaming roosters and the donkeys, and we even came across an enormous tortoise helping himself to the windfall. There’s a rather high-end restaurant and a more affordable farm shop if you want to taste the wares, not to mention a hotel and spa; but we found it worth it just for a peaceful afternoon promenade.

This relatively new wine country property in South Africa is an incredible place. The high design style mixes with Dutch Cape architecture and it is so well done. The property also sits on acres on organic farm land. Everything providing farm to table fresh food that is tasty. The property was also going to start their own winery when I was there last. Which is a good reason to plan a trip back.

Breathtaking views, outstanding service, delicious cuisine, and laid back luxury created a beautiful visit to this former farm turned boutique property, located near Franschhoek. Wander the beautiful gardens, which inspires the seasonal menus on offer at Babel, its gourmet restaurant. One of many food highlights was “pizza night”, a bi-weekly event which takes place in the farm bakery!