Babylonstoren
Franschhoek & The Winelands

A 300-year-old Cape Dutch farm spread over 250 hectares and soaked in history, Babylonstoren is a memorable taste of the region’s traditional culture. Thick whitewashed walls, simple four-poster beds and neutral tones create a sophisticated retreat and a genuine farmstay experience – think Daylesford Organic gone colonial. Bookshelves filled with carefully curated books, underfloor heating and free Wi-Fi are all welcome touches.

We highly recommend the private hammam water ritual and the deep-tissue bamboo massage at the Garden Spa for a true wellness treat.

Babel restaurant, housed in an old cow shed, offers seasonal delights such as slow-cooked leg of lamb in red wine and has an extensive drinks menu. Sit in the courtyard under the Plane trees in clement weather and have a sundowner while listening to local birdsong.

Babylonstoren also hosts regular gardening and wine-making workshops which are an ideal day trip if staying elsewhere in the area. 

Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.
Jack Kerouac