Founded in 1692, Babylonstoren began as one of the oldest Cape Dutch wine and wheat farms at the foot of Simonsberg Mountain in South Africa's Franschhoek wine valley. Originally granted to Pieter van der Byl, the estate evolved over centuries until its transformation in 2007, when Koos Bekker and Karen Roos acquired the property with a vision to reimagine it as a modern farm destination. Karen commissioned French architect Patrice Taravella to design a magnificent garden inspired by medieval cloister gardens, creating the heart of what Babylonstoren would become.
Today, the estate operates as a luxury farm hotel and working agricultural estate, anchored by a sprawling 3.5-hectare garden featuring over 300 edible plant varieties. The garden's 15 themed clusters supply two farm-to-fork restaurants, while a state-of-the-art winery produces award-winning wines. Guests stay in authentic Cape Dutch buildings converted into luxurious accommodations, including the Farmhouse, Garden Cottages, and Fynbos Cottages. A spa, farm shop, bakery, and experiences like Soetmelksvlei - a restored 19th-century farmyard - complete the immersive agricultural lifestyle destination. Babylonstoren has expanded to include sister estates in the UK, Italy, and the Netherlands, all sharing a philosophy of celebrating natural beauty, seasonal living, and heritage hospitality.
