The Offbeat Goat Collection

Babylonstoren

Simondium, South Africa

South Africa/Cape Winelands/Babylonstoren

A sophisticated 18th-century Cape Dutch farmhouse exuding a minimalist grace and relaxed country-house sensibility

Set amidst manicured gardens against the craggy Drakenstein mountains, this tastefully renovated Cape Dutch farmhouse is the perfect fusion of colonial elegance and stylish contemporary design.

Beautifully designed by the owner (and former editor of Elle Decoration), Karen Roos, each thatch-roofed cottage feels crisp, clean, and sophisticated, tastefully blending the old with the new — a feast for the senses oozing character, elegance, and boutique-chic charm.

But the flowering gardens steal the show with magnificently manicured hedges, fragrant citrus trees, and tangled pumpkin patches as far as the eye can see. And we love that the hoteliers have sustainability baked in with their biodiversity-focused stewardship programs, solar panels, and farm-to-fork culinary feasts. So, this may be your ticket if you’re scoping out a drool-worthy Cape Winelands farm retreat that inspires a sense of awe.

4.Tadpole (paddavis) room in Farmhouse.jpg

“We have a farm-to-fork philosophy which means we like to serve food that is seasonal and that reflects our ‘pick, clean and serve’ approach.”

—Karen Roos, Babylonstoren

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the look.

Babylonstoren nails that perfect blend of sophistication and farm life charm. Spacious white-walled cottages are defined by exposed beams, warm woods, polished concrete, and refurbished stable doors.

Bedrooms balance white-washed walls with soothing palettes of cream and teal, with thoughtful country-chic touches like handpicked flowers and botanical-themed artwork creating a continuous dialogue between inside and out.

the experience.

agro-tourism experiences

Learn more about Babylontoren’s farming and wine-making practices by joining one of the expert-led tours. Farm and garden walks are offered regularly.

wellness

Enjoy decadent hammam cleansing rituals (worth a splurge).

delightful gardens

Play pétanque in the beautifully manicured lawns of the wine estate or enjoy an afternoon tea in the custom-built greenhouse; Take a dip in the wine farm’s dam-style pool; Marvel at the sunrise (coffee in hand) and sunset (drink in hand) views of Table Mountain, the Simonsberg mountains, and the surrounding vineyards.

farm-to-fork

Savor freshly baked breads and homemade jams at Babylonstoren’s famous farm-to-fork- buffets.

the impact.

Babylonstoren is a working farm entirely focused on sustainable practices and all things local: local food, local staff, and local history. The hotel strives to inspire and teach its guests about its sustainable farming and biodiversity and is committed to offering immersive experiences (harvesting, pruning, planting, etc.).

Eco-design

The construction does not impose on the site and maintains a low-impact light footprint philosophy.

Conservation-focused

In collaboration with Cape Nature, Babylonstoren established a stewardship program to conserve biodiversity. It’s also a member of the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI), meeting several conservation criteria set out by BWI that ensure the farm’s sustainability.

Culinary sustainability

Emphasis is on farm-to-table meals where most organic ingredients come straight from the farm.

Waste, water, and energy management

Solar panels are installed on top of guest suites to minimize electricity usage.

At a glance.

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Good to know

There are a number of different suites and cottages available. All have access to a swimming pool. Garden Cottage options include 6 one-bedroom suites , 3 one-bedroom cottages, and 4 two-bedroom cottages. The Fynbos cottage options include: one and two-bedroom cottages. The Farmhouse offers a farmhouse suite (sleeps 2); and the five-bedroom Fynbos Family House can be rented for exclusive use only, sleeping up to 10.