What We Are
Cape Dutch architecture is named for the style of the 17th and 18th century Cape of Good Hope. Characteristic features include soft, whitewashed walls of stone or primitive brick, ornate gables and thatched roofs. Interiors are pleasantly cool in summer (due to immensely thick walls) and are heated by open hearths in winter.
Babylonstoren has an exceptionally well-preserved werf. It consists of a main residence, old cellar, wheat store and row of services, bell, fowl pen and dove cote surrounded by the traditional low whitewashed ring fence of stone.
More recently a disused kraal was converted into the restaurant Babel.
A garden of diversity pays tribute to the gardening traditions of the Cape. For centuries this was the halfway station between Europe and Asia, where ships would replenish with sweet water, vegetables and fruit. We wanted to pay homage to this tradition, and the garden at Babylonstoren contains echoes of the famous Companies Garden at the Cape.
Recently limited guest accommodation was added adjacent to the garden. We strove to reflect the integrity of the original architecture of the Drakenstein Valley and its sympathetic blending with landscape and climate. Also its fine craftsmanship.
We hope that you'll enjoy this as much as we have done. The whole farm is open to explore.
