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Babylonstoren

Franschhoek, South Africa

Where Cape Dutch heritage, working-farm charm, and family adventure come together in a modern country estate

At a glance

Established in 1692, Babylonstoren is one of South Africa’s oldest working Cape Dutch farms – a living landscape of orchards, vineyards, gardens, waterways and whitewashed werf buildings. The restored farmstead sits at the foot of Simonsberg, surrounded by the Cape Winelands’ most beautiful scenery.

Every stay invites guests into the rhythm of the farm: wandering through the 5-hectare formal garden, joining guided walks and tastings, meeting farm animals, exploring orchards, and discovering seasonal produce from farm-to-fork cuisines.

With serene cottages, exceptional dining, an award-winning Garden Spa and a generous range of included family activities, Babylonstoren is both a peaceful retreat and a dynamic, sensory farm experience.

Why families love it

A choice of suites, cottages and houses ideal for small or multi-gen families

Hands-on farm activities: egg collecting, workshops, harvesting, animal encounters

Canoeing, cycling, fishing and walks across the estate

Daily guided tours: garden, plant collections, essential oils & wine cellar

Treasure hunt, nature trails and roaming farm animals

Water buffalo tours with calf-feeding – a favourite with younger guests

Complimentary bicycles for adults and children

Babysitting available for evening dining

Spacious accommodations with kitchens, terraces and gardens

Where you'll stay

Babylonstoren offers a curated selection of suites, cottages and houses – all combining Cape Dutch simplicity with modern comfort. Interiors feature whitewashed walls, timber beams and natural materials, with views of gardens, orchards or vineyards.

Family Comforts Across All Categories

  • Baby cots available on request

  • Babysitting arranged through the concierge (additional cost)

  • Flexible children’s dining

  • Complimentary children's bicycles

  • Easy access to the estate’s full range of included activities

From £/night*

*Prices from are indicative only - see Terms & Conditions for details.

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View Room Types

Fynbos Cottages

For families seeking privacy, nature and wide valley views.

Positioned on the slopes above the farm:

  • One-Bedroom Cottages – perfect for couples with an infant

  • Two-Bedroom Cottages – ideal for families wanting space, fireplaces and panoramic terraces

The setting is quiet, private and immersed in fynbos and mountain scenery.

Fynbos Family House

Perfect for multi-generational getaways or two families travelling together.

A spacious five-bedroom villa (sleeps up to 10) featuring generous indoor–outdoor living, a private pool and courtyard, large dining area, multiple terraces, and sweeping views of the vineyards and mountains.

Garden Cottages

Charming, centrally located cottages surrounded by orchards, waterways and gardens.

Available in one- and two-bedroom layouts, these cottages offer light-filled living spaces, private terraces and easy access to the formal garden, the Greenhouse Restaurant and farm activities.

Koornhuis

A characterful, intimate cottage with a sense of heritage.

A two-bedroom cottage with atmospheric interiors and rustic textures, and a private terrace overlooking the gardens. Ideal for two adults with one/two children.

Manor House

A beautifully restored historic home for up to 10 guests.

Blending Cape Dutch architecture with thoughtful contemporary comfort, the Manor House includes three bedrooms, elegant lounges, dining areas and private gardens – perfect for extended families.

Dining for all ages

Babylonstoren’s culinary philosophy is rooted in the gardens – with produce harvested just steps from the kitchens.

  • Babel Restaurant – seasonal, garden-driven dishes

  • The Greenhouse – relaxed, alfresco garden fare among the oak trees

  • The Old Bakery – Italian Evenings (Mon, Tue, Fri) and Carnivore Evenings (Wed, Sun) with live accordion music

  • Spice House – fragrant, plant-inspired lunches for groups

Children’s meals can be served early or in the cottage when parents dine out.

Experiences for all ages

Daily Included Activities

(Available to all in-house guests)

  • Guided garden tour (10h00)

  • Guided collections tour (weekdays)

  • Egg collecting & farm walk

  • Cycling & canoeing

  • Fishing & fly fishing

  • Bread baking with local bakers (30-minute demonstration)

  • Essential oils tour (11h30)

  • Wine cellar tour, wine tasting, olive oil & balsamic tasting

  • Mountain drive (for stays of two nights or more)

  • Stretch & Breathe wellness sessions

  • Treasure hunt

Signature Experiences

Water Buffalo Tour
Meet the herd, watch milking and feed calves. After the tour, guests can enjoy mozzarella, yoghurt and butter made from water buffalo milk at Babel breakfast

Soetmelksvlei Experience
A beautifully restored 19th-century farmyard experience. Engage in farmyard activities and meet artisans at work. Explore the beautifully restored Farmhouse and Gardener’s Cottage. Discover tools, skills and stories of a bygone era in the Old Cellar, Distillery, Mill and Workshop. Activities include milking, cream separation, metal forging, carpentry, animal care, wheat milling and distillation.

Byzantium
An immersive “temple to bees” with observation hives – fascinating for younger guests.

Mountain Pool Drive
A private 3-hour drive ending at the mountain pool, with the option of a picnic (R3,000 / £135).

Wellness for parents

  • Contemporary spa with hammam, hot spa, cold plunge & treatment rooms

  • Daily Stretch & Breathe classes

  • Peaceful garden and mountain trails

Family Logistics

45 minutes from Cape Town

Babysitting available for evening dining (additional cost)

Cots on request

Complimentary bicycles

Shuttle service to Soetmelksvlei (Wed–Sun)

Inclusive activities suitable for all ages

Family Suite Exclusives

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Exclusive perks designed to make your family feel truly welcome — from personalised gifts for little travellers to complimentary activities and flexible check-in options.

Booking via The Family Suite includes:

TFS Exclusive Credit: £100 (or equivalent in local currency) towards a family experience

*Subject to Terms & Conditions

For guests booking the Fynbos family house with private pool

Free of charge drinks Private buffalo tour Early check-in / late check-out (subject to hotel availability)