Lying quietly in the Drakenstein Valley between Franschhoek and Paarl in the heart of the Cape Winelands of South Africa is Babylonstoren, one of the oldest and best preserved Cape Dutch werfs (farm yards), now been converted in to luxury digs by former Elle Decoration editor Karen Roos. And she's done a truly amazing job of it too! It's an enchanting place where the chickens and ducks roam free, the garden is overgrown with lush fruits and vegetables and herbs, and the kitchen and restaurant is the hub of a gastronomic experience in fine dining. A stay at Babylonstoren is a little time trip to another era, with a manor house from 1777 and pioneer structures dating all the way back to the founding of the farm in 1690, an ornate fowl house, pigeon loft, leaning bell tower, historic gates and traditional courtyard, all whitewashed in stark contrast to the rugged countryside surrounding the farm. But inside the guest suites, that's where the modern day magic has been brought to life. The level of taste is impeccable - simple, contemporary comfort.
Depending on the season, you can fill your days at Babylonstoren with swims in the farm dam, a picnic under the trees, lazy strolls around the farm of 200 hectares, watch as the gardeners pick the produce fresh from the vines (you may even like to help pick your own salad). Swing in a hammock in summer, or curl up the fire in winter. And there is always the spa to indulge in. Sounds like a little slice of heaven to us!
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