Reviews
"One of world’s most stylish farm stays, with contemporary detailing offset against historic Cape Dutch architecture, and considered design touches that delight at every turn. The eight-acre kitchen garden and wine estate are destinations in their own right, but waking up here is pure privilege"
"Set on a 500-acre working farm that is one of the Cape's oldest, Babylonstoren is a bucolic vision in white. Flanking an oak and pepper tree–lined lane, a dozen lovingly renovated laborers' cottages retain their thatch roofs and whitewashed purity outside. Inside, a farmhouse-chic style is created by mixing sleek modern furniture with farm antiques, and framed botanical illustrations. Cottages look out over 8 acres of lush fruit and vegetable gardens (containing more than 300 edible species), set against the dramatic Drakenstein Mountains"
"Former editor of Elle Decoration South Africa Karen Roos and husband Koos Bekker originally bought the derelict 18th-century cape Dutch farm as a private weekend retreat but soon came to believe that the dramatic setting needed to be shared. In a town where there’s a winery at every turn, it’s the formal gardens (designed by architect Patrice Taravella) that set this farm apart. They’re the only RHS partner in Africa, a geometric web of seasonal vegetables, edible flowers, espaliered fruit trees, beehives, cacti and a tropical spice house. And the hotel is just as smart as you’d expect from someone with Roos’ design credentials"
