Babylonstoren: Hotel in Simondium

Babylonstoren is an elegant vineyard hotel, where contemporary details meet Dutch Cape Town's historic architecture.

A Scandi-Scottish retreat in the Highlands

Sixty kilometers from Cape Town, in the Valley of Wines, at the foot of the steep Simonsberg Mountains, Balbylonstoren is a farm-hotel nestled among 494 acres of farmland and lush gardens.

Originally a farmstead from 1962, the estate was purchased in 2010 by Karen Roos, former publisher of Elle Décoration, who restored it and transformed it into a hotel that combines history and modern design. Its original features have been preserved, reflecting Dutch Cape architecture. The Cape Dutch style was imported by Dutch settlers, with H-shaped buildings, whitewashed walls, and thick thatched roofs. An 8 acre garden with more than 300 varieties of fruits and vegetables was recreated in collaboration with French architect Patrice Taravella.

Babylonstoren provides several types of accommodations. The farm has 9 rooms and 16 cottages located in the park, built from former farm workers’ lodgings. There is also an independent 5 bedroom manor house. Each room has a magnificent view of either the garden or vineyard and is decorated with minimalist white interiors, designer furniture, antique objects, and natural linen and cotton fabrics.

Breakfasts are known to be hearty with hand-made granola, honey, eggs, and fresh fruit from the garden. The hotel has two restaurants; Babel serves fresh and healthy cuisine using the garden’s organic ingredients, and Greenhouse is ideal for enjoying salads under the glass roof.

The hotel offers a spa, swimming pool, canoe trips on the water, and wine tastings.

Babylonstoren is the ideal place for a slow life experience away from the metropolis.