Babylonstoren – one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in South Africa with Inspiring Gardens- Travel

October 10, 2016

The gardens of Babylonstoren, South Africa

Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in South Africa with the most beautiful gardens inspired by the 17th and 18th century Cape Town Company Gardens as well as the gardens of Babylon. The farm is just outside Franschhoek, one of the most beautiful towns in South Africa. Babylonstoren is unique, it is organic. It is friendly.

We have visited Babylonstoren numerous times and I must say every time the farm has something new or interesting, so I am always wondering what would be next. It is inspiring and exciting. On our last trip we went for a stroll through the garden and ended up doing a wine tasting and having a very late lunch at the Greenhouse restaurant. The day was perfect and so much fun, so why not make the most of it?

The garden that forms the heart of the farm has been layed out by French architect Patrice Taravella. The inspiration came from the Company Gardens of Cape Town which supplied fresh fruit and vegetables to sailing ships as Cape Town was the halfway stop between Europe and India. The gardens of Babylon (hence the name) was also a great inspiration, it is believed that Nebuchadnezzar created it in the sixth century BC for his wife.

Walking through the gardens can keep you busy for quite a while, it is amazing to think that every one of the 300 varieties of plants in the garden are edible or has medicinal properties. Everything is grown as organically possible. I found this information on their website as it is mind boggling to imagine.

It is the perfect trip to get out of the house into nature, feel the sun on your skin (without having to climb a mountain, anyone can visit). Babylonstoren offers so much more than just a pretty garden.

You can go wine tasting at their new tasting rooms. It is modern with wonderful open views onto the garden. There is a couch section with a fireplace for the colder months. You can taste their own brand wines and they offer a few platters at the tasting room as well. The Chardonnay was by far my favourite.

Babylonstoren offers two restaurants, the more casual restaurant the Greenhouse and then Babel. If the food at Babel is anything like what we got served at a wedding held at Babylonstoren, it is amazing.

As just mentioned they offer a function / wedding venue. We attended a wedding, everything was fresh and delicious. The decor was plain and simplistic with flowers (veggies) straight out of their garden.

Babylonstoren also offers accommodation and a spa.

There is a farm shop as well where you can buy farm made/grown produce. We bought vegetable plants for our garden. You can buy delicious lemonade in beautiful bottles or nice straw hats (probably perfect for the hot summer days walking through the garden).

Thinking of Babylonstoren I see rows of lavender growing next to the water ponds. Lemon trees and the smell of fresh lemons. Prickly pears, chickens and ducks. Walking in the shade by the river with thousands of Clivias. Big vegetable gardens with salad and Fennel standing strong. Everything seems larger and fresher than you find in the shops. It is a real inspiration for your own garden.

Do yourself a favour and visit the farm, the holidays are coming up soon. You pay R10 entrance at the farm gate and have safe parking on the farm. You also get a map of the garden.

You can visit their website for more information. http://www.babylonstoren.com

Enjoy the photos.

M@Home