Babylonstoren Farm Hotel | Franschhoek
Set in the breathtakingly beautiful Cape Winelands, on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain, lies Babylonstoren. In truth, it is neither a farm nor a hotel. It’s an experience in multiple dimensions, offering an authentic stay that’s perfectly attuned to nature.
The Farm Hotel's Farmhouse, Manor House, Garden Cottages, Fynbos Cottages and family-focused Fynbos Family House are all rooted in modern farm luxury with every indulgence considered – the perfect base from which to explore the garden, spa, farm-to-fork restaurants, Tasting Room, Farm Shops and natural surrounds.
Hotel guests can join daily guided farm walks up the Babylonstoren koppie and through the orchards. They can cycle through the vineyards, enjoy bass fishing or canoeing, bake alongside the bakers, and join on a water buffalo tour or a guided drive up the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain to In the Clouds. At this special lookout with its glorious views of the valley and beautiful Table Mountain in the distance, guests can savour the sunset with a glass of wine in hand.
- Images
- Rooms
- Units
- Facilities
The pristine Cape Dutch style of our two-bedroom cottages emulate a farm stay experience with thick walls, elegant gables and a hearty fireplace. A contemporary glass cube has been seamlessly added to the 18th-century structure to house a dining and kitchen area. The interiors continue this contemporary pairing with modern four-poster beds and furniture from international design brands such as Kartell, Magis, Philippe Starck and the Bouroullec Bros. Each bedroom also has a luxurious en-suite bathroom. Bookshelves filled with carefully selected books, underfloor heating and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the things that await you. Our cottages are either garden or vineyard facing. A well-stocked personalised bar fridge, as well as breakfast, are included in the room rate. All our two-bedroom cottages are serviced daily and come with a king-size bed, and a king or two single beds in the second bedroom.
4 Cottages available
Each of the slightly larger open-plan cottages has a luxurious en-suite bathroom and lounge area with thick walls, elegant gables and a hearty fireplace. Into this pristine Cape Dutch style, a contemporary glass cube has been seamlessly added to house a kitchen area. The interiors continue this pairing with modern four-poster beds and furniture from international design brands such as Kartell, Magis, Philippe Starck and the Bouroullec Bros. Bookshelves filled with carefully selected books, underfloor heating and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the things that await you. Suites are either garden or vineyard facing, with access to the garden and the farm. A well-stocked personalised bar fridge, as well as breakfast, are included in the room rate. All our one-bedroom cottages come with a king-size bed and are serviced daily.
3 Cottages available
Each open-plan suite has a luxurious en-suite bathroom and lounge area with thick walls, elegant gables and a hearty fireplace. The interiors take on an altogether contemporary feel when paired with the modern lines of furniture by international design brands such as Kartell, Magis, Philippe Starck and the Bouroullec Bros. Bookshelves are filled with a wonderful selection of books while underfloor heating and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the things that await you. A well-stocked personalised bar fridge, as well as breakfast, are included in the room rate. All our one-bedroom suites come with a king-size bed or twin beds and are serviced daily.
6 Suites available
Comfort is key in the one-bedroom Farmhouse suites where a moody interior theme comprising swarthy four-poster king-size beds, dusted moss walls, luxurious en-suite marble bathrooms and generous walk-in cupboards are paired with contemporary furniture and accessories such as extra-length MDF Italia sofas. In addition to the underfloor heating, each room is fitted with a cast-iron stove. Bookshelves filled with a wonderful selection of books and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the things that await you. A well-stocked personalised bar fridge, as well as breakfast, are included in the room rate. All our suites are serviced daily.
9 Suites available
At Fynbos Cottages guests can fully immerge themselves in the beauty of the natural plant habitat of the Western Cape’s mountains. The cottages are newly built in the Cape Dutch style and adjoin vineyards and orchards – ideal for our more adventurous guest
Our Cape Dutch Manor House dates back to 1777. This exclusive house has five bedrooms accommodating ten guests. All rooms have a king-size bed, with two of the rooms having the option of twin beds. Rooms are serviced daily and breakfast is included in the room rate, as well as a well-stocked personalised bar fridge. The interior has been beautifully restored to its former glory, but with a definite contemporary touch. Bookshelves are filled with a wonderful selection of books and the traditional farm kitchen boasts a roaring old wood-burning stove. Guests have access to the garden at all times, with games set up on the private lawn. Curl up in front of the hearty fireplace and admire the architecture, or enjoy refreshments in the garden whilst savouring the exquisite views.
5 Rooms, 10 guest. Exclusive use
Fully equipped kitchen, spacious lounge, private pool and courtyard
Up to ten guests are accommodated in five individual bedrooms, each comprising a fireplace and spacious en-suite with marbled tile floors and luxurious freestanding baths to soak away your worries. Leading off the spacious lounge is a contemporary glass cube, seamlessly encompassing a fully equipped kitchen. The heart of the house is the private central courtyard, offering a gathering space for friends and family to share. A crystal pool in the center of the courtyard is fed by a shallow channel, emulating the streams on the rest of the property and providing the tranquil sound of gently trickling water.
5 Rooms, 10 guest. Exclusive use
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Conference Centre, Gym, Gym (nearby), Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heated Towel Rails, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Underfloor Heating
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Babysitting Service, Credit Card Facilities
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boules, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Cycling, Fine Dining, Fishing, Garden Tours, Kayaking, Massages, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided)
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Art Galleries, Bird Watching, Boules, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Child Friendly Activities, Cooking Courses, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Fine Dining, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Garden Tours, General Sightseeing, Golf, Health and Fitness Centre, Hiking, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Hot Air Ballooning, Kayaking / Paddling, Massages, Mountain Biking, Museums, Natural History Tours, Quad Biking, Shark Cage Diving, Sky Diving, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wine Tasting
Your Stay
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
Hotel
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 33
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Cycling, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Shopping, Sports, Wine
Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse | Cape Winelands
Cape Heritage Farm Hotel & Nature Escape. Welcome to Bartholomeus Klip, a one-of-a-kind Cape farmstay hotel set on a working farm and private nature reserve in the Riebeek Valley near Cape Town. From the pristine beauty of the Elandsberg Nature Reserve to the luxurious comfort of our farmhouses, the memorable charm of our wedding and conference venues, and the refined flavours of our restaurant, every moment is crafted to delight and inspire.
The Farmhouse offers full-board accommodation to a maximum of 10 (adult) guests, while self-catering Heron House and Wild Olive House sleep 12 and 6 guests of all ages. Join us for guided nature drives, which include visiting our tortoise and Quagga projects, relaxation by the pool or in the lush gardens, explorations on foot or on a bicycle in the farmlands or nature reserve, water activities on the dam, Sunday lunch, or our special Smoke & Fire pop-up events.
- Images
- Rooms
- Units
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
- Restaurants
Luxury Rooms include a double bed which can be converted into two single beds, airconditioning, fan, hairdryer, slippers, gowns, towels and toiletries. Finishes everywhere are luxurious and stylish, with crisp cotton bedding and elegant fabrics. The Conservatory Restaurant, where brunch, high tea and dinner are served, is just down the hall.
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, iPod/iPhone/USB Dock, Pure Cotton Linen, Tea / Coffee, Wardrobe, Wheelchair Friendly
King size bed, walk in shower. Luxury Rooms include a double bed which can be converted into two single beds, airconditioning, fan, hairdryer, slippers, gowns, towels and toiletries. Finishes everywhere are luxurious and stylish, with crisp cotton bedding and elegant fabrics. The Conservatory Restaurant, where brunch, high tea and dinner are served, is just down the hall.
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Heater, iPod/iPhone/USB Dock, Pure Cotton Linen, Tea / Coffee, Wardrobe
The Orchid Suite includes a King size bed, separate shower and bath, private lounge and veranda, airconditioning, under floor heating and fan, hairdryer, slippers, gowns, towels and toiletries. Finishes everywhere are luxurious and stylish, with crisp cotton bedding and elegant fabrics. The Conservatory Restaurant, where brunch, high tea and dinner are served, is a short stroll across the back garden.
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Hairdryer, Heater, iPod/iPhone/USB Dock, Lounge Area, Lounge, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Underfloor Heating, Wheelchair Friendly
Heron House comfortably sleeps 12 guests in 5 en suite rooms with king-size beds and 1 loft with a lounge/play area and a double sleeper couch.
This quaint, self-catering Cape farm house is great for families and groups of friends of up to 12 people. The house offers views and direct access of the private Elandsberg Nature Reserve. The beautifully decorated farm chalet consists of two farm houses that have been joined and lovingly refurbished, with direct access to a big outside patio with its own garden, swimming pool, shady verandah, and outdoor facilities for braaing. Brunch, dinner, and fresh farm produce can be ordered from our online farm pantry to be delivered at the house, or adults are welcome to join us at the Conservatory restaurant.
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Cooking Equipment, Cooking Facilities, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Fridge/Freezer, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Heater, iPod/iPhone/USB Dock, Kitchenette, Lounge Area, Lounge, Microwave, Plunge Pool, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Satellite / Cable TV, Shower, Table, Tea / Coffee, Television, Wardrobe, Wheelchair Friendly
Wild Olive House comfortably sleeps 6 guests, in 2 rooms with double beds, 2 separate bathrooms and 1 bunk bed room in the main house, and 1 double bed and 1 bathroom in a separate garden cottage.
This quaint, self-catering Cape farm house is great for a relaxed farm stay near Cape Town with friends, and the perfect family holiday rental accommodation. The house offers views and direct access of the private Elandsberg Nature Reserve, and has its own garden, swimming pool, shady verandah, outdoor facilities for braaiing, and an extra garden cottage. Brunch, dinner, and fresh farm produce can be ordered from our online farm pantry to be delivered at the house, or adults are welcome to join us at the Conservatory restaurant.
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony , Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Bunk Bed, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Cooking Equipment, Cooking Facilities, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Fridge/Freezer, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Heater, iPod/iPhone/USB Dock, Lounge Area, Lounge, Microwave, Plunge Pool, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower, Table, Tea / Coffee, Television, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Property Facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Activity Desk, Air conditioner, Barbeque Facilities, BEE Compliant, Business Centre, Conference Centre, Disabled Friendly , Eco Friendly, Guided Tours, Halaal, Internet Access, Kosher, Licensed, Malaria Free, Meal On Request, Mobile Connectivity, Outdoor Pool / Pool Deck, Parking, Pool, Power Generator , Restaurant, Room Service, Secure Parking, Vegetarian, Wine Tasting
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Cooking Equipment, Dressing Gowns, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Fridge/Freezer, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), iPod/iPhone/USB Dock, Kitchenette, Lounge Area, Microwave, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Queen Bed, Safe, Shower, Table, Tea / Coffee, Television, Verandah, Water Storage Tank, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
24-hour Security, Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Meal on Request, Room Service
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Catch-and-release Fishing, Cycling, Fine Dining, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Garden Tours, Gourmet Picnic, High Tea, Kayaking, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours, Windsurfing
Activities Nearby
Animal Encounters, Art Galleries, Bird Watching, Catch-and-release Fishing, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Fly Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Garden Tours, General Sightseeing, Golf, Hiking, Horse Riding, Kayaking / Paddling, Mountain Biking, Museums, Rock Climbing, Turtle Tracking, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours, Wine Tasting
When the summer sun is at its highest and hottest, ’tis the season for harvesting almonds. A dedicated team of pickers harvests the nuts by hand, by gently tapping the trees and collecting the fallen nuts (hulls and fruit) onto long shades of cloth.
The Elandsberg sheep flock produces an average of 500 lambs every year. This is the prefect opportunity to join our Sunday family lunch offering at the Deckhouse, with a gentle stroll afterwards to see the cute lambs and proud moms! Please make sure to book so that we can look forward to welcoming you to the farm.
Every year our Merino sheep flock to the big shed near the Farmhouse for what they believe is a relaxing spa treatment, but turns out to be a vigorous haircut and a not-so-relaxing deep tissue massage ??
The 4000 Merino sheep are kept primarily for their wool. Guests at Bartholomeus Klip particularly enjoy the lambing time (usually after the early winter rains, when there is grazing for the ewes), and like to visit the shearers in the big shed near to the farmhouse, where the wool is shorn, graded and packed into bales
Join our resident game and nature experts on a tour of interactive conservation projects. The Geometric Tortoises Rehabilitation Project was set up after a fire swept through the Elandsberg Nature reserve in 2012, and aims to research, protect and ensure survival of this rarest and most endangered reptile in Southern Africa.
The Quagga Project is the amazing story of a once extinct subspecies of the Plains Zebra that was brought back to life and into its former habitat by a group of dedicated scientists and farmers.
This project, started in 1987 by a group of dedicated people in South Africa, has successfully brought back an animal from extinction and reintroduced it into reserves in its former habitat. By selective breeding from a selected founder population of southern Plains Zebras an attempt is being made to retrieve at least the genes responsible for the Quagga’s characteristic striping pattern.
10,000 acres of untouched natural wonder, home to 150 bird species and 70 mammal, amphibia and reptile species. A private sanctuary in the heart of the Cape Floristic Region, with over 840 plant species, including endangered fynbos, renosterveld, and the rare, endemic Elandsmontana. At Elandsberg, conservation isn’t just a mission – it’s a legacy. We’re proud to be the founding breeder of the Quagga, once extinct and now running wild again, and a guardian of the critically endangered Geometric Tortoise.
The Elandsberg Nature Reserve is part of the Cape Floristic Region, which is one of the world’s six floral kingdoms and the smallest of these by far, but extraordinarily rich in species of flowering plants. The particular flora in our reserve is so special that it has been declared a provincial nature reserve, as well as a Natural Heritage Site, to safeguard it.
Some of the flowering plants that grow at Elandsberg, including species that belong to the Amaryllis, Iris, Geranium, Mollugo, and Pea families, can only be found here, and have formally been named elandsmontana
Enjoy a guided nature drive in an open Land Rover through the private 10,000 acre Elandsberg Nature Reserve. The drive sets off through the gate and across the river into the reserve, entering a completely different world from the farmlands and gardens of Bartholomeus Klip. You might head towards the mountains towering up in front of you, or along the road to the grassy plains where herds of black wildebeest, eland, bontebok, quagga, springbok and zebra tend to congregate, all the while surrounded by South Africa’s unique fynbos with its rich and varied plant life full of interest.
Among the birdlife at Bartholomeus Klip is the world’s largest bird, the ostrich, once farmed here in large flocks at the height of the ostrich feather boom in the 1870s and today one of the leopard’s favourite foods. The magnificent black eagle (correctly known as Verreaux’s eagle) nests in the mountains, and the enormous dam near to the farmhouse has a spectacular array of water birds, some resident like the fish eagles and the kingfishers, and others such as the pelicans and the spoonbills less regular visitors. Flamingos have also been seen in some of Bartholomeus Klip’s smaller dams and there are a host of interesting large and small birds out in the reserve and on the wheatlands, including large flocks of the blue crane, South Africa’s national bird.
Down at the dam guests can take to the water in kayaks,canoes, or go windsurfing, fresh water fishing or birdwatching.
Explore the 10 000 acre nature reserve by mountain bike, or take a gentle stroll through the fynbos. There is also the option of hiking in the mountains to enjoy the proteas and birdlife
Enjoy the farm and Reserve by Bike
The Conservatory Restaurant
Bartholomeus Klip is famous for its food, which is generous, imaginative and mostly made from local produce – every carefully crafted dish offering an exquisite culinary experience, a tapestry of tastes and gastronomic artistry. The Conservatory Restaurant serves set-course menus, and is located at our main Farmhouse. Full of crisp morning sunshine at brunch time, and bathing in romantic, soft candlelight at dinner time, the Conservatory offers a relaxed but moderately formal Cape Farm Food experience. High tea, with its delicious array of sweet and savoury choices, is a speciality.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Fast Facts
Other
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 13
Special Interests: Birding, Cycling, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
Jan Harmsgat Country House | Swellendam
Are you traveling through South Africa? Jan Harmsgat Country House is the perfect stop-over on your journey. A 2-Hour drive outside of Cape Town on the R60 highway, off the N2, as you head into the Garden Route.
Discover the historic charm of 5-Star Guest accommodation that comprises of 9-exclusive rooms - Double, Twin & Family Rooms plus a romantic honeymoon suite at jan Harmsgat and 5 Rooms at the Mardouw Country House, all With breakfast included and a fine-dining restaurant on-site for dinner, we grow our own produce for the table. Just across the road, explore our 680 hectare working farm with hand-picked cultivars that make our single-block JHG Wine's - tastings & sales available. And let us know if you would like to book a picnic!
Guests are treated to understated elegance and comfort, combining the power of its original meter thick walls, yellowwood details, and authentic 'Overberg' style while every modern convenience available. The indulgence does not stop with the accommodation but is carried throughout your experience.
Jan Harmsgat is proudly Fair Trade accredited.
We look forward to meeting you!
- Images
- Rooms
- Facilities
Built in the 1700's, the old Slave Quarters is a separate Cape Dutch building with thatch roof. Located near the swimming pool with a central communal lounge down & upstairs. Four private en-uite rooms with king size beds, fine linen, bath/shower & toilet
This suite is aprox 120sq meters, has a private staircase leading to spectacular views of mountains, olives and pecan orchards. Complete with king size bed, air-conditioning, Bath, separate shower, toilet and bidet.
Jan Harmsgat has 2 suites with private entrances. The rooms have king size beds, fine linen, open plan bathrooms, oversize showers, inclosed toilets, air-con & TV's.
Built in the 1700's, the old Slave Quarters is a separate Cape Dutch building with thatch roof. Located near the swimming pool with a central communal lounge down & upstairs. Four private en-uite rooms with king size beds, fine linen, bath/shower & toilet
Built in the 1700's, the old Slave Quarters is a separate Cape Dutch building with thatch roof. Located near the swimming pool with a central communal lounge down & upstairs. Four private en-uite rooms with king size beds, fine linen, bath/shower & toilet
Built in the 1700's, the old Slave Quarters is a separate Cape Dutch building with thatch roof. Located near the swimming pool with a central communal lounge down & upstairs. Four private en-uite rooms with king size beds, fine linen, bath/shower & toilet
Jan Harmsgat has 2 suites with private entrances. The rooms have king size beds, fine linen, open plan bathrooms, oversize showers, inclosed toilets, air-con & TV's.
The rooms have a king size bed, fine linen, open plan bathroom, oversize showers, enclosed toilets, air-con & flat screen tv
This suite is aprox 120sq meters, has a private staircase leading to spectacular views of mountains, olives and pecan orchards. Complete with king size bed, air-conditioning, Bath, separate shower, toilet and bidet.
This suite is aprox 120sq meters, has a private staircase leading to spectacular views of mountains, olives and pecan orchards. Complete with king size bed, air-conditioning, Bath, separate shower, toilet and bidet.
Property Facilities
Activity Desk, Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Battery Charging Facilities, Business Centre, Communal Dining, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Malaria Free, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Fan, Heated Towel Rails, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Underfloor Heating
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Room Service
Activities on Site
Cycling, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Garden Tours, Gourmet Picnic
Activities Nearby
Canoeing, Child Friendly Activities, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Golf, Helicopter Rides, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Hiking, Historical Tours, Natural History Tours, Scenic Flights, Shark Cage Diving, Wine Tasting
Your Stay
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
Guest House
