About two hours from Onrus, we arrived at Babylonstoren, one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms dating back to 1692, set at the foot of Simonsberg in the Franschhoek wine valley. The estate has been meticulously restored to reflect how it would have looked back in the day, complete with a beautiful fruit and vegetable garden designed by the French architect famous for his work at the Monastery of Notre Dame. If you’re willing to sell your firstborn, you can stay here, too!
Since we were past the age of needing to sell children, we opted for a walk around the estate and lunch at the garden’s “farm-to-fork” restaurant. I think I can safely say it was the best salad I’ve ever had—and I eat a lot of salad! We spent a very hot afternoon exploring this incredible place, discovering some truly unique highlights along the way. One of the most memorable features was the stunning collection of roses from around the world, housed in a 100-meter-long puff adder-shaped structure. The healing garden was another peaceful spot, offering a moment of tranquility amidst the natural beauty. After soaking in all that Babylonstoren had to offer, we set off for the Franschhoek Pass. Despite the late hour, the drive was filled with breathtaking scenery, and we were even treated to another sighting of baboons along the way. It had truly been another unforgettable day, brimming with beautiful landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and delicious food.
Dream Chasers 