In 1692, Babylonstoren farm in the Drakenstein Valley was granted to burgher Pieter van der Byl by the then Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel. Wasting no time, van der Byl immediately set about planting the very first vineyards on the farm and altering the water courses to provide the necessary irrigation.

For tens of centuries previously the Drakenstein Valley had been inhabited by the nomadic Khoisan communities. With Simonsberg, Du Toitskloof and the Franschoek Mountains as a majestic backdrop, Balylonstoren is one of the oldest examples of classical Cape Dutch architecture, and indeed many of the farms still existing structures, date way back to 1692. It is undoubtedly a typical example of a Cape Dutch farmyard that was hugely popular back in the 17th and 18th centuries and is a source of total fascination today.

Babylonstoren is today worth more than one visit with its’s stunningly beautiful fruit and vegetable garden, superb food and wine and accommodation which evokes a sense of joyous well being.