The Cape Winelands is a treasure trove of beautiful vineyards and orchards both new and old, one of the oldest is Babylonstoren. The vineyard sits in the dramatic Drakenstein Valley and has some of the best preserved gabled Cape Dutch buildings in the area, some of which date back from the 1690s.

The guest suites of the farm hotel draw inspiration from the early Cape Dutch architecture and echo its quietly ornate, whitewashed aesthetic.  Wooden doors and window frames add warmth the the cool toned spaces, along with open hearths of exposed brickwork. Soft furnishings and natural carpets give the impression of modest, farmhouse luxury.

Similar to the bedrooms, bathrooms are pictures of serenity. Whites and creams are combined to create a calming palette, and classic claw foot freestanding baths echo the Cape Dutch feel.

The hotel restaurant, Babel, is housed in a disused kraal (animal pen). The interior is pared back, with polished concrete floors, whitewashed walls and a mix of contemporary and traditional furnishings. A large section of the back wall is covered in glossy white tiles that display the menu, along with a blown up black and white picture of a bull’s head,  hinting at the building’s former function. The interior, although simple, doesn’t need a lot of decoration and the clean, fresh style is carried through down to the centerpieces, that consist of vintage glassware and fresh greens from the garden.

(Images via travel-files)