Babylons Toren

Babylons Toren

Selected by The Greenwood Guide to South Africa, 2nd edition

Text written by Simon Greenwood

Babylons Toren (the Tower of Babylon) is named after the koppie or rocky hill by the house, thought to resemble a ziggurat by earlier (much earlier � the house was built in about 1700) romantics with a bit of imagination. The property is all that you would hope for from a working Cape Dutch farm. There are the old gabled house, the surrounding outbuildings and vineyards, the backdrop of mountains, the sporadic sound of tractors, many dogs� and Margie has opened up one of the courtyard outbuildings - these were once dairy, butchery, bakery - and created a rustic, but very stylish cottage for guests.

The ceiling is of pole beams and cut reeds (the width of the house was apparently dependent on the length of the wagon that carried these beams), walls are thick and whitewashed, and the main bedroom itself is of grand dimensions with high ceilings and a decorative mosquito net over twin beds. You can self-cater or indulge in Margie�s healthy breakfasts, which are served under a tree with the Simonsberg Mountain not inconsequential in the corner of your eye as you pour yourself another cup of tea. The large pool in the garden is as much yours as your hosts�. In fact a major reason why Margie has guests at all is to share what Babylons Toren has to offer with new people.

Contact Details

Telephone: +27-(0)21 8633494
Facsimile: +27-(0)21 8631804

Email address:
babylon@mweb.co.za