* This article first appeared here in YOURLUXURY AFRICA
It’s a bracing winter morning at Babylonstoren, and while the vines are waiting for their spring foliage, there is plenty of life on the farm. Hens are clucking in the distance, the first day’s guests are eagerly arriving, and of course, a hive of staff are busy preparing for the day’s activities, each taking time to smile and offer a hello.
I’ve excitedly driven through the farm gates many times, and every visit heralding something new. Creativity and innovation are at the core of the farm’s DNA. This visit I was off to visit Babylonstoren’s newest development – the no-longer-so-secret Soetmelksvlei.
From reception, an open vehicle meanders through the farm, and fascinating commentary is given about the farm en route with the GPS-triggered headsets. After a scenic drive, where you feel like you’re given an exclusive peek behind the curtains of Babylonstoren, Soekmelsvlei comes into view. This interactive farmyard is set in the late 19th century and pays homage to the traditions and artistry of the period.
Construction of this living history experience began in 2020 and it opened in May. The 142-hectare farm was originally granted to two Huguenots in 1694 – and so the new experience carries more weight, knowing that many of the activities experienced today would have been part and parcel of life a century ago – on the very spot.
Meticulous consideration and research ensured that Soekmelksvlei accurately depicts activities on a 19th-century farm. The result is a multi-sensory experience – more than the usual museum concept of ‘come and see’, rather there’s an invitation to come and see and get involved.
One of the creative minds at the centre of the project is museologist Elsa Vogts. After completing her museum studies in Amsterdam she consulted at KWV and then Ellerman House. Her passion and interest for this impressive project being utterly contagious: “I’m fascinated by the culture of self-reliance that farm life in 1897 required. It was a self-contained eco-system where everything was handmade and repaired on-site”.
With the privilege of Elsa as a guide, happily facing my barrage of questions, we explored the collection of buildings scattered across the sprawling farmyard. All activities are centred on handcraft and traditional methods. You can visit them all, or craft your itinerary based on your interests.
The central Farmhouse gives insight into the home life of a 19th-century farm – including tasty treats from the Cape kitchen (the freshly buttered bread is unmissable). The Workshop then offers visitors the chance to watch traditional woodwork and ironmongery being done by actual carpenters and blacksmiths. In the Old Cellar, a treasure trove of curiosities awaits, from the extensive taxidermy collection, a life-sized wagon, and much more.
Exploring further, we were able to witness and participate in the milking of cows, cream separation, butter churning, and wheat milling. The watermill is fully functional, and in addition to the milling of flour for guest experiences, the flour is used daily for Soetmelkvlei’s bakers.
Since this is an authentic farmyard, Soekmelksvlei is home to a host of friendly creatures, including cows, oxen, Blackhead Persian sheep, miniature donkeys, horses, dogs (the farmyard’s adorable Collie duo), chickens, ducks, turkeys, and bees. These creatures, along with a variety of child-friendly activities (including ox wagon rides), create an exciting day out for the whole family.
When the stomach grows hungry fresh food is served in the Old Stables Restaurant– a natural continuation of the farm-to-fork philosophy that those who’ve visited Babel will be familiar with. And yes, there is a chance to take home something from one of the farm’s artisans. The Jonkershuis Farm Shop has hand-crafted goods from the master crafters on the farm and local communities. From the shop you can buy a bag of freshly milled flour to take home – a fitting and unique souvenir.
Simply put, there is no other experience like it in the country. If after visiting the “sweet milk meadow’ (the direct translation of Soekmelksvlei) and want to indulge a little more in Babylonstoren’s land of milk and honey, the farm has several accommodation options.
My favourites are the newer Fynbos Cottages, tucked away from the main gardens, also seemingly in a little world of their own. Your cottage comes with a golf cart, which you can use to drive around and explore the farm. There is also a separate heated pool and a bar where you can sip on the estate’s wine and marvel at the endless creative energy and natural beauty that is Babylonstoren.
Visitors Info
The farm is open daily in summer (September-March), from 09h00 to 17h30. Open Thursday to Sunday in winter (April-August), from 09h00 to 16h00. Shuttles depart from Babylonstoren at 30-minute intervals. Visits cost R300 per adult (incl. annual Babylonstoren membership valued at R100) or R200 for adults with valid membership. R100 per child aged 4 – 17. babylonstoren.com/soetmelksvlei
