The guest suites echo Cape Dutch farm buildings. The style developed in the Cape Colony of the 17th and 18th century: outer walls are whitewashed and decorated with ornate gables and thatched roofs. Interiors are pleasantly cool in summer (due to thick walls) and are heated by open hearths in winter.
Babylonstoren has an exceptionally well-preserved werf. It consists of a main residence, old cellar, koornhuis (where wheat and hay was stored) and row of service buildings, bell tower, ornate fowl pen and dove cote surrounded by the traditional low whitewashed walls. Some of these have been converted into guest accommodation, while a disused kraal was turned into the Babel restaurant.
A garden of diversity pays tribute to the gardening traditions of the Cape. For centuries this was the halfway station between Europe and Asia, where ships would replenish with sweet water, vegetables and fruit. Homage is paid to this tradition, and the garden at Babylonstoren contains echoes of the famous Companies Garden at the Cape.
