BabylonSTORIES

She was here when the first seeds of Babylonstoren's garden were planted. We sit down with founding gardener Gundula Deutschländer in the secluded, magical Garden of Shadows to talk about her lifelong love of plants, herbs and all things green. A passionate gardener, generous sharer of knowledge and tireless cross-pollinator of ideas, Gundula has helped shape the garden we know and love today. Pull up a chair for a little wisdom from the woman who has inspired so much of it. 

Special Episode: We talk to Elsabé Brits, curator and researcher at The Story of Emily in Cornwall, in the run-up to the 100th commemoration of Emily Hobhouse’s state funeral in Bloemfontein.

Cellar master Klaas Stoffberg takes us behind the scenes of our working cellar, revealing a few secrets along the way. 

Consider this your lusmaker. Step through the cellar doors for a hands-on tour, some perfectly respectable day drinking and a taste of the Babylonstoren Wine Pairing, served in our underground cellar. Beautiful wines, bold farm flavours and a few cellar secrets revealed.  

A cow was milked. Cream was separated. And not a plug point in sight. 

In this episode of BabylonSTORIES, we step into the world of Medwin Dombas, assistant activity manager at Soetmelksvlei – Babylonstoren’s farmyard experience set in 1897. Here life's necessities are made by hand, animals are part of the family and workforce, and guests are encouraged to participate in the slow cycle of growing, tending and crafting.  

There's so much more to citrus than lemons, oranges and mandarins - or naartjies, as we call them. In this episode of BabylonSTORIES, Comine explores this versatile, nutritious family, from the ancient mother fruits to our beloved blood oranges, and explains why these ruby-red beauties make the ultimate winter snack. 

Warning: Some weird and wonderful fruits were sliced in the making of this episode. 

In this episode of BabylonSTORIES, we head for the mountains to explore some of the spectacular sites reserved exclusively for guests of our Farm Hotel. 
Beyond the beautiful architecture and indulgent comforts of the hotel, the foothills of the Simonsberg reveal crisp mountain pools for swimming and fly fishing, romantic picnics and secluded gatherings in the natural splendour of the farm. 
This one is worth watching as well as listening to. 

In this episode, we speak to Nicola Malan, our energetic and inspired Head of Product Development and Buying, about the trials, triumphs and fine-tuning involved in creating products that capture the essence of Babylonstoren. 

More than a garden and an unforgettable experience, Babylonstoren is known for its beautifully considered products – from farm-fresh produce and botanical bath, body and home fragrances to luxurious linens, homeware, delicious nibbles and serious steaks. The list, happily, goes on. 

It is riveting to listen to, but this is one you may want to watch too, as Nicola shares a selection of milestones from her ongoing search for excellence. With free delivery nationwide, it really is the only way to gift... 

The latest instalment of BabylonSTORIES features executive chef Schalk Vlok in conversation from the kitchen of the 19th-century farmhouse at Soetmelksvlei. It is a fitting setting for a chef whose cooking is rooted in time-honoured classics and shaped by the fresh abundance of the farm’s fields, orchards, gardens and animals.
Schalk is happiest away from the spotlight - surrounded by loved ones, watching the sun go down, with roosterkoek hot from the coals. BabylonSTORIES is available on the Babylonstoren App, Spotify, YouTube and Apple Podcasts.
LISTEN NOW https://www.youtube.com/@Babylonstoren

Babylonstoren’s museologist, Elsa Vogts, joins us in the House of Shadows for the latest instalment of BabylonSTORIES. Elsa is responsible for the visitor experience at each of the farm’s museums - the Story of Wine, Soetmelksvlei and the Byzantium.  

Ever wondered what a museologist does? In this episode, Elsa discusses her passion for sensory storytelling and shares insights into the creative practices that can help visitors learn by tickling the senses. You’ll also gain fascinating insights into the museum experiences at our sister estates, including The Newt in Somerset and The Story of Emily.  

In this third instalment of BabylonSTORIES, we share a conversation with Dr Ernst van Jaarsveld, renowned horticulturalist, succulent guru and eternal gardener. Ernst spent 42 years at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden in Cape Town, where he planted and curated the Botanical Society Conservatory before joining Babylonstoren on his retirement in 2015.

Today we visit him in the Succulent House to discuss the unique beauty of this resilient corner of the farm. Under his guidance and expertise, the Succulent House is home to almost 3500 species that reflect the incredible diversity found in South Africa. He imparts some of his vast knowledge about gardening and plants, along with his gardening philosophy, which have inspired a generation of gardening enthusiasts.