Babylonstoren has a really fresh approach

Fresher than this and they'd still be in the ground.

Babylonstoren was the hot topic while chatting to Le Quartier Francais' Susan Huxter en route to Indaba last year.

Susan mentioned the vast vegetable gardens and individual gourmet kitchens in their suites, which grabbed my attention. Situated in the Drakenstein Valley and within easy reach of the historic winelands towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, the farm is surrounded by the majestic Simonsberg and Franschhoek Mountains.

Picture perfect

Babylonstoren is not the first hotel to include a kitchen in the suite but it may be the first that makes such a feature of it.

The all-glass kitchen walls look out onto the farm's dusty paths and either over the vineyards or eight acres of classically planted fruit and vegetable gardens. Some red onions wait by the outside sink with their stems and roots still attached; there's a brown-paper bag with just-picked plums - everywhere you look there is evidence of life on a working farm but with such aesthetic consideration it appears like a set-up for a still life.

Life's tough in the colonies, y'know.

South African contemporary design gives the 12 suites, once labourer's cottages, their great appeal. Former décor editor and co-owner Karen Roos has picked South African designers to breathe life into the estate which dates back over 320 years and is considered one of the best preserved historic Cape Dutch farmsteads in South Africa.

You'll find all you expect from a five-star luxury property but you'll enjoy the luxury of space - all suites have separate sitting rooms with open farm-style fireplaces that are linked to the kitchens.

A shower of blessings

The comfortable scale of the bathrooms with large, free-standing baths and double barn doors is very appealing. I loved the restfulness of off white "subway" tiles and the vintage looking but new high-pressure showers.

Great setting, great food - and children are welcome too.

Second to the kitchen, the library selection by owner and media mogul Koos Bekker, is what impresses. There is a clear bias towards Afrikaans books but many of the best titles are also available as English translations.

We visited shortly after the estate opened and I'm sure that by the time you visit, the kitchen will have small but essential basics like wooden spoons and spatulas so that if you want to pick something from the gardens you can happily cook it yourself. There is the excellent Babel restaurant on the estate and a chef will cook for you in your suite if you'd prefer that.

Modcons, with a country feel

How's this for space!

Nespresso machines, iPod docks, flat screen-TVs, DVD players and L'Occitane products all add to a comfortable stay. This is the sort of place for a longer stay where you can give yourself time to participate in the rhythms of the farm.

Babylonstoren is open all year round, rates are from R3950 per room per night on a bed and breakfast basis. The historic Manor House has five bedrooms and is available on an exclusive use basis. Children are welcome.

For more information go to www.babylonstoren.com.