Babylon's Tower Cottage & Shepherd's Hut

Budget Getaways Review

Big on farm vibe and gob-smacking mountain vistas, this one will have you in it's grip in no time. Whether you're opting for the Cottage's long voorstoep spilling gentle Hemel en Aarde vistas, an elegant understated interior of muted tones, exposed beams and screed floors, or the newly added Shepherd's Hut, a quickly and private little abode, with a far off and remote setting to boot.

Kicking off with the cootage, A weekend here is centered around a spacious living room and cozy open-plan kitchen - cement counter tops, open shelves, a scattering of couches, a wood-burning stove for those chilly winter eves, oil lamps and candles (no electricity), double doors leading onto the stoep…

Flanking the chill zone are two bedrooms: an ensuite double and a twin with shared bathroom. With an extra single bed in the living room, five guests can be comfortably accommodated.  

The stoep is built for late afternoon bottomless G&Ts, followed by a sizzling chop or five on the braai.

If you're hankering after some remote, off-grid time for just the two of you, The Shepherd Hut is going to hit the spot. This querky and unique handcrafted hut sit on traditional cast iron wheels, with draw bar and timber chassis, just as they were made 200 years ago, when herders needed to be mobile and follow good grazing with their flock.

The perfect little nook for two, this hut is not only cute and quaint but is completely solar powered, with equipped kitchenette, bar-fridge and freezer. The double pull-down bed can be folded away to create a cozy little indoor seating / dining area - but we're sure you would prefer the spacious patio outside!

Time now to peel yourself away from this feathered nest and take in the surrounds. There's plenty to do.

Keep the heart rate down with a slow amble through the apple and pear orchards and fynbos, before upping the pace with a summit assault on Babylon’s Tower - the views over the Overberg are said to be unbeatable. The farm dam is filled with trout and swimming potential. Down the track there’s a feast of whale watching and sea kayaking, as well as some tough mountain biking and trail running routes a few clicks away.

If this all sounds way too demanding, do like the Budget team and stick to the nearby wine farms and restaurants.

The guestbook sings a good tune: “We just loved staying here! The scenery is amazing and the atmosphere relaxing,” but one of many glowing comments.

A failsafe option for couples and families within easy striking distance of the city.