A Tale of Two Extraordinary Gardens
Tucked away in two of the world’s most picturesque landscapes — one in the heart of Franschhoek, the other in Somerset’s rolling hills — lie two extraordinary gardens shaped by the vision of Karen Roos.
The Visionary Behind Two Worlds
A former magazine editor and design luminary, Karen Roos is renowned for transforming the gardens of Babylonstoren in South Africa and The Newt in the United Kingdom into living works of art. Working alongside French architect Patrice Taravella, Roos’s influence extends beyond refined aesthetics, she has created immersive landscapes that balance function, beauty, and a deep respect for the land.
Babylonstoren: An Ode to Simplicity and Abundance
Founded in 1692 at the foot of Simonsberg Mountain, Babylonstoren embodies harmony between heritage and modern design. Its 15 structured garden sections, filled with espaliered fruit trees, vegetables, water canals, and flowering pergolas, are a masterclass in form and purpose.
“We want guests to feel anchored,” says Karen. “To enjoy the mountains, pick fruit, play pétanque, swim, dine simply, and welcome the sunset with a glass of wine.”
That spirit of simplicity extends to the farm’s celebrated restaurants, where menus evolve daily according to what’s harvested. Guests can explore the gardens, unwind at the Garden Spa, or stay overnight at the Farm Hotel, where contemporary architecture and Cape heritage co-exist in serene balance.
The Newt: A Fusion of Beauty and Purpose
Across the ocean, in Somerset, The Newt reinterprets English agricultural tradition through a modern lens. Spanning 110 acres, it blends ornamental design with edible productivity, unified by Patrice Taravella’s geometric precision.
At its heart lies The Parabola, a walled garden shaped into an apple tree maze with over 70 varieties, holding National Collection status. Surrounding it, the Kitchen Garden sustains the estate’s restaurants with over 350 varieties of fruit, vegetables, and herbs — a living expression of Roos’s philosophy of connection between soil, harvest, and table.
“Our eateries serve fresh, seasonal fare, led by what grows in our gardens,” says Karen. “It’s about crafting food that honours the land.”
The recently unveiled Four Seasons Garden is another marvel. Spring’s cherry blossoms flow into summer roses, autumn’s arboretum, and the stark beauty of winter sculpture. It’s a year-round experience that celebrates change and continuity alike.
Where Nature Meets Heritage
Guests at The Newt can explore immersive experiences — from hands-on gardening workshops and cider tastings to the Story of Gardening museum, which uses VR to transport visitors to iconic gardens like Monet’s Giverny and Babylonstoren.
Meanwhile, aerial walks through ancient woodland offer glimpses of deer, birds, and the estate’s namesake; the great crested newt.
Both properties embody a shared philosophy of simplicity, authenticity, and reverence for the natural world. Whether harvesting herbs in the Cape or tracing the apple maze in Somerset, visitors are invited to slow down and reconnect with nature’s rhythm.
The Art of Living Landscapes
“The gardens are an invitation to pause, to observe, to be present,” reflects Karen. “They remind us that the greatest luxuries are often the simplest things: a ripe fruit, the scent of a rose, or the sound of a bee in flight.”
At Babylonstoren and The Newt, these luxuries are abundant — in every path, every season, and every breath of fragrant air. babylonstoren.com | thenewtinsomerset.com
Originally published in House & Garden South Africa November 2024 issue.