Soetmelksvlei is a meticulously recreated 1890s Cape farmstead located on the Babylonstoren estate between Paarl and Franschhoek in the Western Cape. Opened in mid-2024, this immersive experience transports visitors back to 1897, showcasing the self-sufficient lifestyle of Boland farmers during that era.
Bonne Esperance "Pop-up" Coffee Shop

OPENING 12 August 2020
Bonne Esperance Guest House has been a part of the Stellenbosch landscape since 1907 and has played a major role in the lives of the owners and guests over the years. In the famous words of Winston Churchill: "We shape our buildings and afterwards our buildings shape us." If only the walls could talk to share all these stories!
Today the Victorian Villa creates jobs for 15 people with 39 dependents. Bonne Esperance, translated from French, means “GOOD HOPE”. Staying true to the essence of our name, we aim to build HOPE during these trying times. The pop-up coffee shop was opened to keep HOPE alive for our employees and their families. We set out to be a local #ProudlyStellenbosch destination.
Bonne Esperance wants to be the connection point for locals and visitors to our neighbourhood and our story. With this pop-up coffee shop, we aim to add HOPE to many more stories.
“May your choices reflect your hopes and not your fears” Nelson Mandela.
We are part of the Stellenbosch Ready campaign and pledge to adhere to the Stellenbosch Ready Covid-19 Protocols to ensure that our guests and visitors have a safe experience.
Operating hours:
Monday to Saturday 8:00-17:00
Sundays 8:00-14:00
Further Reading
When we think about wine tasting in Stellenbosch, we often imagine rolling vineyards, elegant tasting rooms, and the clink of glasses under ancient oaks. But behind the scenes, some wine farms are doing more than just crafting world-class wines—they’re helping to regenerate the earth. Welcome to the world of regenerative farming and biodynamic wine growing, where sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a way of life. And the best part? You can...
Regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability by actively improving and restoring the environment, culture, and communities that tourism impacts. Instead of just minimizing harm, it aims to leave a destination better than before by supporting local economies, restoring natural ecosystems, and preserving cultural heritage.
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