Probably one of the most authentic ways in which to step back in time, Babylonstoren's Soetmelksvlei is a South African bucket list item like no other. This working farm - ultimately a living museum - showcases what farm life was like in the 19th century, allowing one to explore and learn more about various skills that have mostly been forgotten. From enjoying freshly baked roosterkoek and farm bread with flour milled at their on-site, water powered mill, to exploring the beautifully curated farmhouse with its tangible stories and transporting scents, it’s an incredible, live display of South African heritage one needs to visit at least once.
I sat down with Babylonstoren’s very own Museologist, Elsa Vogts, to learn more about the experience before I headed out there myself, and also got to learn a little bit more about her involvement in other exciting projects at Babylonstoren...
0:00 – Introduction
Exploring lifestyle, travel, fashion, food & wine — and today, a truly immersive South African heritage experience.
0:23 – A Step Back in Time
An introduction to Soetmelksvlei — Babylonstoren’s living farm museum that captures 19th-century life in the Cape Winelands.
1:20 – Meet the Museologist: Elsa Vogts
Renate sits down with Babylonstoren’s museologist, Elsa Vogts, to discuss her fascinating role and the art of storytelling through museums.
2:03 – What is Museology?
Elsa explains the meaning behind museology and shares how her work bridges art, history, and experience.
2:31 – The Story of Wine Museum
Inside Babylonstoren’s first museum — where visitors learn the story, culture, and science behind South African wine.
3:33 – Soetmelksvlei: The Living Farm Experience
Elsa shares the inspiration behind Soetmelksvlei — a journey into slow living, forgotten crafts, and traditional farm life.
5:02 – How to Visit Soetmelksvlei
How to get there, what to expect, and why it’s a full-day experience for families, kids, and curious travellers.
6:01 – Crafts, Skills & Living Heritage
From blacksmithing and wagon wheel making to water mills and farm baking — preserving artisanal skills that shaped the past.
7:19 – The Power of the Senses in Slow Tourism
Elsa and Renate discuss sensory travel, nostalgia, and the beauty of disconnecting from the digital world.
8:52 – Stories, Nostalgia & Connection
How Soetmelksvlei connects people through shared memories, storytelling, and cultural roots.
9:48 – Workshops & Handcrafted Learning
Learn how guests can participate in hands-on workshops — from quilting to leatherwork — and rediscover the joy of making.
10:59 – The Value of Working with Your Hands
Why craftsmanship builds confidence, memory, and mindfulness — and why it matters today.
11:16 – Learning from History to Shape the Future
How understanding the past informs sustainable, mindful living for the future.
12:38 – Elsa’s Background in Art & Design
A creative journey: how an artist became a museologist — and the importance of storytelling in curating spaces.
13:35 – Designing for Every Generation
Creating museum experiences that inspire both adults and children at Babylonstoren.
14:02 – Storytelling for Kids at Soetmelksvlei
Hands-on learning for children — from milk separation demos to interactive farm play zones.
15:02 – Family-Friendly Farm Fun
Outdoor play, sensory exploration, and educational experiences that make Soetmelksvlei perfect for family day trips.
16:18 – A Day Trip Worth Taking
Why Soetmelksvlei is a celebration of self-sufficiency, artistry, and South African heritage — a must-visit for every family.
17:23 – Closing Thoughts & What’s Next
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