TOMF BLOG

A recent stay in the Boutique Apartments at The Old Mushroom Farm got us thinking about analogue living. Embodied sensory experiences with deep connections to place like how arriving home is the smell of wood fire smoke in the cold dry air.

We've summed up the top Midlands trail running & MTB events coming up in 2026 in the Karkloof, and why athletes travel from across the country to stay at The Old Mushroom Farm. The perfect accommodation base for your race whether you're running, cycling or cheering from the sidelines.

Learn how to light a wood-burning stove (without firelighters) with Pip from The Old Mushroom Farm in the KZN Midlands. Discover cosy winter accommodation by the fireside, handcrafted Crooks Goods fireplaces, and the best direct booking accommodation rates.

Curious about garden volunteering in the KZN Midlands? Meet the volunteers helping grow the food garden at The Old Mushroom Farm and hear about their experience.

Reclaiming your attention has become a new kind of luxury. At The Old Mushroom Farm in the KZN Midlands, digital distraction is... structurally discouraged. It's true, there’s little cell reception, no TVs, and wifi that comes and goes. But we like it that way! It means slower mornings, real conversations, and time that feels like your own again. This is a digital detox farm stay for people who’d rather go frolic in a field than doomscroll.

In a world bombarded with speed, slow travel offers a more fulfilling way to explore. Rooted in presence, sustainability, and meaningful engagement, it invites travellers to linger, connect, and experience a place more deeply. In the KZN Midlands, this approach feels natural, textured by meandering drives, local craft, and the quiet rhythm of farm life at The Old Mushroom Farm.

Mother-and-daughter duo Mandy and Pip Crooks share the story behind the eclectic interiors at The Old Mushroom Farm holiday accommodation. From auction finds and vintage treasures to custom-made pieces, they reveal how artistic licence, characterful objects, and a love of the unexpected shape the Boutique Apartments and much-loved cottages—spaces designed to feel homely, layered, and full of personality.

A farm stay and volunteering opportunity at The Old Mushroom Farm. Live on an active smallholding while exploring one of South Africa’s most scenic regions. We’re offering enthusiastic volunteers a chance to experience the KZN Midlands beyond the usual tourist route. Our Food Garden Volunteer Programme combines a farm stay, flexible garden work, and plenty of free time to explore. Ideal for travellers looking for an immersive travel experience.

Find your ideal countryside escape at The Old Mushroom Farm. Choose from cozy cottages to modern lofts, self-catering and BnBs.