TOMF BLOG

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.

Mandy Crooks shares her process when designing the gardens around The Old Mushroom Farm’s new Boutique Apartments—from resilient succulents and aloes grown from seed, to gardening as design. Rooted in a deep love of visual art and plants, Mandy’s gardens show how beauty can grow naturally when you work with what the land offers.

Once mushroom-growing rooms, the Boutique Apartments at The Old Mushroom Farm in the KZN Midlands are being reimagined into striking red-brick retreats. Architect Nick Crooks draws inspiration from heritage architecture, industrial honesty, and layered landscaping to transform old farm buildings into intriguing, comfortable spaces. This story explores the creative process, the challenges of design within constraints, and the vision shaping a different kind of countryside stay

One year later, our espalier plum fence at The Old Mushroom Farm is growing into its next tier! Carefully trained on a steel framework, these fruit trees are becoming a living privacy screen between our Boutique Apartments. This winter’s pruning shapes tier one—adding structure, beauty, and the promise of future plums. See the slow art of espalier in action and enjoy a day out on the farm while you're at it.

It’s official. We’ve entered our vlogging era. We figured it was time, given our growing stash of video footage, and our burning desire to show off our muddy boots in HD. Yes, The Old Mushroom Farm is now on YouTube. Like and subscribe, baby!

What is Spring Leap Fest? And why is it important? Discover the story behind Spring Leap Fest, The Old Mushroom Farm’s very own wellness festival. Find out more about this celebration of connection, movement, and holistic wellbeing- a day filled with yoga, sound journeys, creative workshops, friends, and new ideas— Here's why Spring Leap Fest 2025 is not to be missed!

We know. The word “mushroom” is right there in our name. But you seem to be missing a smaller, but crucial detail: “old.” Long story short, the mushrooms are gone. Not a shiitake in sight. Yet, we still get visitors wandering in with Tupperwares and hopeful eyes asking, “Do you sell mushrooms?”. So let’s settle it once and for all. We invite you to bring your curiosity and explore these fascinating repurposed spaces, at The Formerly-Fungal, Still-Fantastic Old Mushroom Farm. 

You don't need to wait for us to reply to your booking enquiry! (Our small team can only do so much!) That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to book direct via our website. In our latest blog post, we walk you through how to check availability and confirm your stay at The Old Mushroom Farm using Nightsbridge, our trusted booking platform. No back-and-forth, no fuss—just quick, secure, direct booking. Your Midlands escape starts here!

BnB's that offer matching beige decor, tarred driveways, and DSTV are a click away. Book one now at k*k-boring-hotel.co.za

A three day slack-packing adventure awaits. Explore waterfalls, forests, grasslands and bushveld from The Old Mushroom Farm with Spekboom

Nick Crooks, owner of The Old Mushroom Farm catches us up with his plans and vision for the artisan hub in the KZN Midlands.

Uncover the story behind the Boutique Apartments at The Old Mushroom Farm, once mushroom growing rooms now converted to modern accommodation

There’s something about hearing from our guests that never gets old. Here are some of the things people say about The Old Mushroom Farm.

Take your pup on a Midlands adventure! 🐾 From pet-friendly cafés to scenic walks, here’s the ultimate dog-friendly day out in KZN Midlands.

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

Explore The Old Mushroom Farm through our visitors’ eyes! Scenic views and 2nd hand gems, see the best of KZN Midlands in every snap.

The summer holidays are here, bringing with them festive cheer, and time to explore somewhere special- The Old Mushroom Farm.

Come on a virtual architectural tour of the Tunnels and Central Walkway and see how much The Old Mushroom Farm has changed.