TOMF BLOG

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. 

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.

Tucked away at The Old Mushroom Farm, photographer Ker Stanley’s studio is unlike any other, a converted water reservoir transformed into a dome-shaped creative space. Built up from the old tank’s red-brick walls, the rounded, skylit interior feels endless and filled with light. Both an architectural curiosity and artist’s dream, the perfect setting for Ker’s cinematic photography and imaginative visual storytelling.

We caught up with Chelsea and Andrew, the creative minds behind Alkaline Design Studio, based in Tunnel 4 at The Old Mushroom Farm, KZN Midlands. What began as a one-woman project in Chelsea’s mum’s laundry has grown into a thriving design studio known for innovative, sustainable, and effortlessly stylish homeware. In this interview Chelsea and Andrew give us a peek into the Alkaline studio and tell us more about what they've been up to, and what they envision for the busines

We’re sharing Nanna’s famous lemon cordial recipe so you can get in on the lemon abundance happening at The Old Mushroom Farm. Our trees are still heavy with fruit, and this easy recipe is the perfect way to preserve their citrusy goodness. Come harvest a few lemons, make a batch, and taste the Midlands’ simple pleasures.

CROOKS is a design studio rooted in craftsmanship and heritage, creating enduring home goods from its workshop at The Old Mushroom Farm. From encaustic tiles and steel cabinetry to fireplaces, braais, and light concrete sinks, each piece is made locally with purpose and precision. CROOKS GOODS are objects with a story—born from function, shaped by artistry, and designed to last. Step inside the showroom and see CROOKS in motion.

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!

Follow the scents of sandalwood and lavendar to Tunnel 3, home of Nude—a small-batch skincare studio making handcrafted soaps naturally. Founded by Karin McGee, Nude blends aromatherapy, and herbal wisdom into every bar, balm, and bottle. With herbs hanging to dry and essential oils in the air, this dreamy little shop is a must-visit for anyone seeking gentle, locally made skincare.

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!

Step into the warm, candle-lit world of Margaret-Anne Handcrafted Candles, where every item is crafted with intention. We spoke to Annie, the Howick-born maker behind the brand, about her love of candle-making, her creative studio space at The Old Mushroom Farm, and what it means to grow something meaningful—step by step—in a place filled with community and craft.

There is something deeply satisfying about knowing the story behind the objects in your life. This is an appreciation of the artisans at The Old Mushroom Farm, the makers behind your most treasured goods and savoured meals.

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.

Home Slice Café at The Old Mushroom Farm is now an award-winning coffee spot, named one of the best in the KZN Midlands! ☕🏆

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.

Striped swallows have built an enormous nest in TOMF reception. Read about these fascinating birds and discover more for the birding list