he Old Mushroom Farm Howick is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most inventive, community-rich, and authentically transformed lifestyle and event destinations — a “must-stop destination on the Midlands Meander” at 11 Karkloof Road, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, just 6.5 kilometres and 10 minutes from Howick in the picturesque Karkloof valley. What was once a working mushroom farm — with original growing tunnels, a farm shed, grow-rooms, and staff housing — has been artfully converted into a dynamic precinct offering an event venue for up to 112 guests, self-catering accommodation sleeping up to 71 people, a food garden, artisan shops, Home Slice Café, gym, kids’ play area, walking trails, and access to the best mountain biking single tracks in Southern Africa.

With a 100% Facebook recommendation rate and a couples rating of 9.0 — The Old Mushroom Farm Howick offers “a down-to-earth, countryside atmosphere” with “a wealth of architectural interest” born from its unique industrial heritage.

“A digital detox is our kind of luxury.”

The History — From Mushrooms to a Creative Community

The Old Mushroom Farm Howick’s identity is rooted in its extraordinary conversion story:

• The original farm buildings — farm shed, mushroom growing tunnels, grow-rooms, and staff housing — have each been individually and artfully reimagined
• The farm shed became The Loft — self-catering accommodation
• A mushroom growing tunnel became the Tunnel Apartment — a genuinely one-of-a-kind stay
• Grow-rooms became the Boutique Apartments
• Staff housing became the Cottages
• 9 mushroom growing tunnels have been restored into artisanal 75m² rental spaces for local businesses
• The result is “a unique, dynamic platform for like-minded, local businesses to portray their offerings to the public”

& Kin Venue — 213m², Three Spaces, 112 Guests

The Old Mushroom Farm Howick’s flagship event space:

• “What used to be an Old Mushroom Farm shed has been transformed into a modern venue designed for stimulating interaction and special events with that certain something”
• & Kin can host up to 112 people across 213m² in three distinct spaces:

The Lobby: A glass-and-steel face — an intimate segue where guests mingle before the main event

The Auditorium: A spacious hall with a double-volume ceiling — perfect for larger congregations, concerts, and performances

Dining Space: For spectacular dinner parties and corporate functions

• Ideal for: conferences, dinner parties, shows, corporate functions, product launches, live performances
• Accommodation for event guests available on-site — sleeps up to 71 people

Accommodation — 71 Guests Across Converted Farm Buildings

Every unit at The Old Mushroom Farm Howick tells a story of creative repurposing:

• Round House — sleeps 12
• Falls House — sleeps 15
• 5 Cottages — each sleeps 4 (converted from original staff housing)
• The Apartment — sleeps 4
• The Loft — sleeps 4 (converted farm shed)
• Tunnel Apartment — converted mushroom growing tunnel
• Boutique Apartments — converted grow-rooms

All units: self-contained, fully furnished, 100% cotton linen, equipped kitchen, free WiFi. Pet-friendly throughout. Weekly and monthly specials available in the boutique apartments.

“Experience a night in a renovated mushroom growing tunnel or ex-farm shed — there is room for the whole family, including pets.”

On-Site — Shops, Cafés, Garden, Gym & More

The Old Mushroom Farm Howick is a complete community destination:

• Home Slice Café — breakfast and brunch, Thursday to Monday
• The Spot Bistro — Thursday to Monday
• Artisan shops in the converted mushroom tunnels — unique local makers and retailers
• Food garden — “harvest your own vegetables while you stay — it’s on us”
• Gym — on-site fitness facility
• Kids’ play area — family-friendly throughout
• Walking trails on the property
• Live events — concerts (Guy Buttery, Two Old Friends), art workshops, tote bag painting sessions

Mountain Biking & Outdoor Adventures

The Old Mushroom Farm Howick is a world-class outdoor base:

• Nestled among the best mountain biking single tracks in Southern Africa
• Ideal starting point for trail running routes
• Karkloof Canopy Tours — nearby
• Karkloof Falls — accessible from the property
• Karkloof Polo Club and Karkloof horse trails — nearby
• Karkloof Farmers Market — local seasonal market
• Howick Falls — 5 miles

Practical Details

• Address: 11 Karkloof Road, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal
• Phone: +27 60 470 1218
• Email: info@theoldmushroomfarm.co.za
• Website: theoldmushroomfarm.co.za
• Instagram: @theoldmushroomfarm
• Facebook: 100% recommend (21 reviews)
• Couples rating: 9.0
• 6.5km / 10 minutes from Howick
• 22 miles from Pietermaritzburg Airport
• Venue: & Kin — 213m², up to 112 guests (Lobby + Auditorium + dining space)
• Accommodation: Sleeps up to 71 (Round House, Falls House, 5 cottages, Apartment, Loft, Tunnel Apartment, Boutique Apartments)
• Pet-friendly: Yes — all units
• Best for: Midlands Meander accommodation, Howick self-catering, Karkloof valley events, mountain biking KZN Midlands, unique converted venue KwaZulu-Natal, artisan precinct Midlands, Midlands Meander conference venue, pet-friendly farm stay Howick, creative event venue KZN

For venue hire, accommodation bookings, and event enquiries, visit the official Old Mushroom Farm website or call +27 60 470 1218.

Also explore other popular event venues, self-catering accommodation and Midlands Meander destinations in Howick and KwaZulu-Natal or browse KwaZulu-Natal Midlands event venues and farm stays on Event Venues SA.