Profile
The 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.
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 into unique spaces:
- 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 is & Kin, which can host up to 112 people across 213m² in three distinct spaces. 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.
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
The venue is ideal for conferences, dinner parties, shows, corporate functions, product launches, and live performances. Accommodation for event guests is 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. The property can sleep up to 71 guests across multiple unique accommodation options:
- 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 are self-contained and fully furnished with 100% cotton linen, equipped kitchen, and free WiFi. The property is pet-friendly throughout. Weekly and monthly specials are available in the boutique apartments.
On-Site — Shops, Cafés, Garden, Gym & More
The Old Mushroom Farm Howick is a complete community destination with amenities and attractions for the whole family:
- 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
- Gym — on-site fitness facility
- Kids’ play area — family-friendly throughout
- Walking trails on the property
- Live events — concerts, 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. The property is an ideal starting point for trail running routes and provides access to numerous outdoor activities:
- 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
Location & Contact Information
The Old Mushroom Farm is located at 11 Karkloof Road, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, 6.5 kilometres and 10 minutes from Howick and 22 miles from Pietermaritzburg Airport.
Phone: +27 60 470 1218
Email: in**@*******************co.za
Website: theoldmushroomfarm.co.za
Instagram: @theoldmushroomfarm
For venue hire, accommodation bookings, and event enquiries, visit the official Old Mushroom Farm website or call +27 60 470 1218.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the maximum capacity of the & Kin event venue?
A: The & Kin venue can host up to 112 people across 213m². The space comprises three distinct areas: the Lobby, the Auditorium with a double-volume ceiling, and the Dining Space, making it ideal for conferences, dinner parties, shows, corporate functions, product launches, and live performances.
Q: How many guests can stay overnight at The Old Mushroom Farm Howick?
A: The property sleeps up to 71 people across multiple accommodation options. These include Round House (12 guests), Falls House (15 guests), 5 Cottages (4 guests each), The Apartment (4 guests), The Loft (4 guests), the Tunnel Apartment, and Boutique Apartments.
Q: Is The Old Mushroom Farm pet-friendly?
A: Yes, The Old Mushroom Farm is pet-friendly throughout all units. All accommodation is self-contained and fully furnished with 100% cotton linen, equipped kitchens, and free WiFi.
Q: What food and drink options are available on-site?
A: Home Slice Café serves breakfast and brunch Thursday to Monday. The Spot Bistro is also open Thursday to Monday. Additionally, guests can harvest their own vegetables from the on-site food garden during their stay.
Q: What outdoor activities are available near The Old Mushroom Farm?
A: The property is nestled among the best mountain biking single tracks in Southern Africa. Nearby attractions include Karkloof Canopy Tours, Karkloof Falls (accessible from the property), Karkloof Polo Club, horse trails, Karkloof Farmers Market, and Howick Falls (5 miles away).
Q: How far is The Old Mushroom Farm from Howick town?
A: The property is located just 6.5 kilometres and 10 minutes from Howick in the picturesque Karkloof valley. It’s 22 miles from Pietermaritzburg Airport and is a must-stop destination on the Midlands Meander.
Q: What makes the accommodation at The Old Mushroom Farm unique?
A: Each unit tells a story of creative repurposing from the original mushroom farm buildings. Guests can experience a night in a renovated mushroom growing tunnel, converted farm shed, former grow-rooms, or original staff housing cottages.
Q: What other facilities are available on the property?
A: The property features artisan shops in converted mushroom tunnels, an on-site gym, kids’ play area, walking trails, and a food garden. The farm also hosts live events including concerts, art workshops, and tote bag painting sessions.
Explore other popular venues in the Howick event venues directory and KwaZulu-Natal event venue listings.
