About

Mount Karmel Lavender Farm began its journey in July 2024, when I, Kahrien van Vuuren, together with my husband Bernard, took ownership of a long-neglected piece of land nestled against the Magaliesberg Mountains. To farm has been a childhood dream of mine, and for many years I never thought it would be possible—but with God, nothing is impossible.

We have three grown children, two of whom are married, and we are joyfully expecting our first grandchild. Family is deeply important to us, and Mount Karmel is not only a place of work, but a space where legacy, growth, and shared moments are being cultivated.

I am a trained landscape architect and have, in recent years, run my own biblical art business, Tehillah Products, where we designed and manufactured indoor and outdoor décor items as well as body products. This background has shaped my approach to the farm—combining creativity, design, and a deep appreciation for natural beauty with practical, hands-on stewardship of the land.

What we found was a farm in need of care, restoration, and patience. Overgrown areas required clearing, and years of neglect called for ongoing pruning, soil rehabilitation, and careful attention to every corner of the property.

Among the existing plantings were 110 fruit trees, planted over 30 years ago, many of which had been severely affected by fungal diseases. Rather than resorting to harsh interventions, we committed to restoring the land through biological and organic farming practices—rebuilding soil health, strengthening plant resilience, and managing pests and diseases in a natural, sustainable way.

Now, nearly two years later, we are beginning to see meaningful transformation. Plant health has improved significantly, and while harvests have been modest, they represent a hopeful step toward the abundant seasons we believe lie ahead.

From the very beginning, we have been intentional about using what the farm provides. This has led to the development of our range of handcrafted preserves and jams, made from our own produce and available in the farm shop—each jar reflecting our commitment to quality, stewardship, and sustainability.

Our long-term vision has always included essential oil production, which inspired the planting of lavender. Known for its remarkable versatility, lavender can be used in fresh and dried form for aesthetic, culinary, aromatherapy, cleaning, and wellness purposes. Four different lavender varieties have been planted and propagated, each selected for its unique characteristics and applications. Watching the first lavender fields come into bloom has been both deeply rewarding and inspiring.

As we continue to grow, the lavender fields are expanding, with plans to plant an additional hectare in the coming months.

Alongside our agricultural efforts, we are developing Mount Karmel into a destination—creating a welcoming farm shop, an intimate venue for workshops and small functions, and a peaceful setting for photoshoots and lavender-picking experiences.

At the heart of Mount Karmel is a deeper purpose. We believe that restoration is not only physical, but also spiritual. As we care for the land, we trust the Lord to bring healing and fruitfulness—to the soil, and to every person who visits Mount Karmel.