The Old Mushroom Farm Architecture: Tour The Boutique Apartments

The Old Mushroom Farm in Howick stands out on the Midlands Meander for many reasons, but its architectural character in converted farm buildings is a major draw. Architect Nick Crooks, known for his distinctive style seen in landmarks like Yard 41, Howick Mirror & Glass, and Bluebird Coffee Roastery, has brought his creative vision to The Old Mushroom Farm. Unlike starting from scratch with other architectural work, Nick faced the challenge of repurposing existing, timeworn farm sheds and mushroom-growing rooms. His approach transforms these neglected structures into thoughtfully designed, welcoming spaces, proving that even the most utilitarian buildings can be reimagined with intention and style.

In this edition of The Old Mushroom Farm Architectural Tour, we’re stepping inside the Boutique Apartments. They weren’t always this sleek and inviting. Once upon a time, these modern, airy holiday units—now defined by high ceilings, bright interiors, and designer finishes—were something entirely different: dark, damp, and filled with the rich, earthy scent of growing mushrooms. Originally, these buildings housed nine large mushroom-growing rooms, a number that wasn’t arbitrary. The mushroom cultivation cycle spans nine weeks, with each room at a different stage, ensuring a continuous weekly harvest. Today, the mycelium is long gone, replaced by King XL mattresses, crisp white linen, stylish furnishings, and a whole new purpose.

These nine mushroom-growing rooms, sitting roofless and in disrepair, have been reconfigured into modern holiday accommodation, the Boutique Apartments. The front row, closest to The Cottages, was renovated in 2024, with the back row currently (2025) undergoing renovations. The redesign maintains the industrial origins of the structures, with cement block walls now overlaid with Nick Crooks’ signature red brick detailing. The original concrete floors were refinished with smooth screed, and new internal walls introduced to define spacious bedrooms and bathrooms. Stepping into the renewed spaces, its hard to remember that they were once used to cultivate mushrooms in a carefully controlled environment. The old farm buildings have been adapted for an entirely different kind of occupancy, balancing their utilitarian past with a considerately more leisurely future.

There’s a certain romance to repurposing old buildings—a sense of continuity, of layering the past with the present. From a sustainability perspective, it’s a smarter way to build, working over existing footprints rather than encroaching on untouched landscapes. But beyond the practical benefits, there’s the aesthetic appeal: history woven into every wall, the patina of time adding depth and character. Of course, reimagining these spaces comes with its own set of challenges. The former mushroom-growing rooms, for instance, were built side by side, leaving little opportunity for windows. Crooks found an elegant solution in a saw-tooth roofline—an industrial-inspired nod to factory skylights—bringing in natural light from above and transforming once-dark interiors into bright, liveable spaces.

Nick Crooks’ vision extends well beyond architecture. His design sensibility flows seamlessly into the interiors, a passion that ultimately led to the creation of his own design studio, Crooks. From encaustic bathroom tiles made on site, to sleek steel-and-glass kitchen cabinetry, everywhere you look there is a detail that bears the studio’s signature craftsmanship. Something Nick seems to say a lot is, 'we can make that better ourselves'.

The result of this DIY mindset is a collection of stunning interior finishes. Crooks also designed the stainless steel braais, bespoke light fittings, and fireplaces you see at the Boutique Apartments —pieces that blend industrial edge with understated style. Complementing these custom elements is a carefully curated mix of vintage auction finds, striking a balance between character and contemporary style. Even Crooks’ own artwork graces the walls, injecting bold, abstract splashes of colour into the thoughtfully composed spaces. For a closer look, the full CROOKS catalogue is available on The Old Mushroom Farm’s website.

The Boutique Apartments at The Old Mushroom Farm offer a rustic farm stay designed for comfort and with a whole lot of character. Each self-contained unit is ready for you to arrive for a countryside escape- 100% cotton linen and towels, a kitchen fully equipped for self catering, and carefully considered details that reflect the farm’s unique architectural story.

Continue your architectural tour and discover the stories behind the other buildings of The Old Mushroom Farm.