​Where the animals have just as much personality as the people!
One of the best things about staying at the Little Red School House is the chance to meet our furry and feathered family members. Each one has a story, a name, and their own quirks — and they all love visitors (well, most of them do!).
Here’s a little introduction to the crew you might meet during your stay:

Monty is our beautiful, gentle giant — a retired racehorse who once ran for a syndicate but now lives the good life, grazing peacefully on our hills. He’s calm, kind, and loves a quiet pat.
Tussock, on the other hand, has a bit more sass. He never made it as a racehorse and was rescued by a neighbour who later moved away — which is how he ended up with us. He’s playful, a little bossy, and absolutely thrives on attention!

Layla is our senior girl at five years old, and you’ll definitely hear her before you see her. Her baa sounds a bit like she’s dying (we promise she’s fine), but that’s just her voice!
Henry is coming up two and was the cheeky one always escaping as a lamb. These days, he’s matured a bit and usually sticks to the paddock — mostly.
Curly and Emmest, the twins, are nearly one and full of character. Their mum rejected them, so they were bottle-fed by us and are still incredibly friendly. They love a few sheep nuts or even a crust of bread and often hang out with their best buddy...Dolly the goat!

Dolly, our sweet goat who was found as a newborn by our eldest son Bailey while out hunting. She stole our hearts from the moment she arrived and now rules the paddock alongside Curly and Emmest.

​Dandy had a tough start — born very premature on a neighbour’s farm and offered to us as a "see if she’ll make it" kind of case. And she sure did! She grew up alongside Henry the sheep and the two are inseparable. Dandy does have horns and isn't afraid to nudge her way to the front of the food queue — fair warning!

​We’ve got a bit of a mixed flock of hens, each with her own personality:

• Gertie is our wise old girl, still scratching away in her golden years.
  
• Cauliflower refuses to sleep in the henhouse, choosing instead to cross the road and roost in the long grass — she marches to the beat of her own drum.
  
• Berry is our glamour girl, always looking polished.
  
• Goose is a beautiful white hen, a little jumpy, but very sweet.
  

Our dogs are not only working dogs — they’re family too. Each has a special place in the team:

• Frankie is fiercely protective of us and takes her role as guardian very seriously.
  
• Spot is the routine king — every morning, he does the exact same loop like clockwork.
  
• Chaos is the softie with people but means business when it’s time to work. The other dogs know not to get in her way!
  
• Duke is the lovable doofus — a little loud, a little goofy, and an absolute favourite.
  
• Sid is like a shaggy teddy bear with a big grin and surprising speed. He’s always up for a run.
  

Whether you're feeding sheep, being followed by a nosey cat, or just enjoying the sights and sounds of the farm, our animals are a big part of what makes staying here special. They bring life, laughter, and a bit of mischief to every day — and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Come stay, meet the crew, and make a few animal friends of your own 🐾❤️

​Planning a trip to Oamaru and wondering how to make the most of your time? We’ve put together our favourite way to experience the best of the region—blending rest, romance, rural charm, and a touch of adventure. Whether you’re here for the peaceful farm vibes or looking to explore the natural and historic wonders of North Otago, this itinerary has something for everyone.

Head out for a scenic day trip to explore the coast and the charm of Oamaru.

• First Stop: Moeraki Boulders. These ancient, otherworldly stones scattered along the beach are a must-see—and make for great photos.
• Scenic Drive: Cruise north along the coast through the beachside village of Kakanui, soaking in the sea views before arriving in Oamaru.
• Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct: Step back in time as you wander cobblestone streets lined with heritage buildings, boutique shops, and galleries. Pop into Whitestone City if you want to fully immerse yourself in the town’s fascinating history.
• Meet the Penguins: Round off the day with a visit to the Blue Penguin Colony. Daytime tours run from 10am–4pm, or stick around for the magical evening arrival as the penguins waddle ashore just after sunset.

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Whether your ideal getaway involves soaking under the stars, petting friendly farm animals, exploring historic streets, or powering up a hill on a bike—there’s something here for every couple. The best part? You can pick and choose, mix and match, and go entirely at your own pace.
We’d love to host you at our farm stay in the heart of Five Forks. The kettle’s on, the bath’s steaming, and the stars are waiting. See you soon?
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