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Historic Cottage in rural Oamaru with farm animals and outdoor baths
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Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 460 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Oamaru, Oamaru
- Steampunk HQ45 min drive
- Oamaru Harbour45 min drive
- Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony48 min drive
- Oamaru (OAM)58 min drive
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
About this property
Historic Cottage in rural Oamaru with farm animals and outdoor baths
The Little Red School house is a great spot to come for a romantic getaway for couples, a country retreat, a farm experience, an artists paradise, a writers lair or a solo trip for stress relief. The accommodation was once a school in the 1920s so while it has historic notions, it also has been sensitively modernized with full kitchen facilities, smart tv, double outdoor baths, queen size bed, free WIFI, heatpump/air conditioner, a washing machine, iron and comes with a free continental breakfast which you can enjoy outdoors on the deck or amongst the large garden setting. The accommodation is located on our 11500 hectare working family farm which runs sheep and beef cattle. The farm is situated over 400m above sea level so has fantastic views of rural landscapes, mountains and the ocean. An early morning or evening walk is amazing for taking in the sunrise or sunset. Our area is the pinnacle of true farm living. If our guests choose, with prior arrangement, they can have a taste of the farming lifestyle with a farm tour/experience as we love to share what we are passionate about as the farm has been in the family for four generations. There is a fantastic water hole close by which is great for swimming in the summertime and our roads/tracks are known for some great bike riding experiences. We have two walking tracks available for guests to use free of charge. You are welcome to meet our menagerie of pets which include horses, pet sheep, pet cows, goat, hens, dogs, cats and help yourself to fresh eggs for breakfast from the hen house (sorry not guaranteed). Or you can simply relax on the deck and enjoy the peace and quiet of country life and absorb the millions of stars on a clear warm evening. A Sky Watcher Telescope for star gazing can be hired for $25 for the duration of your stay. We also offer two dinner options at an additional cost which is either an antipasto platter with local cheeses, cured meats, fruits and pickles or a two course meal if notified within 48 hours of your arrival day.
The seaside township of Oamaru is a 30 minute drive for us offers the famous historic Victorian precinct, great walkways, an aquatic centre, Clarks Mill (historic flour mill with original machinery), Totara Estate (historic farm), Oamarus Prehistoric World, Steampunk HQ, Blue Penguin Colony, Ten Pin Bowling and our famous Whitestone Cheese Store to name a few.
In the other direction we are only a 30 minute drive from Duntroon which is home to the Vanished World Centre and 45 minutes from Kurow which hosts some great wineries. And if biking is your thing, then the Alps to Ocean cycle trial is a must. It starts at Mount Cook (the highest mountain in New Zealand), goes past the great lakes and rivers and ends in Oamaru. We are happy to collect any guests and their bikes from the Duntroon to Oamaru section of this trial.
Special conditions:
- Smoking allowed outside only.
- We have a queen sized bed in the accommodation and a sofa bed. A portacot is available that we can add in the room.
- The farm is a working sheep and beef farm, so we ask guests to stay within the fenced property of the Little Red School house unless they are with us or have our permission once we have advised of any safety hazards.
Extras: Cleaning (included); Linen (included); Breakfast - continental (included)
Due to our rural location we also have a cash mini bar available with items such as wine, cheese, crackers, chips, peanuts, chocolate, frozen pizzas, lasagnas and gourmet pies.
The seaside township of Oamaru is a 30 minute drive for us offers the famous historic Victorian precinct, great walkways, an aquatic centre, Clarks Mill (historic flour mill with original machinery), Totara Estate (historic farm), Oamarus Prehistoric World, Steampunk HQ, Blue Penguin Colony, Ten Pin Bowling and our famous Whitestone Cheese Store to name a few.
In the other direction we are only a 30 minute drive from Duntroon which is home to the Vanished World Centre and 45 minutes from Kurow which hosts some great wineries. And if biking is your thing, then the Alps to Ocean cycle trial is a must. It starts at Mount Cook (the highest mountain in New Zealand), goes past the great lakes and rivers and ends in Oamaru. We are happy to collect any guests and their bikes from the Duntroon to Oamaru section of this trial.
Special conditions:
- Smoking allowed outside only.
- We have a queen sized bed in the accommodation and a sofa bed. A portacot is available that we can add in the room.
- The farm is a working sheep and beef farm, so we ask guests to stay within the fenced property of the Little Red School house unless they are with us or have our permission once we have advised of any safety hazards.
Extras: Cleaning (included); Linen (included); Breakfast - continental (included)
Due to our rural location we also have a cash mini bar available with items such as wine, cheese, crackers, chips, peanuts, chocolate, frozen pizzas, lasagnas and gourmet pies.
Property manager
Nic
Premier Host
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Washer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Housekeeping
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House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Fuchsia Creek
Fuchsia Creek is home to this holiday home. Totara Estate and Totara Estate are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Oamaru Gardens and Elephant Rocks. Steam Train and Whitestone Cheese Factory are also worth visiting.
Oamaru, Oamaru
What's nearby
- Steampunk HQ - 45 min drive - 31.8 km
- Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct - 45 min drive - 32.0 km
- Oamaru Harbour - 45 min drive - 32.2 km
- Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony - 48 min drive - 33.2 km
- Moeraki Boulders - 61 min drive - 52.9 km
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Staff & service
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
25 March 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Doug B.
25 November 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rural hideaway
Doug B.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Michelle C.
8 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Little Red Schoolhouse
Michelle C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Symone S.
24 October 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful well appointed accommodation
Symone S.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Julie R., Christchurch, New Zealand
9 February 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyable
Julie R.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020
10/10 Excellent
Peter G., Prebbleton
12 October 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing country escape with history
Peter G.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
10/10 Excellent
Paul S.
31 January 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a find
Paul S.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021
8/10 Good
Barbara G.
29 June 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful and relaxing
Barbara G.
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
12 February 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Verified traveller
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
10/10 Excellent
Martin C.
3 January 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thanks for leaving a light on Nic
Martin C.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020
10/10 Excellent
Julia M.
19 October 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
comforable and cosy
Julia M.
10/10 Excellent
Judith S.
16 June 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet and quaint
Judith S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
3 June 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect quiet getaway
Verified traveller
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019
10/10 Excellent
Rod R.
27 May 2019
High Country Stay
Rod R.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
10/10 Excellent
Michelle C.
27 February 2019
Wonderful accommodation very well equipped and delightful hosts
Michelle C.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019
10/10 Excellent
Derek G.
14 January 2019
Awesome. Great place to stay
Derek G.
Stayed 33 nights in Nov 2018
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
8/10 Good
Robert B.
24 May 2018
The accommodation is very pleasant and reasonably well equipped.
Robert B.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Chris C.
23 May 2018
We loved our stay here, would totally recommend for a peaceful getaway.
Chris C.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Phil B.
23 April 2018
A gorgeous place to stay and the peace and quiet very restorative - enjoyed meeting Roger the goat!
Phil B.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Richard K.
15 January 2018
Lovely location and lovely and very tidy house.
Richard K.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Janette p.
30 December 2017
We loved staying in such a peaceful location in a unique and tastefully redecorated schoolhouse.
Janette p.
About the host
Hosted by Nic

Greg and myself are passionate about our little piece of land that we are lucky enough to be guardians of for the time being. Greg is now the fourth generation of his family to be on this farm. Together with our three children ranging in ages 10 to 20, we enjoy the challenges, the rewards and the lifestyle of sheep and beef farming.
Why they chose this property
The Little Red School House was originally a school that operated at Fuchsia Creek (about 18kms away) from 1925-1949. In the 1950s it was shifted to its current location to be used as Shearers Quarters. It was left untouched until 2007 when a bathroom was added and was renovated in 2017 and opened up as accommodation.
What makes this property unique
Immerse yourself in the farming culture by experiencing day to day farm life or a 4 wheel drive trip, watching sheep shearing, dog trialing, a ride in a side by side motorbike, star gazing, visit the pet sheep, Dolly the goat, the cows or collect fresh eggs from the chickens.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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