Historic School 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, king 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.
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.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Breakfast included
Kitchen
Washing machine
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Mountain view
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Turn off the lights
Turn off the heaters/air conditioner
Wash the dishes
Close the doors to outside
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Fuchsia Creek
Located in Fuchsia Creek, this holiday home is in a rural area. 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. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct - 44 min drive - 36.5 km
Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony - 47 min drive - 37.6 km
Frequently asked questions
Is Historic School in rural Oamaru with farm animals and outdoor baths pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Historic School in rural Oamaru with farm animals and outdoor baths?
As of 9 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Historic School in rural Oamaru with farm animals and outdoor baths on 4 May, 2026 start from S$193, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Historic School in rural Oamaru with farm animals and outdoor baths?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Historic School in rural Oamaru with farm animals and outdoor baths?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Historic School in rural Oamaru with farm animals and outdoor baths?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Historic School in rural Oamaru with farm animals and outdoor baths located?
Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 7.9 mi (12.7 km) from Old School Gallery and within 20 miles (32 km) of Totara Estate and Totara Estate. Oamaru Gardens and St Lukes Anglican Church are also within 20 miles (32 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This place is amazing we loved our stay and didn’t want to leave
Verified traveller
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Phyllis
25 May, 2025
The whole thing was perfect, down to the small touches of bubbles for the bath, snack choices and mini-bar. Decor is beautiful and the location is peaceful and relaxing. Loved the animals who visited-Cauliflower the chook, Chimp the cat and Bro the pup.
It was a beautiful stay there. Nic was a very welcoming host. Breakfast essentials were included and thankfully used. The house was well equipped and clean.
Axel Z.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar, 2025
Thanks for the great review. We would welcome you both back any day😊
We absolutely loved our stay in the Little Red School House. It was incredibly comfortable, gorgeous and had everything we could need.
I particularly appreciated the folder with a history of the property, school house an surrounding area.
Out stay was an absolute pleasure and we hope to return.
I really loved my stay here, just the best place to relax and unwind!
The views are amazing when out for a walk. The weather was cold but it stayed nice and warm inside. I’ll be coming back!!
Michelle C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jul, 2024
Thanks Michelle for the lovely review. We would welcome you back any day❤️
A great place to stay. We were made to feel welcome by Nic. We enjoyed meeting the animals and being rural. It is lovely to stay in the school house and you have everything you need. It is not far to Oamaru and surrounding areas such as bike trails and walks to see elephants rocks and other sites. We would come here again. Thank you for having us.
Real kiwi farm location. Still handy enough to town and tourist trails. Enjoyed the history of the house. Modern facilities added well. Relaxing time thank you. Hosts handy if we needed them.
Great wee place to stay to take some time out. Clean, modern and warm. Shame the view is not in front of where you sit outside but overall a nice wee escape
Nic's hospitality was great. The property is quaint and unique with the building carrying much local history evident in the pictures and items in the schoolhouse. The house is well equipped with everything we needed and the special mattress made the bed warm and comfortable. Views of the area are superb. Well worth the drive through pretty hilly countryside. Overall a lovely experience
This is a beautiful quiet little cottage in a lovely location. It's compact, comfortable, and well equipped with linens, laundry, and kitchen for a worry free stay.
Verified traveller
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rod R.
27 May, 2019
High Country Stay
Very Good
Rod R.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Michelle C.
27 Feb, 2019
Wonderful accommodation very well equipped and delightful hosts
Beautiful decor well equipped cosy and warm
Michelle C.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Derek G.
14 Jan, 2019
Awesome. Great place to stay
We had a awesome time at the school house. Highly recommend. Nic and family are lovely people who made the stay even better. Very quiet and peaceful. Thanks for a great time. Cheers. Thank you Nic. xxx
Derek G.
Stayed 33 nights in Nov 2018
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Robert B.
24 May, 2018
The accommodation is very pleasant and reasonably well equipped.
The accommodation is very pleasant and reasonably well equipped. It was wonderful to find accommodation with a teapot! The cottage is very tastefully finished, with a great bed, good cooking facilities, a comfy couch and a generous bathroom. The rural setting is beautiful and peaceful, and offers the potential of pleasant walks. The complimentary breakfasts were an unexpected surprise. Very good WiFi completes a generous package.
Robert B.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Chris C.
23 May, 2018
We loved our stay here, would totally recommend for a peaceful getaway.
We loved our stay here, would totally recommend for a peaceful getaway.
Chris C.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Phil B.
23 Apr, 2018
A gorgeous place to stay and the peace and quiet very restorative - enjoyed meeting Roger the goat!
A gorgeous place to stay and the peace and quiet very restorative - enjoyed meeting Roger the goat!
Phil B.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Richard K.
15 Jan, 2018
Lovely location and lovely and very tidy house.
Lovely location and lovely and very tidy house.
Richard K.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Janette p.
30 Dec, 2017
We loved staying in such a peaceful location in a unique and tastefully redecorated schoolhouse.
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.