We live in the rural community of Five Forks which is half an hours drive inland from the South Island township of Oamaru, New Zealand. Our property is over 400 metres above sea level so we have some amazing views of the rural landscape, mountains and the ocean. The Little Red School House accommodation has some historic nostalgia as it operated as a primary school in the 1920s with 9 pupils and one teacher. A flag was raised every Friday morning and church was held in the school once or twice a month on a Sunday morning. The school became the centre of the district. If it is some peace and quiet in a rural setting, a romantic getaway or time out on your own, this is a great spot to come to. You have the whole of the accommodation to yourself when you book it. It has a modern kitchenette and bathroom while still retaining the cuteness factor of the old school days. While staying with us, you can choose to just rest and relax and make the most of the double outdoor baths or take up some of the rural experiences on offer, such as a farm tour (1 and a half hours) which includes a working dog demonstration, sheep shearing, a drive over the farm and a visit to feed the pet animals or enjoy one of the two walking tracks we have on offer. Food options available include a platter or two course meal option. (Additional fees apply for the farm tour and food options)

We love the rural farming lifestyle and having the opportunity to share our slice of paradise with our guests. We have three children, cats, dogs, chickens, sheep, cows, horses and a goat so plenty of animal menagerie to keep us busy on our 1150 hectare farming block. Greg is a fourth generation farmer on the family farm and we are ensuring we are actively using sustainable endeavors in our way of life.

We feel that we live in one of the most amazing neighbourhoods in the country. I guess in most rural communities you gain a great sense of togetherness which is bound by a need to rely on each other and ours is no different. We have the best neighbours who absolutely make our community special. Only 30 minutes drive is the township of Oamaru which is reknown for it Victorian heritage and steam punk revival. It also has the world famous Whitestone cheese factory, the little blue penguin colony, some great walks and beautiful public gardens. Not too far a drive away is the mysterious Moeraki Boulders. Further up the valley we have some great vineyards and skifields. If biking is your thing, then you must experience the Alps to Ocean cycle trail which starts at Mount Cook (our highest mountain in New Zealand), past great lakes and rivers and ends in Oamaru. We are happy to pick you and your bike up during the Duntroon to Oamaru section to come and stay and drop you back off the following day to continue your bike trial.