Animals at St Anne's House
St Anne’s House in Plymouth isn’t just a stunning coastal venue with sea views and beautiful gardens — it’s also home to a charming mix of animal residents that add character to the grounds and delight guests of all ages. Among the most photogenic of these are the friendly alpacas Del Boy, Rodney, and Denzil, who often wander around the paddocks or lawn, posing perfectly for photos and welcoming gentle attention from visitors. These fluffy, curious creatures are a big hit at weddings and stays alike, offering guests a memorable encounter with gentle farm animals against the backdrop of Plymouth Sound.
Sharing the grounds with the alpacas is Penny the Shetland pony, a petite and endearing equine whose sweet disposition makes her a favourite with both adults and children. Penny’s friendly nature and photogenic presence often make her a natural part of celebrations and family gatherings at St Anne’s House — she’s known to trot over for a treat or a head scratch from guests who take the time to say hello.
While the resident animals are domesticated visitors’ favourites, the wider natural setting around St Anne’s House also brings wildlife to the estate. The coastline near Jennycliff and Rum Bay is home to oystercatchers, striking black-and-white wading birds with bright orange bills and pink legs. These birds are familiar sights and sounds along UK shores, where they forage along the rock pools and estuaries for shellfish like mussels and cockles, often making their distinctive piping calls overhead or along the water’s edge.
And not to be forgotten in the mix of furry and feathered life is Poppy the cat — a cosy, curious companion who seems perfectly at ease in the relaxed and pastoral setting of St Anne’s House. Whether curled up in a sunny garden spot or weaving between guests’ feet, Poppy adds a warm, homely touch to the house’s already inviting atmosphere. Together, these animals — from alpacas and ponies to wild waders and domestic cats — help make St Anne’s House feel like more than just a venue, but a welcoming place full of life and character.
Percy the pheasant is something of a local character at St Anne’s House, strutting confidently through the gardens with all the flamboyance you’d expect from a proud pheasant. With his richly coloured plumage and regal bearing, Percy often attracts admiring glances from guests as he makes his way between the shrubs and borders. Not far behind him are his four female friends — a close-knit group of hens who peck busily around the grass, explore the flowerbeds, or rustle through fallen leaves for tasty morsels. Though Percy enjoys showing off a bit, it’s clear he’s never far from his companions, and together they bring a little extra burst of wildlife charm to the peaceful, pastoral setting of St Anne’s House.
