The Animals of Mi-Rin — Heartbeats That Shape Our Land

Life at House of Mi-Rin is measured not just in seasons, but in footsteps, hoofbeats, calls, and quiet breaths. Our animals are more than residents; they are companions, teachers, and soulful keepers of the land. Each one brings its own rhythm, personality, and gentle magic to Mi-Rin Farm.

Iza, our beloved dairy cow, is the calm centre of it all — steady, grounding, and deeply maternal. Her rich golden milk has transformed our kitchen, becoming yoghurt, butter, cheese and dreams of everything still to come. And this year, she gifted us Ping (平), her newborn calf — a dusk arrival on a very auspicious day. Ping came into the world soft, curious, and full of peace, living up to her name from the very first breath. Watching the bond between mother and child is a daily reminder of patience, devotion, and the silent language of love.

Around them, the rest of our animal family creates a lively chorus. Our goats — Chanel, Coco, Gabrielle, and little Bella — greet each morning with unstoppable enthusiasm. They tug at branches, nibble mischievously, and keep us endlessly entertained. The chickens and ducks roam freely, gifting us fresh eggs and natural pest control in one seamless cycle. The alpacas graze quietly, gentle and observant, while our mini horses bring energy and play, trotting across the hill as if they own the land.

But beyond their charm, our animals are essential to the true heart of our farm: the soil.

Their manure becomes one of the most important ingredients in our compost — a powerful, natural fertiliser that feeds and nourishes the earth. Mixed with kitchen scraps, garden waste, and time, it transforms into rich, living compost that restores nutrients, improves soil structure, and keeps our growing beds vibrant and alive. This is the foundation of our organic farming: not chemicals, not shortcuts, but a closed-loop system where every being has a role, and everything returns to the land.

That compost nurtures our vegetables, herbs, fruit trees, and flowers — which in turn nourish us, our kitchen, and our guests. It is a cycle of generosity, humility, and deep respect for nature’s intelligence.

Together, the animals of Mi-Rin form not just a farm family, but an ecosystem — one where every life touches another, and where nourishment begins with the quiet work happening beneath our feet. When guests walk the land, they don’t just see animals; they witness the heartbeat of Mi-Rin, the interconnected circle that makes our food, our soil, and our philosophy truly alive.