CATUÇABA

Catuçaba, Brazil - map
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Nestled in a pristine enclave of Brazil, where nature's splendor remains largely untouched, lies the enchanting Fazenda Catuçaba. This idyllic retreat is cocooned by protected forests, providing a sanctuary of ecological richness and tranquility. Once a sprawling 700-hectare coffee plantation, this haven is now a testament to the intrinsic connection between humanity and the natural world. Set amid the rugged embrace of a mountain range, Fazenda Catuçaba is a cradle of stories woven into the very fabric of the Brazilian soul.

The heart of the estate beats within a historic edifice, the main house, a relic of 1850 that still stands strong. Its weathered walls harbor the descendants of its original builders, guardians of heritage and traditions that echo through time. These ancestral keepers tenderly watch over the house, imbuing it with a sense of continuity and reverence. Within these time-honored walls, a communion with the land and its bounty takes place – where identifying birds by their distinctive calls is a cherished skill, where dawn is welcomed in harmony with the rising sun, where pure water quenches the thirst of both body and soul, and where sustenance comes in the form of foods freshly plucked from the earth.

Hidden like a gem on the fringes of a 4-hectare lake, the lake house emerges as a crowning jewel of the estate. This dreamlike abode, a vision that many yearn to make their own, boasts an antiquity that reaches back to 1840. Transformed with meticulous care, it exudes comfort and warmth, thanks to its venerable Peroba Rosa wood flooring, an interior adorned with Brazilian design furniture, and a luxurious Persian rug that graces its floors. With the gentle caress of trees along its borders, the lake house beckons solitude seekers to immerse themselves not only in the arms of nature but within the recesses of their own souls.

Tracing a silvery path through lush vegetation, a slender stream cradles the waterfall house, where the melody of water cascading upon stone orchestrates a symphony of serenity. A mere stone's throw away from the main house, this haven of privacy and space is an oasis for couples and families yearning for a tranquil respite. As the summer zephyrs rustle through, they invite afternoons of hammock-swung slumber, all while the waters weave their soothing narrative downstream.

The essence of rustic life is cherished within the confines of Bentão and Dona Maria's former abode. Having witnessed 35 years of the farm's daily rhythm, their dwelling was eventually christened the "city" as they moved to the nearby village of Catuçaba, 5 kilometers away. The house retains its countryside charm on the exterior, while its interior has been painstakingly restored to safeguard its elegance through handcrafted elements, honoring its authenticity and legacy. Positioned near the saddler's workshop and the quarters for the farm animals, this residence stands as a haven for extended stays, a tableau of rustic grace.

For those who seek an immersive embrace with nature, an exclusive rental opportunity awaits in the sprawling Casarão estate and its accompanying nature sanctuary. Here, a bespoke experience unveils itself for families and groups, enveloped by 700 hectares of unspoiled wilderness. With its emerald lakes, meandering trails, cascading waterfalls, and an array of architectural gems interspersed with art, the estate stands as a living testament to harmony between human creations and the natural landscape.

The Fazenda Catuçaba experience extends beyond the material to embrace the very essence of the land. Each plot of cultivated soil tells a story, bearing the succulent harvests of Persimmon and a tapestry of vibrant greens. The earth's cool, damp scent becomes a feast for the senses, a nourishment that transcends the physical. The gastronomic journey from dawn to dusk becomes a communion with the land and its people – an organic, vivacious feast that epitomizes the essence of nature itself.

As a gentle breeze carries the essence of the sea, it drapes the mountains and envelops Catuçaba. Bordered by the Serra do Mar State Park, the estate serves as a gateway to exploration through invigorating hikes or horseback rides. Cultural treasures such as Cunha and São Luiz do Paraitinga unfurl the tapestry of rural life, each thread woven with simple yet profound traditions. Whether partaking in mountain sports, taking a refreshing plunge in the lake's embrace, or capturing the sunset from the zenith of a mountain, Fazenda Catuçaba opens its arms to the region's beauty, inviting visitors to seize the days with an embrace of both land and self.