The House
Located on the exclusive cliff top location of Alta Mucugê in the village of Arraial d Ajuda with magical views of the Mata Atlantica, Dean’s House was designed by local architect Carlos de Oliveira Rodrigues in close co operation with its owner.
The house has the aesthetic of a giant new York loft (the living room is very spacious and open plan with high ceiling and a giant sliding door that opens the guest suite into the living room). Twelve metres of continuous French doors give on to a big wooden veranda mounted on stilts perched over an enchanting valley view of the rainforest. The extensive glass frontage to the house creates an amazing light in the house (bedrooms have blackout curtains for sleep time)
The floors are white polished concrete, the high ceiling is of beamed constructed using rich Brazilian woods.
The furnishings are stylish, comfortable and eclectic reflecting the global connections, creativity and travels of its owner.
The two bedroom suites each have king-size four poster beds made from Brazilian hardwood’s encased in netting with fine sprung mattresses and quality bed linens and soft pillows (memory foam or feathers). The bathrooms are modern yet funky.
The furniture include chairs made from pieces of natural discarded rainforest trees, Brazilian arts crafts and pieces from the popular artist Toti from his Oficina De Agosto store in São Paulo. You’ll find original 1960s big movie posters (Brigitte Bardot being one) framed alongside original limited edition “Dean Freeman” photographic prints, a contemporary designed Turkish Kilim rug and cushions, Indian silk fabrics, African artefacts, Art deco lamps from Argentina, and hand-made designer Chrome fans from Gerbar in São Paulo.
Stylish, clean contemporary but with rustic charm and global appeal, the attention to detail is pleasing to the eye and calming to the soul.
It’s just five minutes walk from the vibrant or deserted beaches of Arraial d’Ajuda (depending which direction you choose). It’s the same distance to walk to the charming restaurants and bars of the village (Brazilian, Argentinean, Japanese, French and Italian cuisine). A 30 minute drive will take you to the neighbouring village of Trancoso.
Specifications
- Air conditioned and room fans
- Room safes
- Bose iPod speaker
- 17 inch DVD player and extensive DVD movie collection held in a custom made media unit trolley
- Fast wireless internet connection
- Loan of local mobile phone if required — there is good reception for all international tri-band mobile phones and Blackberry’s
- 400 thread count fine imported cotton bed linens
- King size sprung mattresses and soft and memory foam pillows on four poster net encased beds with amazing views
- Four hammocks
- local English/Portuguese speaking liaison and full maid service
- Daily breakfast available on request
- Massage therapist available
- Lush garden and giant panoramic terrace complete the attractions of this charming house (2 bedrooms for 4 guests)
The Architect
Dean’s architect, 37-year-old Carlos de Oliveira Rodrigues, born in Amazonia, trained and worked in two of Brazils’s great cities, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte. He has practised in Arraial d’Ajuda since 1999. All his works make sensitive use of the best natural materials worked by local craftsmen alongside the modern building techniques that the demanding environment requires.
Dean Freeman
A professional photographer for 27 of his 42 years, Dean has travelled the world taking images of celebrities — David and Victoria Beckham, the Spice Girls, Geri Haliwell, Harold Pinter, Guy Ritchie, Dennis Hopper, Aline Moraes and many more — as well as sensitively tackling the interesting if less famous.
You can see some of these pictures in Dean’s book Funkytown — there’s bound to be a copy or two, along with his publications, in his Brazilian House! Amongst the photographs of Brazil you’ll find some from Arraial d’Ajuda — take a look.
