An Artist’s Sustainable Retreat Nestled in the Brazilian Jungle

In the heart of the Brazilian jungle, artist João Machado, son of renowned painter Juarez Machado, has created an extraordinary hideaway. Villa Mandaçaia, which started as a vegetable garden for his plant collection, has been transformed into a sustainable, artistically inclined retreat.

Perched over 1,000m high in the mountainous region of Visconde de Mauá, between Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and São Paulo, João’s dream took root. He began by sowing seedlings and positioning his sculptures, designing a lush path through a garden now home to over 400 plant species collected worldwide.

But the artistic haven didn’t stop with the garden. João, along with his wife, contemporary dancer Arasy Benitez, envisioned a tranquil mountain retreat that would serve as a canvas for their creativity. Thus, they embarked on building a house designed to blend into the picturesque landscape, taking on the rustic appeal of a shed covered in a verdant sheath of plants.

The structure exudes a contemporary charm, thanks to “clean” materials such as local stones, exposed bricks, and wood salvaged from a century-old farm nearby. “I like lived-in textures, full of history,” says João, remarking on the recycled wood that bears the marks of time.

The interiors of Villa Mandaçaia mirror the eclectic spirit of its owners. Rooms brimming with art from paintings to ceramics and sculptures emit a gallery-like aura. The living room, an intimate space clad in reclaimed wood, houses an intriguing collection of antique masks and João’s handmade ceramic candlesticks. Even the bathroom, lined with the same reclaimed wood, exudes a warm, cabin-like feel.

Villa Mandaçaia is more than a sustainable house; it’s a living testament to the fusion of art and nature. This hidden gem, tucked away in the Brazilian jungle, shows us how creativity, sustainability, and respect for the environment can come together to create something truly magical.

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