23°14'17.0"S, 45°09'46.7"W Catuçaba Hideaway, Brazil

The slender architectural volume is defined by a floating platform, tied to the earth by supporting pillars and pinned in place by a giant boulder. Creating a continuous dialogue between inside and out, immense sliding doors and expansive decks provide space to watch, think and slow down. Shadows thrown by eucalyptus screens lie long and low and control the temperature when the sun strikes the façade.

Rustic-luxe interiors with Brazilian arts and crafts are put together with a designer’s eye for detail: woven rugs, patterned textiles, folk carving and low-slung leather chairs a textural accent against natural clay-brick flooring and gleaming hardwood furniture.

In contrast to the vast open living space and countryside panoramas beyond, the cosy scale of the bedrooms is nest-like. White linens and walls backdrop window shutters painted in the deep Yves Klein blue; ceramic wood-burning stoves by Dutch designer Dick van Hoff; and in the master bedroom, a lustrous copper bathtub by William Holland Ltd invites lengthy soaking after days spent climbing high, swimming deep and riding far.

How far to the nearest…

• Resident/Neighbour 2km
• Shop 2km
• Café/Bar 2km
• Restaurant 20km
• Town 20km
• Beach 62km
• Domestic airport 170km / 2.5-hour drive

Location Overlooking a lush valley in a region of Catuçaba, an edge-of-the-world remote setting, but at the heart of a network of eco-tourism trails attracting cosmopolitan São Paulo weekenders.

Altitude 1,150m.

Build Constructed to LEED standards with completely sustainable building materials, including responsibly sourced Amazon hardwoods and thermal/acoustic insulation made of locally recycled PET plastic fibres.

Energy Rooftop solar panels, photovoltaics and a small wind turbine provide all the power needed. Natural ventilation maximises cool winds as the rise from the valley. The spring-fed water supply is supplemented by collected rainwater.

Digital detox No TVs. No high-tech gadgets. WiFi only on request.

Creature comforts Fully equipped kitchen with Magimix blender and Bialetti coffee-maker. Terrace with wood-burning stove. BBQ area. Mobile phone reception from living area and terraces. Concierge services on request.

Southern Brazil’s climate is as varied as its topography. Catuçaba’s winters are mild and dry – April–October are perfect for energetic walks and long days in the saddle. Glorious spring and tropical summer days from September to March bring blue skies, heat and humidity tempered by refreshing rain showers. Come February, the streets of French-colonial São Luiz do Paraitinga, 20km away, throng with carnival-goers and marchinho bands.

Engage

Explore the thriving art community: musicians, weavers and painters are drawn to the area’s natural energy. Follow local trails, past mansions or down to the Japanese pottery ateliers of Cunha: at certain times of year, horseback is the only way to get there without a 4x4. Canter through rainforest or ride by the light of the full moon with Brazilian gauchos: this is cavalhada country. Climb the Mirador de la Pedra and drink in views of the Serra da Mantiqueira peaks; or let a guide lead you to the top of Pico do Corcovado for breathtaking coastal panoramas. Those with a head for heights can try a canopy walk through the tops of parrot-packed Brazilian pines (Araucarias); zip-lining; rock-climbing or abseiling down orchid-lined waterfalls.

Savour

Organic farmland, historic coffee plantations and ancient orchards dot this fertile landscape, turning food miles into food metres. Sip caipirinhas muddled with lemons and cachaça from a neighbouring fazenda in the village bar; stock up on cheeses and delicious dairy produce from grass-fed cattle; and savour melt-in-the-mouth barbecued beef – locals favour grilled picanha (rump cap). Low-key restaurants and pizzerias abound in French-colonial city São Luiz do Paraitinga, 20km away, founded in 1769; stroll among the colourful historic buildings and try home-made feijoada (black bean and pork stew) in the first place that takes your fancy.

Go slow

Ride through the cavalhada country with Brazilian gauchos. Turn back time on rural bike rides and mountain hikes, swim in the lakes and rock pools on the 12,000-acre farm community the property is set on.

Spend the day on one of Ubatuba’s 100 beautiful beaches, watching the surf roll in.

Gather on the covered terrace, sip caipirinhas muddled with lemons and cachaça and share stories of adventures past and present.