Casa Bonita

A Feast for the Senses

This is the home of an artist in love with beautiful objects, and it's so easy to fall for what she has created. A Brazilian designer and ceramicist, she is responsible for everything you see when you open its doors and handcrafted much of it herself. 

Opening doors is a huge part of what you'll do when you rent this characterful home. The folding windows of the main living room open wide so you can look all the way through to the pool terrace and the two suites beyond. This is a space in which to savor the bounty of nature while reveling in the human capacity to create beauty.

This villa for rent in Brazil, with its whitewashed walls and tiled roof, is all easy charm on the outside. But inside it's full of the unexpected, with much to catch your attention. Beds are made up in crisp white linens and decorated with brightly patterned throw pillows and blankets, while the owner's unique table lamps and ceramics provide additional dashes of whimsy and color. 

The floors alternate between dazzling polished white in the bedrooms and cement tiles painted in rows of vivid circles – another of the owner's creations – in the living room and bathrooms. One bathroom also features walls of blue-and-white tiles with playful mermaids and fish, a motif which appears in the tableware as well. Richly tiled sinks are a lovely touch, and showers bathed in light and lined with plants are inspired.

The living room is perhaps the home's most striking feature – a wide open, brightly lit space with high ceilings, painted beams, that dazzling patterned floor, carved wooden furnishings, woven dining chairs, and bright textiles. Within it is a striking freestanding kitchen unit that's lined with delicate wood paneling. Both look out over the sweeping lawns and wraparound terrace on one side and the intimate, internal pool deck on the other.

This is a wonderful, deeply personal home that's perfect for six guests. Included in the rates are the services of housekeeper Vilma, who makes wholegrain bread and other treats for breakfast plus a host of Brazilian dishes for other meals, if needed.

Read an interview with the owner of Casa Bonita in our Stories section here.

Around

This villa for rent in Brazil is located on the Bahian coast, a region populated by seaside villages and farms. It sits in a complex called Outeiro das Brisas, described by the owner as "one of those still unknown places, with beautiful cliffs surrounded by blue sea". It's right next to the ocean 30 minutes from Trancoso and is easily reached from Porto Seguro Airport, the last part of the journey by dirt road through a buffalo farm and an indigenous village that sells local crafts. In other words, this is the antidote to tourist resorts – peaceful and surrounded in nature.

There is a golf course, polo field and private airport within the complex. It's a five-minute walk from the house to Praia do Outeiro. With its warm, clear waters and coral pools, the beach is great for water sports like diving and snorkeling. There are countless nature walks near the house, for bird watching, hiking or biking. Other destinations within walking distance of the house include Praia do Espelho, Jacumã, Itaquena and Itapororoca. 

There is no need for a car as the villa is located in the heart of the complex and can be reached by taxi. There is a small grocery store close by, as well as an excellent Japanese restaurant and a bistro. A local supermarket delivers groceries to the house, and food lovers can discover new cheeses, vegetables and seafood from local producers who also deliver to the complex.

Location

Outeiro das Brisas, Bahia, Brazil. Nearest airport: Porto Seguro (90 minutes by car).

Best time to visit

Year-round. Rainy season is during the summer, but showers usually pass quickly.