Chez Georges Private Villa in Rio de Janeiro

Overlooking Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay and Rio de Janeiro’s rooftops is Chez Georges Private Villa. This residence was built in the 1970s by Wladimir Alves de Souza, one of the key architects of Brazilian modernism and was recently renovated to become the latest Design Hotel by duo Pierre Bident Moldeva and Olivier Verwilghen.

This Brutalist Brazilian bombshell sits high on a hilltop in Rio’s bohemian Santa Teresa neighbourhood and is an absolute knockout. The 900-square-meter accommodation is available for private hire and can host up to 14 guests in its seven-suites and separate two-bedroom studio; all of which are surrounded by incredibly lush vegetation. For those of you (like me) who won’t be visiting this magical villa anytime soon, I invite you to take a gander and imagine sipping caipirinhas by that long, luxurious pool… ahhh if only!

The villa’s entrance is through a spectacular concrete vaulted patio and a six meter high carved wooden door. The concrete vaulted patio leaves an impression of solidity whilst also appearing fine and rhythmic. The overall material palette is defined by rich timbers, earthy tiles, raw concrete and azulejo mosaics which are Colonial Portuguese painted ceramics. Custom artwork such as the retro concrete and steel wall by artist Miriam Löellmann is just one of the standout features of this heritage listed home.

The villa can be reconfigured to suit various layouts for families, large groups and even bands. That’s right, as well as being a design-lover’s dream; this house is also a mecca for musicians. The entire house is hooked up to a state-of-the-art music production room that is located below the 15-meter-long pool. The fully sound-proofed music studio consists of a living area, a control room and recording room. There are also musical instruments strewn around the property that are available for an impromptu soiree.

The interior was created by Belgian designer Yorick Piette in close collaboration with French architect Amélie Thouveny. All spaces have been furnished with handpicked pieces from antique markets in Paris, Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp. The eclectic furnishings from all over the world mingle nicely amongst local Brazilian pieces and most of the 1950s and 70s furniture comes from Ricardo Fasanello’s atelier located in the same neighbourhood.

According to the founders of the Design Hotels, Chez Georges incorporates “a touch of minimalism, a tropical mix of rich woods, dashes of colour, and the occasional bold pattern.” The property is in harmony with the couple’s overall philosophy of hospitality and their goal of creating personal and design-driven hotels. Moldeva and Verwilghen took great care to oversee each detail and the home is filled with their favourite artworks, crafts and furniture. The combination of personal touches and exquisite design detailing make us rethink the impersonal big hotel chains that are the norm. There’s no question about where we’d rather stay!