Guia Cultural da Costa Verde

Mangaratiba • Serra do Piloto

SÍTIO DA SANTINHA

Where everybody is welcome

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This pleasant family environment opens its doors to welcome visitors in the summer, providing well prepared home cooking and a rustic leisure area. Hosts Luiz and Antônia have been married for 55 years. As she was born on Saint Anthony’s day, Antônia was nicknamed Santinha and to this day that is how she is affectionately known by everyone.

Santinha’s mother was born and bred in São João Marcos, and Luiz was baptized in the church in the same town, which is currently reduced to ruins and is part of the Parque Arqueológico e Ambiental de São João Marcos (a heritage park), to which Santinha donated an antique copper oven used for toasting cassava meal.

They have shared experiences with visitors for 30 years, who have been welcomed in this new home for four years. They previously had a guesthouse and currently rent a house for visitors who wish to extend their stay in the region.

The pleasant environment provides peaceful moments and direct contact with nature. This country property has a swimming pool and the running water is so pure that it is potable, as it comes directly from a spring. Flocks of birds, such as of green-headed tanagers, thrushes and several other kinds circulate freely, singing and captivating, especially in the very well cared for garden full of colorful flowers.

After long walks and relaxing dips, visitors are served an abundant meal prepared to perfection. Typical stewed chicken dishes are the chief attraction. But there are other varieties such as roast beef, pasta, farofa (toasted cassava meal), breaded chicken, steaks, salads and roast potatoes, and delicious desserts. It is preferable to telephone early on Fridays and schedule a visit for Saturday informing how many people will stay for lunch, if any particular dish is needed, arrange pricing and guidance on how to get there.

The family is charming and welcomes visitors warmly, leaving everybody at ease as if they were in their own home.

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