ajaceman
Google
This is a beautiful pousada and highly recommended if you are planning a trip to Sao Joao del Rei. My description hardly does justice to this fine pousada. ||||The bathroom in #3 is remarkably industrial chic. High gloss black tiles climb seven feet up on all four walls, offset by contrasting green appliances that would have been colors-du-jour in the fifties. Including a bathtub. Yes, indeed, a real tub recessed between louvered white closets. But there is no spout, and the taps are locked. So it only looks like you could take a bath. The cavernous shower makes up for it with cascades of hot water. Above the pedestal sink mounted on a stone floor of large squares of polished banded marble is a large louvered privacy glass window imported from a European gazfabriek.||||A large, comfortable bed has wrought iron head and foot boards and is supplied with a thick white quilt over a blanket and crispy white sheets. It rests on a waxed and highly polished solid wood plank floor. A hinged louvered window looks out on a wisteria hanging from a walll in a tiny courtyard with a view of nothing. ||||The entry to the suite is long, high and wide with antique furniture, an original oil on the wall, a thick wool runner on the floor and a large armoire.||||A classic skeleton key gives access to the room through two tall wooden doors. ||||At night it's very quiet, with the air temperature just cool enough to leave the A\C off. ||||The original building is the former home of the deBoucherville Carvalho family of Sao Joao del Rei and dates from the mid 19th century. Across from the reception desk is a large drawing room with fine period furniture, a large writing desk, artwork, antiques, and a big TV. Windows open onto the cobblestone street. On the other side of the street is the beautiful Sao Francisco church and the cemetery with the mausoleum of Tancredo Neves, who died on the eve of becoming the first democratically elected president of Brazil in 1985. ||||There are other suites in the main building as well as a dozen or so smaller rooms in a joined building. There is on-site gated parking, slowish Wi-Fi, a lovely garden environment to enjoy with your cafe de manha, a swimming pool that was added about fifty years ago, and for the inquisitive problem solvers, a wall safe (in #3) with a working dial. Listen closely as the tumblers click into place. Try to find the right combination. I could not. There could be a 19th century fortune in money, jewels, and UFOM stock certificates locked up inside. It's been so long since it's been opened that it has been painted shut. Except for the screwdriver marks from a frustrated guest.
