Brazilian loft living

Loft Living descended from the iron-framed buildings erected at the turn of the 20th century to accommodate sweat-shop style workhouses. The tall ceilings and wide spaces flooded with light became the architectural holy grail for trendy creative types in the 1960s and 1970s, nowhere more than in the SoHo district of Manhattan, New York. Loft Living can now be identified in many cities across the world, but on the beaches of Brazil? You’d better believe it.

Loft Living descended from the iron-framed buildings erected at the turn of the 20th century to accommodate sweat-shop style workhouses. The tall ceilings and wide spaces flooded with light became the architectural holy grail for trendy creative types in the 1960s and 1970s, nowhere more than in the SoHo district of Manhattan, New York. As they were not strictly zoned for residential use, screens and false walls camouflaged domesticity should the authorities pop in to perform an inspection, lofts provided cheap accommodation. But gradually the sheer volume of ‘artists in residence’ forced a rezoning of the area away from commercial and by the 1980s young urban professionals came to join the fray and lofts became legitimate and cool – and expensive. Loft Living can now be identified in many cities across the world, but on the beaches of Brazil? You’d better believe it.

Le Park is a peerless resort set right on the beach at Tabatinga, around 30 minutes’ south of Natal, the capital of Brazil’s north eastern state of Rio Grande do Norte. Directly inspired by New York’s 1970s Loft Scene, the apartments have a contemporary open-plan feel and the 3.8 metre high ceilings keep them bright and airy. This chic modernity is offset perfectly by the stunning sea views and laid-back Brazilian beach life to be found just metres from your front door. Comprising 28 apartments ranging between a generous 87 and 100m² and 32 top-floor lofts ranging between 160 and 200m², Le Park is both compact and exclusive. The lofts boast enormous private rooftop solariums complete with their own rooftop pools – sheer decadence.

Le Park does not skimp on facilities, a fitness centre, swimming pool with swim-up bar, restaurant, Spa and sauna, business centre with broadband internet access, children’s club, watersports, tropical gardens and 24 hour supervised entry are all on hand for residents.

Tabatinga is an idyllic setting for watching surfers parade, dolphins play and the sun set. The resort has two aquaparks set close to the sea, ideal for families, and no less than five attractive beach lagoons backed by coconut palms and protected by a 7km coral reef making for safe swimming conditions. Some consider Tabatinga to have the best beaches in Rio Grande do Norte. Le Park is also a near neighbour to the beach resort of Pipa which is extremely popular with wealthy Brazilians for its nightlife, 30 or more restaurants and selection of upmarket boutique hotels. The International Airport of Augusto Severo is a convenient 30 minute drive.

Two bedroom apartments at Le Park start from 139,500 euros and two bedroom loft apartments from 210,000 euros (subject to exchange rates). Payment terms are 1,000 euro reservation fee, 20% on signing of contract, 30% on commencement of building, 30% on ‘topping out’ (roof) and 20% on completion scheduled for September 2009.

For further information, visit gem-estates.com.