Considered “Brazil’s last playboy,” Chiquinho Scarpa transformed his family’s classic mansion into a private luxury retreat right in the heart of São Paulo. The 75-year-old São Paulo socialite still lives today in the place where he was born: the Scarpa Mansion, which has been part of the family’s history since the 1940s.
The property, with 1,500 square meters of floor space, is located in Jardim América, one of the capital’s most exclusive neighborhoods. Despite all the glamour, the property faces a stalemate in the real estate market: it has been on the market for over a decade, yet no one has shown interest in taking on the grandeur of the place.
Scarpa Mansion: Classic Architecture and Nature in the Heart of Jardim América
Italian engineer Plácido Dall’Acqua designed the original plans in 1946, incorporating details that defined São Paulo’s classic style. Chiquinho Scarpa’s mansion features five-meter-high ceilings and large columns that complement furniture imported from Europe. In addition, 17th-century works of art and preserved period stained-glass windows lend a touch of royalty to the atmosphere.
The outdoor area also reflects the extremely high standard of living that the Scarpa family has maintained since the heyday of their industrial businesses. The 4,000-square-meter lot features a swimming pool and a vast green area, as well as a garage for up to 18 cars.
Classic São Paulo mansion has been waiting for a buyer for over ten years
You might be wondering: why would anyone sell a palace like this? The answer lies in practicality. Chiquinho lives alone there and admits that it’s not easy to maintain a property of this size. For this reason, he’d like to find a smaller, more functional home.
Initially, the Scarpa Mansion was listed for R$ 120 million at high-end real estate agencies. Today, however, the price has dropped dramatically, and the property awaits a new owner for R$ 63 million—a “discount” of nearly 50%.
While no buyers have come forward, Chiquinho Scarpa is making his home available for parties and events. The rental price isn’t listed online; however, the list of companies that have already rented the space suggests it isn’t cheap: Carolina Herrera, Nars, and Salvatore Ferragamo are just a few examples.
Whether as a venue for events hosted by major brands or as a historic landmark of São Paulo’s elite, the Scarpa Mansion remains a symbol of luxury, glamour, and opulence in Jardim América. It remains to be seen who will be the next to occupy this millionaire address in São Paulo.
