In Pinheiros, on Macunis Street, you can see a mansion that stands out from the other residences, as if it were the setting of a fairy tale movie that stopped in time. The eclectic architecture, with strong medieval and English influences, is characteristic of the period, and this type of construction was common in the neighborhoods of São Paulo’s elite. The side tower, the tall vegetation surrounding it, and its old appearance have earned it a picturesque nickname: “The witch’s house.”
The year of construction is uncertain, but according to researchers, the house was built around 1940. Another mystery is its first owner, known as Mr. Damásio, whose surname has not been disclosed for privacy reasons. There is not much information about him other than that he was an elderly man who, because he lived in Tatuí, ended up leaving the house closed and without maintenance for a long time. This contributed to its deterioration.
The reputation of being haunted
In addition to the nickname that associates the house with witches and its horror movie appearance, the mansion is the subject of urban legends in the region. People report feeling chills, claiming to see lights and an old chandelier lit inside the property. They also notice windows that are sometimes open, sometimes closed, with no clear sign of residents on the premises.
The old residents of the neighborhood, however, dismiss any supernatural rumors on the internet and claim that there is indeed a resident in the house. This may explain all of the above reports. According to them, he is an elderly man in his 90s, lucid, with more discreet habits and reduced mobility.
Current situation of the mansion on Macunis Street
Despite reports from residents, researchers who monitor the house reaffirm that the property has been abandoned, with no structural renovations or basic maintenance, such as removing the vegetation growing around it, for years.
There is also particular concern about the large araucaria tree in front of the mansion, which appears to be compromised and threatens to fall at any moment.
In addition to its architectural importance and the interest of researchers, the mansion on Macunis Street is an important part of the neighborhood’s memory. However, it is not officially listed by any specific preservation agency, so it is not protected as a historical heritage site. Its conservation and responsibility remain in the hands of the current owners.