1836 — The age of coffee
the Casarão was built in 1836, during the 'Ciclo do Café', when the coffee-growing region between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo was one of the economic engines of Brazil. Its first owner was Maria Benedita Gonçalves — the celebrated "Queen of Coffee" — a woman ahead of her time, a patron of the arts, who maintained an entire orchestra to play at the gatherings and parties she hosted at the house.
Built with fine materials and the techniques of its time, the Casarão has stood the test of time and is today the oldest building in Penedo and one of the best preserved colonial-era buildings in Vale do Café. Every wall holds memories — of the balls and gatherings that took place here almost two centuries ago, of the changes the house has witnessed, and of the stories it continues to welcome.
1929 — The arrival of the Finns
In 1929, the Casarão began a new chapter. Toivo Uuskallio led a group of about a hundred Finns who crossed the ocean in search of a life in balance with nature, choosing Penedo for its majestic beauty and gentle climate. The only Finnish colony in Brazil was born here — and the Casarão was its focal point, the first home that welcomed the newcomers as they began to build a new life in Brazil.
That same year, the Casarão hosted the first Finnish wedding — a simple, beautiful celebration that marked the beginning of a new tradition in the house.
Over time, the Finnish presence left visible marks on Penedo: in the saunas, the cafés, and the Finnish sense of duty towards nature. It also shaped Penedo's vibrant music and entertainment scene, which had its start at Clube Finlândia's legendary Saturday night dances. Today, the blend of Brazilian roots with Finnish heritage gives Penedo and the Casarão a character found nowhere else in the country.
The Viitaniemi-Peltola family
In 2010, the Viitaniemi-Peltola family started a full restoration of Casarão Penedo. The work was slow and done in stages — windows, roofs, floors and walls were all gradually brought back. The neglected garden was replanted and has been lovingly cared for ever since. Finally, in 2025, a sauna that earlier Finnish settlers had built on the property was renovated and re-inaugurated. That ceremony, consisting of a bath in the sauna and a swim in the crystal-clear Rio das Pedras, concluded 15 years of comprehensive and painstaking renovation work across the entire property.
Your Story
Each celebration here becomes a new page in a wondrous story that began nearly two centuries ago. We warmly welcome you, your family, and your guests.
"Welcoming clients, hearing their stories and seeing the property come alive at every celebration is what makes this work so special. We are here to welcome you."