Brazil's Priciest Mansion in Rio's Leblon Makes Way for Luxury Homes

Brazil's most expensive mansion, listed at R$220 million, began demolition Thursday in the Leblon neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro to make way for a new luxury housing development. The property, located in Jardim Pernambuco, will be replaced over three months by Estância Pernambuco, a mini-condominium of ten custom-built homes developed by Mozak, with lots starting at R$19 million. Parts of the house, including window frames, have already been auctioned. The English-style mansion with six suites was built in 1986 by the Amaral family, former owners of the Disco supermarket chain. Architect Thiago Bernardes, known for the Museum of Art of Rio, designed the new residences.