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Electrical engineer traded urban routine for a self-sufficient life in the countryside of Minas Gerais, where she produces her own energy, recycles almost all the farm’s waste, and welcomes visitors amidst the Mantiqueira mountains
Amidst the mountains of Serra da Mantiqueira, in the south of Minas Gerais, an electrical engineer decided to completely change her life and transform an old farm surrounded by waterfalls into a real example of sustainability, autonomy, and connection with nature. Samara, who left the routine of big cities to live in Delfim Moreira, now draws attention for generating her own electricity through a small plant powered by the force of water.
The story was shared by the Cantinho Rural channel during a visit to Fazenda Boa Esperança, located near the border between Minas Gerais and São Paulo. The place is in a region surrounded by preserved forests, crystal-clear rivers, and waterfalls that have become part of the engineer’s daily life, who has lived there for seven years.
Originally from the coast of São Paulo, Samara said she discovered the region while still in college, when she was studying engineering in Itajubá. Since then, she fell in love with the Serra da Mantiqueira and decided to build a new lifestyle there, away from the urban hustle.
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“I identify much more with this lifestyle here than with the city,” she revealed during the interview with the channel.
The small plant that supplies the entire property
One of the points that most caught attention during the visit was the small hydroelectric plant installed within the farm. Using the force of water from a waterfall on the property, the system generates practically all the energy consumed on site.
According to Samara, the project was developed over 20 years ago in partnership with Unifei (Federal University of Itajubá) and continues to operate today with low environmental impact. The water is captured from a section of the river, passes through the energy generation system, and returns to its natural course shortly thereafter.
Additionally, the engineer explained that the property operates in an off-grid model, meaning it is practically independent from the conventional power grid.
The generated energy supplies chalets, a restaurant, leisure areas, and the entire farm structure. When there is excess energy, it is also used to heat areas of the property, including the sauna installed on the riverbank.
Another detail that caught attention is that the project also became an academic reference. Students and professors from universities like Unifei and Unicamp frequently visit the site to study the operation of the mini power plant and perform calculations on flow rate, energy efficiency, and environmental impact.
Simple life, recycling, and sustainability in the interior of Minas
But the sustainability of Fazenda Boa Esperança goes far beyond energy generation.
Since 2017, Samara has implemented a recycling system that has virtually eliminated the sending of waste to landfills. According to her, about five tons of waste are prevented from being discarded every year thanks to the separation and reuse of materials produced on the property.
Food scraps are used to feed animals or turned into compost. Recyclable materials are separated and sent for recycling in Delfim Moreira. The little waste that remains receives specific treatment within the farm.
The property also stands out for the free-roaming animal husbandry. Chickens, ducks, cats, dogs, and horses live freely among the green areas, reinforcing the proposal of a more natural coexistence with the environment.
Meanwhile, the farm’s lake is being revitalized without the use of chemicals. To control aquatic vegetation, Samara used grass carp, which helped clean the area naturally.
Waterfalls, chalets, and tourism amidst the Serra da Mantiqueira
In addition to energy production and the sustainable proposal, Fazenda Boa Esperança also welcomes tourists interested in experiencing an immersion in nature.
The space features camping areas, a riverside restaurant, a sauna, and nine wooden chalets inspired by the planets of the solar system. The setting has gained prominence for its natural landscapes, waterfalls, and trails amidst the preserved Atlantic Forest.
The Boa Esperança waterfall, which gives the farm its name, is considered one of the main postcards of the location. With approximately 40 meters of drop, it impresses visitors with the strength of the water and the view surrounded by araucarias typical of the Serra da Mantiqueira.
According to information released in the Cantinho Rural video, the farm has a total of seven waterfalls spread across the property.
Another distinguishing feature is the altitude. Located about 1,500 meters above sea level, the region has a cold climate for much of the year, as well as strong natural water production.
The engineer also highlighted that the hybrid work model adopted after the pandemic allowed her to resume her profession without abandoning life in the countryside. Currently, Samara balances remote work in the engineering field with managing the farm and its tourist activities.
“Today I can work without giving up the quality of life I found here,” she stated.
A lifestyle that draws attention on social media
The simple routine, surrounded by nature, sustainability, and energy autonomy, has sparked curiosity on social media and among visitors who come to the place in search of tranquility.
While many people dream of leaving large urban centers, Samara managed to turn this desire into reality by combining technical knowledge, sustainability, and rural tourism in one of the most preserved settings of the Serra da Mantiqueira.
According to the report published by the Cantinho Rural channel, the farm’s proposal is precisely to provide visitors with an experience closer to nature and the simple life of the Minas Gerais countryside.
At the end of the visit, the engineer summed up the feeling she found by exchanging city life for life in the countryside.
“Life in the countryside has its challenges, but each one is worth it.”
Source: Cantinho Rural.
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