Ayrton Senna's Private Life at Fazenda Dois Lagos Revealed
A close friend shares intimate details of the F1 legend's retreat in Tatuí.
1A Sanctuary for Legends
Fazenda Dois Lagos in Tatuí, São Paulo, recently hosted F1 driver Kimi Antonelli, following a 2022 visit by Lewis Hamilton. The property served as a private refuge for Ayrton Senna during his active racing years. It remains a significant site for those seeking to understand the personal life of the late Brazilian champion.
2Origins of the Estate
Senna discovered the property after spotting its two distinct lakes from the air. He was so captivated by the landscape that he insisted on purchasing it, even negotiating through intermediaries to secure the land. After acquisition, he unified the lakes and added infrastructure, including a private kart track inspired by Interlagos.
3A Friendship Through Sweets
The bond between Senna’s family and local businessman Aroldo Rosa began with a gift of traditional Tatuí sweets. After initial resistance from property staff, the gesture successfully reached Senna's mother, Neyde. This interaction blossomed into a long-term friendship, with the family even shipping local fig preserves to Senna while he was in Europe.
4Routine and Leisure
When in Tatuí, Senna sought tranquility away from professional pressures. His Saturdays were typically spent playing with model airplanes, fishing in the lakes, or hosting intimate karting competitions for close friends like Rubens Barrichello and Tony Kanaan. He valued privacy, rarely receiving guests outside of his inner circle and family members.
5Agricultural and Family Life
The farm was not just a leisure site but a working property managed by Senna’s father, Milton. It featured corn plantations, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and livestock for milk and cheese production. The estate served as a central gathering point for the family, especially during Christmas holidays before their annual trip to Angra.
6Community and Recognition
Senna’s connection to Tatuí was formalized when he received the title of honorary citizen. He attended the ceremony in person, largely due to his personal relationship with the city and his friend Aroldo Rosa. During social events, he was often introduced by his then-girlfriend Adriane Galisteu as the local friend from Tatuí.
7The 1991 Championship Celebration
Following his third world championship in 1991, the farm hosted a massive celebration for approximately one thousand guests. The event featured local musicians from Tatuí, with Aroldo Rosa assisting the pilot's father in organizing the festivities. This marked one of the most significant public gatherings held at the private family estate.
8A Tragic Final Chapter
On May 1, 1994, the farm became the site where Senna’s parents received the news of his fatal accident at Imola. Aroldo Rosa arrived at the property shortly after the incident to support Milton and Neyde. The friendship between the families endured long after the pilot's death, lasting until Milton's passing in 2021.
Original article: G1 – Globo — Ayrton Senna's Private Life at Fazenda Dois Lagos Revealed