Our Story
The Sicilian House is dedicated to the traveler of Sicily who enjoys quieter travel with a desire to discover the cultural traditional heart and natural beauty of a more remote Sicily.
In September 2003, Suzanne, her husband Gaetano and youngest daughter, Eugenie left Brisbane Australia with a list of Sicilian towns in search of an old Sicilian house. They fell in love with Polizzi Generosa and bought centuries old Palazzo Notar Nicchi. It was almost in total ruin and over the course of the next 8 years, undertook a passion-filled restoration of the house.
With the help of local builders, traditional craftsmen, artisans, a Sicilian architect and a large dose of devotion and love, Palazzo Notar Nicchi was saved and transformed into the home it is today. n In 2011 its doors were opened to guests from around the world.
Our People
The Sicilian House is run by Suzanne Turrisi, alongside alongside local Polizzana, Maria Culletta. Suzanne is part of Australian-Sicilian family with roots from the foot of Mt Etna on the east coast of Sicily.
Suzanne Turrisi
Suzanne has been travelling to Sicily almost yearly since 1996, often with her family. Sicily intrigues her. She loves the village life of Polizzi and broader Sicily. Sicily’s wonderful history, architecture, traditions and food. She has teaching qualifications and a degree in Cultural Studies and speaks basic Italian. Suzanne lives in Brisbane, Australia.
Maria Culletta
Maria manages the running of the house and welcomes guests for their stay. She has a great love of Sicily and Polizzi and likes to read, cook and walk the mountains. She speaks both Italian (her native tongue) and English.
