Our Story
The Sicilian House is dedicated to the traveller 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 house it is today.
Lifelong memories were created as the restoration unfolded. From a salvaged piece of dining room fresco by eldest daughter Samantha that now sits in the same restored room, to a gifted real fir Christmas tree in 2008 from the builders; Polizzi Generosa and Palazzo Notar Nicchi became a living link for the Australian-Sicilian Turrisi family with strong Sicilian roots to Mt Etna where Gaetano’s parents emigrated from in 1950.
In 2011, the Turrisi family celebrated the completed restoration with a house party in the summer. Friends and family from Polizzi, Australia and all over the world enjoyed an unforgettable evening of dancing, music and food.
Following the party the doors were opened to guests from around the world.
Palazzo Notar Nicchi pre restoration, 2004
Our People
The Sicilian House is run by Suzanne Turrisi, alongside local Polizzana, Maria Culletta. Suzanne is part of an 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 and has a real passion for travel. Sicily intrigues her; she loves the village life of Polizzi Generosa, broader Sicily and Sicily’s wonderful history, architecture, traditions and food. Suzanne enjoys connecting with guests and welcoming them to Palazzo Notar Nicchi and Polizzi. She wants them to feel at home, to truly enjoy the house and to discover the daily happenings of a more remote Sicilian mountain village. And to discover the beguiling soul of Sicily.
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.
