A Real Look at Life in Our Home in Sicily

Sicily is the largest island in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It offers a mix of natural beauty and rich history that draws people from all over the world. The island has majestic mountains, lush vineyards, and pristine beaches. Together, they create a tranquil yet captivating landscape that offers a peaceful and picturesque lifestyle. It’s no wonder that many dream of making a home in Sicily.

For those fortunate enough to settle in Sicily, life is enchanting. The island’s homes in Sicily — from charming stone cottages tucked away in quaint villages to luxurious villas perched on cliffs with breathtaking sea views — are a testament to the undeniable allure of Sicilian architecture.

Often built from the island’s signature limestone, these homes in Sicily take on a warm, earthy hue that allows them to blend effortlessly into the sun-kissed surroundings. With spacious terraces and balconies that capture the essence of Mediterranean living, these homes in Sicily offer the perfect setting to soak in the island’s idyllic climate.

In this blog, we invite you to join us on a heartwarming journey as we give you an exclusive cottage tour of our charming home in Sicily in Carini. Located in the heart of Sicily, our two-bedroom cottage perfectly captures the essence of this vibrant island and what it truly means to live in a home in Sicily.

From the unique personal touches that make this home in Sicily our own to the recent transformations we’ve made, it’s been a journey. The biggest change? Our long-awaited outdoor kitchen renovation. Come along for an inside look at daily life in our cozy abode and learn more about life in a home in Sicily.

Our Journey: From Dream to Reality

When we first decided to move to Sicily from the USA, our dream was to find a comfortable home in Sicily. We wanted a cozy space in a quiet town where we could feel part of the local community and fully immerse ourselves in the Sicilian lifestyle.

After some searching, we found our perfect cottage in the picturesque town of Carini, just outside Palermo. This little two-bedroom home exceeded our expectations and quickly became the perfect place to call our own.

We didn’t need a grand mansion or sprawling estate — we wanted a genuine home in Sicily that reflected the warmth and spirit of the island. The neighborhood was just as important as the house itself, as we sought a close-knit community that embodied Sicilian culture. That’s exactly what we found in Carini: a town offering authenticity, tranquility, and proximity to nature — everything we wanted for our place in Sicily.

Inside Our Home in Sicily: A Cozy, Functional Retreat

Our home in Sicily is humble but full of charm, embodying the essence of Sicilian living. We’ve transformed a simple house into a cozy space that fits our lifestyle perfectly. The rustic architecture blends with modern comforts to create a warm and inviting environment where we truly enjoy our home in Sicily.

The Heart of Our Home: The Kitchen

The kitchen is the soul of our home in Sicily, where we spend much time preparing meals and enjoying them together. It’s fully furnished, but we’ve personalized it with thoughtful touches to make it feel even more like home.

We added a storage rack with baskets to keep garlic, onions, and potatoes accessible—an essential in any Sicilian home. Croce’s recliner has become a favorite spot to unwind after a busy day.

The kitchen appliances are modern, including a microwave, kettle, and espresso machine. Our gas cooktop uses a bombola, the sole gas source in our home in Sicily, with all other appliances electric.

Our refrigerator and freezer are perfectly sized for our regular market trips. We shop frequently, so large storage isn’t necessary, and the fridge offers ample space for all our fresh Sicilian ingredients.

Sustainability is important to us, so we’ve integrated a recycling system with separate bins for organic waste, plastics, and paper, tucked neatly behind curtains. This makes our home in Sicily both eco-friendly and organized.

Living Room: Comfort and Style

Our living room in our home in Sicily is a cozy, multifunctional space designed for relaxation and entertaining. The couch doubles as a bed for guests, while wooden ceiling beams add rustic charm. Personal touches like framed photos and plants make it warm and inviting, truly reflecting our personalities.

Bedrooms: Practicality Meets Comfort

Our small bedroom began as an office but was later adapted into a second bedroom with a single bed. The room offers natural light and ample storage, perfect for guests or a quiet retreat. In the master bedroom of our home in Sicily, we combined sleeping and work areas efficiently, with plenty of natural light and storage options.

The office nook is well-organized, with equipment, backup power, and space for household essentials, making it a practical part of our daily life in our Sicilian home.

Bathroom: Simple and Practical

The bathroom in our home in Sicily has all the basics: spacious shower, toilet, bidet, and sink. We’ve added bamboo corner shelving to keep toiletries organized. An electric water heater provides reliable hot water, ensuring comfort and functionality.

The Outdoor Kitchen: Our Favorite Renovation

A major highlight of our home in Sicily renovation is the outdoor kitchen. Blessed with beautiful weather, outdoor living is a joy here. Croce restored the marble dining table and refreshed the furniture, creating a perfect space for al fresco dining and cooking.

Equipped with an air fryer, cooktop, and large sink, this outdoor kitchen makes meal prep a pleasure. Cooking fresh fish and seafood outdoors is one of our favorite Sicilian experiences in our home.

The marble table seats at least six, providing ample dining space, while the shaded sitting area beneath olive trees offers a perfect spot to relax with coffee and enjoy the Sicilian ambiance.

Gardening and Growing: A Connection to the Land

We have also begun developing a garden in our outdoor space at our cottage in Sicily. The soil has been tilled and prepared for planting vegetables and flowers like geraniums. Growing our food deepens our connection to the Sicilian land and lifestyle, and we eagerly anticipate enjoying home-grown produce in our outdoor kitchen.

Living in Sicily has transformed us. The charm of our home in Sicily, the warmth of the community, and the island’s natural beauty combine to create an enriching lifestyle.

Whether preparing meals in our outdoor kitchen, strolling the village streets, or enjoying quiet evenings at home, we feel deeply connected to the culture and land of Sicily.

If you’re considering moving to this magical island, we hope our story and experience inspire you to embrace the Sicilian lifestyle and contemplate making your own home in Sicily.

We continue learning and adapting daily. Each season brings new joys and challenges, from harvests to local festivals. Our home in Sicily isn’t just a place to live, it’s a journey we treasure deeply.

The blend of old-world charm and modern comfort makes our cottage a sanctuary. Simple pleasures—morning coffee on the patio or evening talks under the stars—are highlights of life in our Sicilian home.

Ultimately, making a home in Sicily means embracing the rhythm of the island, its people, and its traditions. This blend of history, culture, and personal touch turns a house into a true home.

More About Living in a Home in Sicily

Living in a home in Sicily means adjusting to the rhythms of Mediterranean life. Days often start slowly, with mornings spent enjoying fresh espresso at a local bar or taking leisurely walks through olive groves and vineyards that surround many Sicilian towns. The lifestyle encourages savoring moments, not rushing through them.

Our home in Sicily offers us proximity to local markets, where fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and breads are available daily. Shopping frequently rather than in bulk is common here, and it fosters connection with vendors and neighbors alike. This practice not only supports local agriculture but also ensures meals are fresh and seasonal.

Owning a home in Sicily also means adapting to the island’s climate. Summers are hot and dry, with plenty of sunshine, making outdoor living spaces like our renovated kitchen essential for comfortable, enjoyable days. Winters are milder than many places but can be damp, so cozy indoor spaces are a must.

The architectural style of homes in Sicily is rooted in history. Thick stone walls keep interiors cool in summer and retain warmth during winter months. Many homes, including ours, have tiled roofs and shaded terraces that add to their charm and functionality. Living in a home in Sicily means embracing these unique features and understanding how they impact daily life.

The Community Around Our Home in Sicily

One of the greatest joys of owning a home in Sicily is becoming part of a community. Our neighborhood in Carini is a blend of longtime locals and newcomers, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Neighbors often greet one another warmly, sharing news, homemade treats, or invitations to local festivals.

This sense of community adds layers of meaning to life in our home in Sicily. Events such as religious celebrations, harvest festivals, and market days provide opportunities to connect, learn, and participate in traditions that have been passed down for generations.

Living in Carini, Sicily also means adjusting to the pace of life here. The afternoon riposo, or rest period, slows things down and encourages balance between work and relaxation. While this may feel foreign at first, it soon becomes a welcome part of daily routine, giving us time to recharge and enjoy simple pleasures.

Making Your Home in Sicily Your Own

Personalizing a home in Sicily is an ongoing process. We’ve added artwork and keepsakes that reflect our journey and connection to this beautiful island. Small projects, like repainting walls or restoring furniture, help infuse our personality into the space.

Gardening is another way we make our living in Sicily special. Growing herbs, vegetables, and flowers ties us closer to the land and adds fresh flavors to our cooking. The garden has become a place of peace and productivity.

Creating outdoor living areas, like our kitchen and shaded sitting spots, expands our usable space and embraces the Sicilian love of outdoor life. These additions enhance our daily experience and make hosting friends and family a joy.

Every place in Sicily has a story. Ours is still being written, filled with memories, discoveries, and the slow unfolding of a life well-lived in this unique place.

If you’re dreaming of a home in Sicily, remember that it’s about more than the property itself. It’s about the community, the culture, and the lifestyle you embrace when you make Sicily your home.