Restoring Sicily: Where Mountains Meet the Sea
Hello, Ciao, we’re Martin and Steph, a couple with a shared love of Italy’s delicious food, stunning landscapes and timeless charm. We are on a mission to restore Sicily abandoned townhouses, breathe new life into them, and create a space for people to experience this magical corner of Italy.
Here's us in Cefalu, a short drive down the mountain to watch the sunset.
On our first visit to Sicily, we were struck by the beauty of the villages, and their cobbled streets but were stunned by the amount of beautiful homes left to rot and crumble. That’s when we knew we wanted to do something. So, we set out to buy and restore one of these forgotten treasures.
Needing some love but standing tall
Why Gratteri?
Gratteri is the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern accessibility. Nestled on a mountainside and just a short, scenic drive to the picturesque beaches of Cefalù (for those who enjoy social media, it's very Instagram-worthy). The village is warm and welcoming, with locals still gathering in its cobbled piazzas to share stories over coffee and wine while playing cards.
The house even has its own stories as it once belonged to the Mayor's family. Many villagers still fondly remember visiting, and we can’t wait to hear (and share) their tales as we restore the property.
Our Mission
This project is about more than restoring a house; it’s about revitalising a community. By working exclusively with local tradespeople from Gratteri, we’re supporting the village economy and creating jobs. We hope this project will attract holidaymakers who will, in turn, help support the local bakeries, pizzerias, bars, and markets.
It’s about preserving the soul of the village and sharing it with you.
The Townhouse: A Hidden Jewel
The townhouse is a beautiful four-story palazzo with spacious bedrooms adorned with intricate majolica floor tiles and moulded plaster ceilings. A bright and airy top floor with a living room, open kitchen, and terraces that offer stunning rooftop views of Gratteri and even glimpses of the sea.
Every room tells a story, and we’re excited to make this house a place where backers can create their unforgettable memories.
What Backers Can Expect
You’ll be part of this incredible restoration journey by supporting our project. We’ll share regular updates, photos, and behind-the-scenes moments as we work alongside local builders and our, but mainly Martin’s, DIY skills to bring the house back to life.
Once restored, backers can enjoy as many night stays as they wish, indulging in:
- Freshly baked bread from the village baker, coffee from one of the Antonios on the strada principale (main street), authentic pizza and pasta from the local pizzerias - or cocktails from Mario’s bar.
- Gratteri, is a hiker’s paradise, offering breathtaking views where the mountains meet the sea.
- A short drive to the golden beaches of Lascari and Cefalù for sun, sand, and relaxation.
- During the winter season, you can drive an hour up the mountain, where you can ski on the slopes of the Madonie National Park.
Gratteri truly has something for everyone, no matter the season.
How You Can Help
Restoring a historic property like this is a big challenge, but we’re determined to do it right with care, passion, and respect for the local community. Your support will help us:
- Upgrade plumbing and electrics.
- Restore the roof and improve insulation.
- Modernise the property while preserving its original features, such as the beautiful tiles.
- Restore the property’s original charm by sourcing local materials wherever possible and working with local craftsmen.
Why Support Us?
As keen DIY-ers, we’re fully committed to this project. We plan to work alongside the Sicilian tradespeople, and we’ll document every step of the journey to share with you. When you stay at the townhouse, you’ll know that your holiday contributed to something bigger, a sustainable, community-focused project bringing life back to this enchanting village.
A Glimpse Into Gratteri
Gratteri is more than just a destination, it’s an experience. This timeless hilltop village, with its cobbled streets, friendly locals, and breathtaking views, lies within the Madonie National Park, a haven for hikers, nature lovers, and adventurers. Whether you’re enjoying hot, sunny days on the beach or skiing in the winter months, all while indulging in fresh Sicilian cuisine, Gratteri and its surroundings offer a true paradise waiting to be explored.
Join Us on This Adventure
With your help, we can restore this beautiful townhouse and open its doors to people from all around the world to enjoy. Whether you’re pledging for a single night, a weeklong stay 🙃, or simply supporting our mission to breathe life back into these forgotten townhouses, you’re becoming part of the story of Gratteri, a story of history, restoration, and shared love for Sicily!