Meet the team
Jeremy Smith - Director
After completing a Business Administration degree (Hons), he returned to the family farm and brought a new structure and direction to it. However, efficiency gains meant a new project was needed.
After immediately falling in love with Sicily on the first visit a few years ago, he began to research why Sicily was largely ignored by the foreign property buyers. Common fears about Mafia involvement, bureaucratic hurdles and other perceived concerns proved unfounded. He discovered what you may well know already - it is the secret of the Mediterranean.
Having the good fortune to meet Claudio, he was able to start discovering all the technical and legal knowledge to make your property project go smoothly.
A passion for the history and culture of Sicily is forefront in his choice of properties he deems foreign buyers would appreciate here, whilst appreciating the very practical considerations that make life more comfortable.
Using his travels around Sicily, he follows his other passion – to find the perfect Arancini!
Claudio Bonanno - Director
A qualified Geometra(Registered number 3016) with extensive experience in both the practical and technical element of property valuation, surveying and renovation. He is an authorised property valuer for the state and legally able to be in charge of building site security and safety - not all geomtra's are and you can find yourself paying for another person otherwise as this is a legal requirement. Also consummate with the bureaucratic knowledge necessary for life in Italy. He champions local materials and traditional methods, whilst striving to provide very ‘user friendly’ solutions.
His knowledge base and connections are central to the smooth transistion of projects here, where local contacts are always preferred to remote third parties.
When relaxing he loves to play his guitar and takes inspiration from the blues.
Alessandro Russell - Director
A rare bridge between the cultures of north and southern Europe with English and Sicilian parents, he has a rare insight into the working of the two cultures and how to maximise the enjoyment and minimise the problems of each. He has a masters degree in Archeology and is the regional president of Sicilia Antica(a organisation focused on the protection and usuage of the heritage of Sicily. He has a free role to adapt his services to fit the client and the property, for example researching the history of properties and conducting audits of possible relevant historical significance to the areas concerned. Strangely he misses the comfort of hot curries and cold beer in England.
Christopher Hedley - Director
A Chartered Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, he is used in a consultancy role, mainly for larger projects. Also providing input on deciding the suitability of properties offered to us.
A big Calcio fan, he shouts at the television like a true Italian football fan.
Gabriella Fischella
Specialising in German clients.
After working and living in germany for eight years, the appeal of Sicily was too great, so she has returned home to enjoy la dolce vita. She is fluent in English, German, Italian, Sicilian and French.
Peter Swallow
Graduating with a master’s degree in electronics from Bristol University. He designed and maintains the website, encompassing user-lead design, he makes the website both simple and functional.
He can be seen heading into the hills on his mountain bike when work commitments allow.
Third parties are used when and where it is useful to clients needs, whether it be local legal adivice or historians who can provide background information on properties.
Many have a part in making everything here run smoothly: other geometras, architects, lawyers, accountants, all providing their best service to help people discover and enjoy their beautiful Sicily.
Do you think you have anything to offer the clients of Sicily Property Co?
We are always interested to hear from people who feel they have something to offer to our clients:
- People who have bought property in Sicily and realise the importance of a helping hand. Whether this be mentoring, accompanying to assist bureaucratic matters or just some top tips.
- Tradesmen, skilled individuals.
- Language specialists, Italian, English, German, Dutch and French are our most commonly used languages, but with a growing client base new ones might be needed soon!
If you think you could be of use or just want to say Ciao, then we would be pleased to hear from you.