Joanna Beavan
Founder of Sicily House.
My journey in the property market began over 20 years ago in Central London, where I developed a deep passion for discovering unique properties and a love for interior design. Working with some of London’s leading estate agents, particularly in Marylebone and Notting Hill, I honed my expertise in finding distinctive properties and delivering highly personalized services to meet my clients’ varied needs.
‘With a passion for design and an eye for potential I specialise in finding unique properties that
match my client’s needs.’
Fast forward a few years and after traveling to Sicily for seven years, in 2021 my partner and I decided to make the move permanent. Captivated by the charm of the baroque towns, the relaxed pace of life, stunning beaches, exceptional local produce, and year-round sunshine, it felt instantly like home. During our own property search in Sicily, I soon recognized the complexities of the buying process and identified a significant gap for foreigners seeking English-speaking agents and property resources.
Encouraged by a friend and local agent, I decided to reignite my skills and established Sicily House. What began as a desire to help English-speaking foreigners navigate the legal process has evolved into an immensely fulfilling project helping others find their place and discover their own connection to this beautiful land.
As a trained interior designer running my own studio, Aube Interiors Ltd in London since 2015, I also offer advice on renovation and construction projects, and assist new homeowners with fixtures,fittings, and furniture. With experience in sourcing products, decorative items, and centuries-old antiques, I take pride in honouring the designs of the past while utilizing modern methods and materials.
Biography
After completing an Art foundation year at Loughborough university, I took time out to travel and explore the world. During my early twenties I spent three years living in the Canary Islands and a year working and traveling in Australia as well as two ski seasons in the Three valleys France. In 2002 settled in London and worked for one of the city's largest estate agent groups KFH where I trained as a sales agent and established myself as a go to agent in the Marylebone area. I then moved to nationwide agents Carter Jonas and after a few months was promoted to head of sales for the New Cavendish Street office. I spent three years in this position before I decided to take a sabbatical year and travelled to central America and volunteered for a children's charity in Costa Rica. Following this I spent some time in New York city before returning to London and picking up my real estate career, I took a job back in Marylebone as this area was where I had established many clients and knew the local market well. In 2012 I moved to a position at Domus Nova in Notting hill an area I lived but had never worked. I spent three years as a sales negotiator there. During this time, I started a correspondence course with KLC interior design school. In 2015 I was asked to join a small property development team Mackenzie and Temple as their in-house interior designer. I worked with them until 2018 when I decided to set up my own studio Aube Design Ltd. I have worked on many central London residential projects as lead interior designer and project coordinator. In 2021 I moved to Sicily and have continued to offer interior design consultancy. In 2023 I started to assist English speaking buyers looking to acquire property in Sicily and in March of that year I joined Invest in Italy as their Sicilian advisor.