Venture into Sicily's stunning homes, a mix of centuries-old Baroque palazzos, generous farmhouses, and modernvillas owned by the Italian island's most interesting residents

Ancient Sicily, the Mediterranean's largest island, has been a land of fascination from antiquity to 'The White Lotus'. So it is no wonder that today's Sicily boasts homes of every variety, and some of the most exceptional have been selected for this new book by writer Christopher Garis and beautifully photographed by Guido Taroni. While Sicily is well known for its dazzling beaches, beautiful countryside, archaeological treasures, and of course Etna, its active volcano, Inside Sicily offers an exclusive look at the private side of the island: gorgeous palaces, baroque castles and generous farmhouses where Sicilians live and entertain with flair and elegance. Here is Casa Cuseni in Taormina, the historic house of English painter Robert Kitson, where other artists and writers - Giacomo Balla and D. H. Lawrence among them - contributed to the décor. Here too is the home of legendary architect and Memphis Group designer Ettore Sottsass and his wife, critic Barbara Radici, as well as the Noto palace of architect Gordon Guillaumier and the late designer Rodolfo Dordoni. Whether sophisticated in muted tones and clean lines, bursting with art or a riot of color, these apartments, houses, and palaces represent the diversity of design found in this enigmatic region.