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During the third period, corresponding to the first half of the 16th century, large scale works were undertaken to connect the two earlier buildings - the medieval tower and the gentleman's house - with important additions and improvements giving unity in renaissance style to the new architectural complex. This is how the harmonious southern facade originated, giving on to the garden with the "inginocchiate" windows whose design was repeated on the 15th century part to substitute the old first floor windows. Other additions were the elegant tuscan loggia facing west, the large entrance hall with its typical 16th century vault with stone supports, a small terraced garden, and the wing north of the ancient tower now used as dining room and guest room. Many of the alberese stones from the dismantled tower were used in these works; these stones also emerge in many corners of the new buildings and in the supporting walls of the surrounding terraces.
The fourth period, comprising the last three or four centuries, has given origin, at various times, to all the subsequent additions. These include enlargement of the garden arranged "all'italiana" (italian style), further terracing obtained with thick walls, construction of lodgings and farm buildings such as the oil-mill, wine production and storage rooms, grape drying rooms, cellars and limonaia "lemon house". In the 19th century part of the surrounding woods was enriched with cypress and pine trees and converted into an enclosed park, complete with paths, pools and a small pond. |