The estate, whose origin can be traced back to the 14th century, comprises more that 50 rooms: kitchens, cellars, bedrooms, stables, barns. (Ballenberg)
Ballenberg
By 1859 three farmers lived on the property and two more farming families joined them by the end of the century. According to the records, they ran seven businesses: various farms, an inn and a cartwright. (Ballenberg)
Ballenberg
(Ballenberg)
Ballenberg
There was a diversity of kitchens in the buildings. (Ballenberg)
Ballenberg
(Ballenberg)
Ballenberg
(Ballenberg)
Ballenberg
(Ballenberg)
Ballenberg
The estate is an example of the development of rural capitalism; first from corn and wine-growing to cereals and silkworm breeding, then to fodder and tobacco growing and finally to cattle breeding. (Ballenberg)
Ballenberg
(Ballenberg)
Ballenberg
A laundry room (Ballenberg)
Ballenberg
(Ballenberg)
Ballenberg
(Ballenberg)
Ballenberg
The La Pobbia estate was located in Ticino's Sottoceneri (lower Ticino)
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It belonged to the widespread economic system of the so-called rural capitalism (capitalismo delle campagne) common to the region and northern Italy. From the middle of the 18th century up to the 20th century, 21 hectares of land were farmed. At the beginning of the 19th century, the estate was surrounded by vineyards. Silkworm breeding become very important, reaching its peak in 1871.
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