Time in Italy is relative. I just bought a new flat in town. It was built in the 18th century unlike the country house which is 500 years older. This one was renovated in 1939 and has not been touched since then. Amazing. It is a window to another era, another world.

The events of the early 40's caused the family to separate to other parts of Italy to start new lives. The property has remained untouched for 80 years.

This is not as uncommon as you might think. Properties pass from generation to generation. Families in Italy were bigger in the past. Trying to get seven inheritors to agree is not that easy.