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VILLA BONDi; NEAR FLORENCE 



PLATE 52 



NE of the most interesting villas in the immediate neighbourhood of Florence 

 is the Villa Bondi, or the Villa of Garofano in Camerata, standing- on the 

 old high road leading to Fiesole. Very much of the old house is still 



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retained, and has been carefully restored by the present owner, Signor Bondi ; 

 but no part is more characteristic than the open garden loggia shown on 

 Plate 52, with its painted rafters and supporting beams, which overlooks the 



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parterre garden. At the present day the gardens have been allowed to lose 

 much of their original character ; but it is proposed that they should be restored to their probable 

 appearance in the ' Cinquecento,' and doubtless, when this work is carried out, the old casino 

 will have a far more worthy garden setting, and one more in character with its interesting 

 architecture. 



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