Unless indicated below, this is a transcript of the original Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities/Town of Brookhaven survey form. Since most of the surveys were conducted in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, much of the information reflects that time period.

Corrections to obvious typographical and spelling errors have been made. Corrections to factual errors in the original surveys, and updates or comments on the information are either enclosed in [square brackets], or are clearly indicated as updated material from the context of the comments.

Sites with an Inventory Code suffix of “S” are supplemental sites not included in the original surveys.

BUILDING-STRUCTURE INVENTORY FORM

Smith house [Fire Place Inn]

 If checked, this is a Supplemental Form, not in the original surveys.

Inventory Code:   Br08 
Prepared Date:   1982-07-26 
Last Modified:   1970-01-01 
Original Submitter
Submitter Name:   Town of Brookhaven/SPLIA
Submitter Address:   Town Hall
205 S. Ocean Ave.
Patchogue, NY 11772  
Organization:   Brookhaven Community Development Agency
Identification
1-Building/Site Name:   Smith house [Fire Place Inn] 
2a-County:   Suffolk    2b-Town:   Brookhaven    2c-Village:   Hamlet of Brookhaven
3-Street Location:    
Ownership
 4a-Public    4b-Private
5a-Present Owner:    5b-Address:   
Use

6a-Original:   residence [see supplemental]

6b-Present:   residence

Accessibility
 7a-Visible From Road

 7b-Interior Accessible
7b-Interior Comment:   by appointment
Building Materials
 8a-Clapboard

 8b-Stone

 8c-Brick

 8d-Board & Batten

 8e-Cobblestone

 8f-Shingles

 8g-Stucco
8-Other:   
Structural System
 9a-Wood Frame Interlocking Joints    9b-Wood Frame Light Members:   9c-Masonry:
 9d-Metal
9d-Metal Comment:   
 9e-Other
 9e-Other Comment:   
Condition
   10a-Excellent   10b-Good   10c-Fair    10d-Deteriorated
Integrity
  11a-Original Site  11b-Moved If so, when?
11c-Alterations:   Gable addition on west end with modern window. Porch added on front of main house. First floor windows altered. Chimneys gone. [The east side of the house off the living room was, at one time, a sun room with all windows. (Leming)]  «»
Photo & Map
12-Photo Photos and images
13-Map
Threats
[Threats were not evaluated in the original South Shore Estuary Survey.  They are an evaluation by J. Deitz]
  14a-None Known:   14b-Zoning   14c-Roads
  14d-Developers   14e-Deterioration
14f-Other:   
14-Comment:   
Related Outbuildings and Property
 15a-Barn  15b-Carriage House  15c-Garage
 15d-Privy  15e-Shed   15f-Greenhouse
 15g-Shop  15h-Gardens   15i-Landscape Features
15i-Landscape Features:   
15j-Other:   
15-Comment:   
Surroundings of the Building
 16a-Open Land  16b-Woodland  16c-Scattered Bldgs.
 16d-Densely Built-up  16e-Commercial  16f-Industrial
 16g-Residential 16h-Other:   
Interrelationship of Building and Surroundings
17-Interrelationships:  This house is located on South Country Road, formerly the Montauk Highway, in the Hamlet of Brookhaven. [All the surrounding property belonged to the Smith family at one time. (Leming)]  
Other Notable Features of Building and Site
18-Notable Features:    This house probably belonged to J. B. Smith in 1850 (According to the 1850 U. S. Census of Suffolk County.  «»
Significance
19-Initial Const Date:   before 1858  
19-Architect:  
19-Builder:  
Historic and Architectural Importance
20-Importance:   1 1/2 story, 4 bay, gable roof house with high roof plate. 1 1/2 gable roof wing on west with gable end to street. 3 small low-level windows under the eaves. Doorway with pilasters. Brick foundation. Typical of many of the early nineteenth century houses in the area, of which few remain.  «»
Sources
21-Sources: Map of Suffolk County, by J. L. Chace, New York: 1858. Repository: Bellport Historical Society. Atlas of L.I., N.Y., by F. W. Beers, New York: Beers, Comstock & Cline, 1873 [Email: Joyce de Arcas Leming, 31 Jan 2004] «»
Theme
22-Theme:   residential  
Prepared By: 
  Ellen Williams, research assistant.  
Supplemental Material:
  It was operated as a guest house by Amy B. Smith de Arcas, probably in the early 20th century, who called it "Fire Place Inn."

There is evidence, not yet confirmed, that Esther Hayes Wickham also may have operated it as a guest house doing business as the "Beaver Dam Lodge" from perhaps about 1925 until about 1929. She later had a business as an agent for a dress manufacturing company at the same location.

Old Purchase Properties listing, 2015: "This classic colonial is situated on 1.4 acres of beautifully landscaped property. Open kitchen with vaulted ceiling. Formal dining room, living room with fireplace and beamed ceiling. Enclosed porch with radiant heat. Powder room and rear deck. Upstairs are 3 bedrooms, one bath with washer and dryer, and one bath with jacuzzi tub and radiant heat. Partial basement.,/p>

Legal guest cottage with front deck, private entrance and parking... perfect for guests or income. Large barn suitable for studio. Garden shed for tools and/or bikes." Listing price: $549,000.