Plans in the works to rebuild Ebo Hill mansion in Smithtown
The prospective owner says he wants to return the home — which once belonged to generations of the town’s founding Smith family — to its former glory.
Credit: Richard Albano
A view of Ebo Hill from the front lawn. The estates grounds once extended to the Nissequogue River.
Credit: Richard Albano
Although the first-floor windows were boarded, area teens sometimes broke in and used the mansion as an illicit hangout spot, said Richard Longobardi, who is selling Ebo Hill to Richard Albano.
Credit: Richard Albano
Ebo Hill mansion, whose 16 bedrooms, towering portico and 48 acres of woodland made it one of Smithtown’s grandest before it fell into decline decades ago, is being bought and renovated.
Credit: Richard Albano
The 1845 home’s unusual name may derive from that of a Native American boy or chief, according to archives in the Smithtown Library’s Long Island Room. Another account in the archives suggests the name might be of an enslaved person. The pillars, added to the home in the early 19th century, are about 20 feet tall.
Credit: Richard Albano
The house fell into disrepair, said Brad Harris, the town historian. “For as long as I can remember it has always been boarded up, the grounds unkempt.”
Credit: Richard Albano
Richard Albano said he would make some changes to make the home livable but preserve as many of the home’s features as possible.
Credit: Richard Albano
One of the mansions seven bathrooms. Albano said he would keep the fixtures.
Credit: Richard Albano
An interior shot of one of the mansions staircases. The home was last occupied in 2001, Richard Albano said.
Credit: Richard Albano
Fireplace in the reception hall.
Credit: Richard Albano
Richard Albano and his workers found two-inch thick plaster on the walls so badly water-damaged it will all have to be removed.
Credit: Richard Albano
An electric switch at the house, which is in disrepair.
Credit: Richard Albano
Richard Albano said he would move the home about 75 feet east to make the backyard bigger.
Credit: Richard Albano
In the grand first-floor reception room, Richard Albano pointed to discrete servant-summoning buttons and intricate wood ceiling molding. “All done by hand,” he said. “There was no machine.”
Credit: Richard Albano
Closets at the mansion.
Credit: Richard Albano
Intricate wood ceiling molding inside the mansion. Owner Richard Albano said it was hand-carved.
Credit: Richard Albano
An antique light bulb Richard Albano found hanging in the basement. It didnt work.
Credit: Richard Albano
Close-up of the walk-in larder once chilled by water pumped from the Nissequogue River.
Credit: Richard Albano
Ebo Hill reception hall.
Credit: Richard Albano
Wall-mounted buttons on the grand first-floor reception room. Albano believes the buttons were used to summon servants.
Credit: Richard Albano
Needlepoint work found inside the mansion.
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