Hattersley and Laura Talbott commissioned master builder T.C. Groomes to design this large house in 1890. While living here, Talbott was mayor of Rockville for three terms, State Senator, and chairman of the Democratic Party in Maryland. Mrs. Talbott was a niece of Richard Johns Bowie of Glenview.

Builder Groomes, who began his career as a carpenter and undertaker in Olney, moved to Rockville in 1888. Between 1879 and 1922, Groomes designed, built, and remodeled more than 40 homes, businesses, and churches, many of which stand today. The Talbott house is Groomes' grandest residential product, built at a cost of $4,950.

After the death of his parents, Otho Talbott divided the house into two rental units. One tenant, Leslie and Opal Abbe, purchased the house in 1946 and continued to live in the north unit, where they raised four children and eventually entertained their great-grandchildren. The Abbes were community activists and early proponents of historic preservation in Rockville.

Dean Brenneman, architect and preservationist, lovingly restored his grandparents' home in the 1990s. His painstaking attention to detail is apparent in every room. Jennifer Katz and David Kaye purchased the house in September 2000, and continue to work on renovating the house.