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The Dawson
Farmhouse
1080 Copperstone Court
April
1999
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 At
a meeting of the Mayor & Council in March, 1984, Peerless
Rockville stunned the assembled with a presentation that some City
officials bet would never take place. President Bob Weirich returned
to the City a $30,000 check for a construction loan which made it
possible for Peerless to save one of the last farmhouses in
Rockville.
In 1982, City staff approached Peerless Rockville to ask if the
"old" Dawson farmhouse was of any importance or use. The
City had inherited it with parkland when the final 14 acres of the
Dawson farm were subdivided for the Jefferson Square townhouses.
Peerless research indicated that the little house was an 1874
addition to a dwelling long since gone and the heart of a 500 acre family farm which stretched
from the Pike beyond what is now 1-270, including all of
Hungerford-Stoneridge. Four generations of Dawsons, active in local
politics and commerce, lived at "Rocky Glen". An expert
hired by Peerless found the small Gothic-style house in very poor
condition but salvageable.
The City sold the farmhouse for $1 to Peerless, who in turn showed
it to more than 100 people who read the Washington Post ad. When
media later reported the failure of negotiations with the only buyer
not frightened by the house condition, a young couple called
Peerless to express interest. The combination of Erin Owens'
financial savvy, Steve Owens' construction talent, and young daughter
Katie's ability to coo at just the right moment fit the bill.
On March 11, 1983, Peerless purchased the building from the City and
borrowed $30,000. Five days later, Peerless sold to the Owens, who
agreed to restore the exterior and renovate the interior as their
residence. The $30,000 was made available to them, along with
$20,000 each from Peerless and local developer John Pettit. When the
Owens obtained
their permanent financing a year later, they repaid all of the
construction loans, and Peerless in turn repaid the construction
loan to the City of Rockville.
What was accomplished? One of the City's last farmhouses was saved
and is home to a Rockville family. The owners pay property taxes.
The house is listed in the National Register and as a Rockville
Historic District. Under provisions of a facade easement, Peerless
reviews any proposed changes to the building's exterior. Through
creativity and hard work, a winning situation for everyone.
Could this happen again today? Peerless Rockville hopes so.
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