Clover Hill Farm rezoning likely to draw Rockland crowd

On Wednesday, Nov. 9, you may need to arrive at the Warren County Government Center well before the 7 p.m. to be assured of a seat at the Warren County Planning Commission meeting.

Given the local interest in the redevelopment of the long-neglected Clover Hill Farm (circa 1781) on Rockland Road demonstrated by a recent open house, the public hearing on a rezoning application that will permit the new owners to rent out the property for weddings, meetings, and other events, is expected to attract a large crowd, with many indicating a wish to testify.

Situated in the Rockland Historic District, the two-story home, almost derelict when Greg and Mary (“Susie”) Huson bought it and the 72 acres of farmland surrounding it, the 236-year old house has been entirely renovated, inside and out, and remains one of a handful of early 19^th Century brick homes that survive to this date.

The handsome building stands well back of the Rockland Road property and shortly will sport a new driveway entrance so as not to impede local traffic. The Husons currently use the acreage to pasture Black Angus cattle, produce hay, and grow hops. A commercially successful quarter-acre hop yard was established last year. “For the past two seasons, family and friends have supported the hop harvest which involves hand picking, drying and packaging the leaf hops which are sold locally,” Huson said.

Zoning amendments that the Husons will seek Nov. 9 would allow commercial use of the farm for hosting special events such as weddings, family reunions, meetings and classes, and also offer the farm house for short term rentals. The special events would be limited to no more than 150 guests. Short term tourist rentals would be limited to no more than six guests at a time.

Huson recently told the Warren County Planning Commission: “Nobody had lived in the house for over 20 years so we had a lot of initial work. We’ve done a lot of repairs to the house and we’re hoping to find a use for the property where people could come and see it and enjoy it.”

The farm has been owned by only six families, including Bowen, Timberlake, Wood, Laws, Tolliver, and now Huson.

Greg and “Susie” Huson live nearby on Ashby Lane. Both work for the U.S. government in Washington, D.C..

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