Steeped in Tradition
For generations, the area that is now Fairwood was wide-open farmland interlaced by trees, hedgerows and paths. Over the years, several separate farms joined together into a vast expanse of open land. Three majestic homes have stood on the property for decades—Fairview, dates to the late 1780s and was home to Oden Bowie, Governor of Maryland from 1869 – 1872. Another home, Fairwood, was built by turf farm owner Eugene Bowie Roberts in 1942. The deClairmont house is the third remaining structure on the property. This stucco farmhouse was purchased in 1946 by Ralph deClairmont. All three homes, remain historic focal points. The family owners of the Fairwood property left traditional farming in the middle of the 20th century and took up turf farming, creating a rolling landscape and green grass under blue skies.
In the late 1980s, The Rouse Company partnered with the owners of the land that is today Fairwood, and began working with planners and elected officials to create the most rewarding, enriching community that Prince George’s County, Maryland has ever seen.