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Merville House was built in 1795 by John Brown (c. 1730–1800), a prominent Belfast banker and merchant.

The rooms within Merville House are named in honour of notable former residents. Newtownabbey Supporting All will be located in the Rowan Room, situated on the ground floor of the building.

The Rowan Room is named after Lieutenant Colonel John Rowan (1778–1855), a soldier who later served as a Resident Magistrate. Appointed High Sheriff of County Antrim in 1814, Rowan came to live at Merville House in 1823 following his marriage to Dorothea Blair, widow of the property's previous owner, James Blair (1756–1820).

During the 1830s and 1840s, Lieutenant Colonel Rowan presided over proceedings at the weekly Petty Sessions Courts in Whitehouse and Carrickfergus, playing a significant role in the administration of local justice.