3672 South 5600 West: Lawrence Doxey’s Stone Legacy

The Rock House: 3672 South 5600 West

The property at 3672 South 5600 West is a distinctive 1940s farmstead locally known as “The Rock House” due to its unique cobblestone and mortar construction. The home itself, a 1½-story cross-wing residence with gable roof dormers, was built between 1940 and 1942. Remarkably, it took nearly a decade to gather the stones needed for the home, reflecting both the ambition and dedication of its early occupant, Lawrence W. Doxey. The residence sits on a poured concrete foundation and includes a full basement, with mature deciduous trees adding charm to the front yard.

The property is complemented by six outbuildings and seven additional structures, including a two-car garage, woodshed, large shed, shop, stable, chicken coop, semi-subterranean root cellar, springbox, and an outdoor stone kitchen/barbecue. Many of these structures are also constructed of stone and mortar, echoing the enduring, handcrafted character of the home itself.

Lawrence W. Doxey, born in 1897 in Salt Lake City, occupied the property under a gentleman’s agreement with owner John Ferro in 1939 and oversaw the construction of the house. Doxey did not receive formal ownership until 1943, when the property was officially deeded to him. A machinist, drafter, and later instructor, Doxey dedicated decades to his home and farmstead, retaining the property until 1992. His son, Evans Thomas Doxey, now resides on the property. Lawrence W. Doxey passed away in 1993 at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship, patience, and community roots.

“The Rock House” remains a tangible reminder of mid-20th-century farmstead life in West Valley, its stone walls a testament to persistence, vision, and a nearly ten-year journey to create a home built to last.

Home circ 2025. They are demo many neighboring homes to make way for the UofU Hospital