The "Woodshed" was built in 1890 by Oliver Combs as the summer home (and also operated as a boarding house) of John Wood (1831-1914) and family. Mr. Wood emigrated from Scotland in 1848, at the age of 16, and immediately commenced working at various gymnasiums in Manhattan. In 1856, Mr. Wood opened his own gymnasium, Wood's Gymnasium, which occupied 4,6 and 8 28th Street, off of 5th Avenue (interestingly enough, there were very few buildings above 23rd street at that time - the building was later torn down in 1903 to build a hotel/apartments). His gymnasium boasted clients such as the Vanderbilt's and Astors, John Brooks of Brooks Brothers, Charles McKim (famous architect), and a young Theodore Roosevelt, just to name a few! The Woodshed remained in the Wood family up until its sale, in 1961, to Edward C. Knieriem (grand-nephew of Charles Connor of #connorscottageseacliff ) and his father, who not only lovingly restored the house, but also saved it from demolition! It was eventually sold again in 1997 to Steve Tandy, and again underwent an extensive restoration spanning many years and was painted with the current color scheme. It was sold again in 2017.

The home was originally painted a robin's egg blue, green and periwinkle. Legend has it that the parquet floors with walnut inlay were installed to provide employment to Sea Cliff carpenters during the depression.