Built before 1886 by builder George Peppin, who hired a young George Curry, future governor of New Mexico, as a laborer. During its first decade, the building was operated as a hotel by Ben Ellis and others. In 1898, the building was described as “the mansion house of Dr. Skipworth,” referring to Dr. Edwin H. and Willa Skipwith. Dr. Skipwith died in El Paso in 1908. The building was occupied by a series of lessees until 1925, when Dr. Earl Woods and his wife, Mary June, purchased the property. Until Dr. Woods died in 1940, the home was used as both a home and his physician's office. The Woods maintained a vineyard on the property behind the building as well as dozens of chicken coops. During prohibition, Dr. Woods was accused of bootlegging but was cleared of charges because he was able to argue that his wine was for medicinal purposes. After his death, the house was passed to his housekeeper and assistant, Mattie Wright, who maintained the home until 1976, when it was gifted to the Lincoln County Heritage Trust.