The Istana Woodneuk was  built back in the mid 1850s. It was originally called the Tyersall House. It was constructed by William Napier (1804-1879), next to Botanic Gardens, with the road subsequently named after the residence. In the 1860s, the land was sold to Sultan Abu Bakar, who had taken over the role of Temenggong in 1862.

The building was ravaged by flames and was rebuilt during the 20th century. The first reconstruction was completed in 1935. The Singapore Government razed the building to the ground in 1990 after a sum of $25 million was reimbursed to the descendants of Sultan Abu Bakar.

Back in 2015, the site was closed off to the public.