Burnlaw Farmhouse dates back to the 16th or early 17th century when it was built as a bastle. Since that time it has been altered and extended over the centuries. The original building was quite large for a bastle and even with later additions some original features are still visible. They include the byre doorway, a small slit window and some original massive stonework. The first extension to the building seems to date to the mid 17th century as there is a lintel carved 'T S 1662'. The bastle itself was remodelled in the late 17th or early 18th century when it was heightened, new windows were inserted. Another extension was added in the later 18th century. In the early 19th century the main part of the building was remodelled again with new windows and a new doorway giving it the two storey and three bay frontage typical of many farmhouses of this period. (Keys to the Past)

The small chapel in the cellar was was probably once used as a Quaker meeting house. (PastScape ref. Listed Building Report)

Bastle 13.3m by 7m, heavily altered, but with round-arched byre entrance in north end. Added wing dated 1662 (Ramm el al. 1970, 80). (Ryder 1992)