Over its history, it underwent modifications and restorations, including additions such as a new kitchen wing and modern interior amenities.

The castle was originally a T-plan design, 2 storeys tall, with an attic, slated roof, and an additional kitchen wing which has since been demolished.

Lauder heard that James VI of Scotland had advanced 20,000 merks towards the cost of building the house, as it suited his hunting on nearby Drumshorling moor.

[7] John Ellis had obtained his first charter of Illieston during the years of the British Interregnum, so the Hamilton family were able to claim the property back under the Scottish feudal laws of non-entry, which allowed a landlord to take possession of land if the tenant died without an heir or if the heir failed to claim their right to the land within a certain time frame.

[1] In July 1697 the wife of Lumsden of Innergellie, along with a few others, was reported to have broken into the house, breaking windows and doors, and turning loose cattle to cause further damage.

Two of her accomplices were ordered to pay a hundred pounds Scots as damages, and that she "be confined (if caught) until that sum was paid".

[13] Part of it was rented out on Airbnb and then listed for sale by 2018, which attracted some media attention as one of the most expensive West Lothian properties in recent years.