It was the home of Robert Burns between 1784 and 1788, and was where he composed many of his best-known works,[1] including "To a Mouse, on Turning Her Up in Her Nest with the Plough".

[2] At the time, it consisted of 118 acres (48 ha), and Burns and his brother, Gilbert, rented the property from Gavin Hamilton upon the death of their father.

[2][3][4] While living there, Burns became acquainted with a group of girls collectively known as the Belles of Mauchline – one of whom, Jean Armour, was the daughter of a local stonemason.

The two developed a relationship, and they were married in 1788.

[5] During Burns's time at the farmhouse, it was a single-storey But'n'Ben cottage containing three small rooms.