The place name derives from "Preston", meaning "priest's town", and a grange (or granary) which was worked by the Cistercian monks of Newbattle Abbey.

In the early 17th century, Mark Ker took possession of the lands from the abbey, and after the Grant Suttie family took over, the Prestongrange Colliery was no longer productive and fell into disuse.

In 1830, Sir George Grant Suttie leased Prestongrange Colliery to Matthias Dunn, the Inspector of Mines.

This fine mansion-house was partly rebuilt by Mark Kerr and Helen Leslie.

Laters owners included Alexander Morison, Lord Prestongrange who extended it in 1620.