Braidwood, and Hallbar with it, came into the possession of Lord Maitland of Thirlestane Castle, later passing through the hands of the Marquess of Douglas, before changing hands again in 1681, when it was bought by George Lockhart of Lee Castle, whose estate adjoined Braidwood to the south.

The upper parts of the castle, including parapet, cap-house, gables and roof, were rebuilt at this time.

Extensive masonry consolidation, including the rebuilding of a defective section of the upper wall together with complete reroofing, was undertaken in conjunction with the restoration of the nearby cottage or bothy to form further accommodation.

[1] With the demise of the Vivat Trust, the castle is let through cottages.com The narrow, five-storey tower is only 7.5 m square, with walls up to 1.6 m thick.

Each level originally had a single room, with a winding stair, built into the thickness of the walls, wrapping around and linking the floors.

Within the outer face of the north gable is a dovecot, formerly accessed via a timber walkway from a high-level door.

The tower is a category A listed building, while the ground to the south, which may once have formed a barmkin, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.