The origins of the Newton Don estate probably go back to the twelfth century, when the lands were part of the lordship of Lauderdale. Today, the the estate is approximately 1,500 acres in extent, with over a third of this area consisting of a formal designed landscape, which includes woodland, hedges and gardens.

Since the fourteenth century, the estate has been owned by three families: the Newtons, Dons and Balfours. The Newtons held the lands of Little Newton until the seventeenth century, when Alexander Don of Kelso acquired it. The Don family owned the estate until 1847, when the Balfours of Balgonie, in Fife, purchased it.

Most of the estate buildings visible today date from the nineteenth century, as much construction work was carried out after the change of ownership in 1847. The house itself was substantially rebuilt and lodges and stables were constructed from 1817 for the 6th baronet, Alexander Don, who had inherited the estate in 1815. The expense of this work may have proved too much, however, as the estate was steadily reduced in size between 1826 and 1846 and finally sold in 1847.

The Balfours were also responsible for some construction work, including the erection of a gate which had been brought from Balgonie.