The Tower was built in the last quarter of the 16th century by William Burnet and his wife, Margaret Stewart of Traquair. The Burnets of Burnetland established themselves in the district in the 15th century and thereafter became known as the Burnets of Barns. William Burnet, born around 1546, was perhaps the most famous member of the family. He bore the nickname the ‘Howlet of Barns’ on account of his sagacity in conducting midnight expeditions and was apparently a ‘staunch cavalier…well horsed, with a buff coat and steel bonnet, lance and sword’.

In the 18th century James Burnet moved into Barns House, the small Georgian mansion house that he had commissioned on the banks of the Tweed. Barns House is visible from the Tower, which was probably remodelled at the same time.