In the Middle Ages Castlehead made up part of the private hunting grounds belonging to Walter fitz Alan in the Forest of Paisley. The land remained in ownership of the Abbey until the Maxwells (descended from the Maxwells of Caerlaverock) acquired the lands in the 17th century, and built upon them a manor house. This building was eventually to be replaced by 'The Old House' built in 1770 by James Maxwell. A map dated 1839 shows the remnants of a Roman encampment and there is some evidence that Castlehead, together with the hills at Oakshaw and Woodside, had made up the Roman out-station of Vanduara.