There was once a fine mansion called Nettlehurst overlooking the old Giffen Station, being situated on the high ground above the old Nettlehurst limeworks. The old house's brick-built water tower is still a prominent landmark, standing on the high point behind the surviving Nettlehurst Cottage and stables.

In July 1932 Nettlehurst House burned down, possibly due to an electrical fire. The dramatic fire coincided with the return from Ardrossan South Beach of a special train for the Barrmill Sunday School on the line from Ardrossan to Giffen Station. The fierce fire was clearly visible from the train and was a talking point in the village for weeks.

The mansion house was never restored and shortly afterwards the dangerous ruin was demolished. The entrance gateposts, orchard, boundary walls, mausoleum, farm and the stables, with its crow stepped gable ends remain. The platform of the old tennis court is also still apparent.

In the early 19th century the Rev. David Maclellan owned Nettlehurst. David was the Minister of Beith Kirk. The Rev Maclellan published many religious articles, using the name 'Urtica' (The scientific name for a Nettle is Urtica dioica). William Patrick of Roughwood purchased Nettlehurst from the Fulton family; some time later Nettlehurst became part of the Giffin House estate.

William Burns, a shoemaker from Drumbuie, obtained the nearby Townhead of Nettlehurst (later demolished when the big house was built) in the 18th century. William had two sons Robert and James.  Robert had no direct heirs and William Burns, son of James, therefore inherited the property in 1845. William had three sons, James, William and David. William and Anne Burns lived at Nettlehurst  in 1901, together with their sons Walter and Albert. William is recorded as being a merchant dealing in fancy goods.

The Ordnance Survey Map shows a Burns family burial ground located near woodland to the south of the old house site. The fine red sandstone structure still survives (2010) although the crypt has been broken into and the frontage stones are much disturbed. No inscriptions are apparent on the structure.

The origin of the placename is not formally recorded, however the 'Nettle' may refer to the plant and 'Hurst' may refer to harvest; meaning an area where nettles predominate. The term 'hairst' might refer to a barren hillock, knoll, or ridge. A fitting description of the site today.