Highlands Homes with Cleared Lot Description

Highlands Homes with Cleared Lot Description

Welcome to Highlands, North Carolina—a picturesque mountain town nestled in the heart of Macon County. Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, Highlands is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil lifestyle. With its charming downtown filled with unique boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and art galleries, this vibrant community offers a perfect blend of sophistication and small-town charm.

Highlands is not just a destination; it’s a lifestyle. Surrounded by the lush Blue Ridge Mountains, residents enjoy a plethora of recreational activities, from hiking the scenic trails of the nearby Nantahala National Forest to fishing in crystal-clear mountain streams. The area is also known for its stunning waterfalls, including the iconic Dry Falls, which are just a short drive away.

For those looking to plant roots in this enchanting locale, you'll find a selection of homes with cleared lots ready for your dream vision. These properties provide a blank canvas, allowing you to design and build the perfect retreat tailored to your lifestyle. Imagine waking up to the sound of chirping birds and the gentle rustle of leaves, with the majestic mountains as your backdrop.

Whether you're seeking a permanent residence or a vacation getaway, Highlands offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of mountain living. With its rich history, vibrant community, and stunning natural surroundings, you’ll find that Highlands isn’t just a place to live; it’s a place to thrive. Come explore the possibilities and discover your own piece of paradise in this charming North Carolina gem!

Newest Highlands Homes with Cleared Lot Description

$2,950,000
5 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 4395002 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
A rare two-home Highlands retreat just four minutes from Main Street, this exceptional offering was originally built by renowned local craftsman Ralph Thomas and thoughtfully updated for modern mountain living. Privately set among the trees near the Mirror Lake area, the property spans approximately one acre across two lots and offers an uncommon blend of craftsmanship, flexibility, privacy, recreational access, and income-producing potential. Together, the residences provide approximately 4,500 square feet of interior living space, five bedrooms, five full baths, multiple flexible guest rooms and office spaces, two laundry/utility areas, four full-size refrigerators, and abundant indoor-outdoor living space. More than 2,000 square feet of decking includes a 400-square-foot cathedral-style screened porch, permanent seating areas, two fire pits, an outdoor stove, and peaceful spaces for gathering, dining, or relaxing beneath the tree canopy. The setting is both private and convenient, with winter mountain views, summer forest-canopy vistas, and more than 130 trees planted along the perimeter in 2020 to enhance the secluded feel. A private paved driveway provides access within a quiet enclave adjoining Mirror Lake, while nearby gravel roads, waterfalls, streams, hiking trails, Skyline Lodge, and downtown Highlands place the best of the Plateau close at hand. The primary residence underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2020 while preserving its original Adirondack camp character. Original wormy chestnut cabinetry and wood flooring remain, complemented by Bosch and Liebherr appliances, updated baths, a screened outdoor living area with electric screens, a metal roof, and replacement windows and doors throughout. Additional features include two wood-burning fireplaces, a gas river-rock fireplace, two garages with space for three vehicles, workshop areas, guest parking, high-speed internet service with fiber-optic availability, and a generator serving both homes. The second residence has been upgraded to strengthen rental appeal and has generated up to $60,000 annually in long & short-term rental income. Located outside the Town of Highlands limits, the property benefits from the absence of municipal rental restrictions, offering flexibility for personal use, guest accommodations, or investment income. With two distinct homes, refined updates, original craftsmanship, outdoor living, and proven rental performance, this is a truly distinctive Highlands property.

85 & 95 Ralph Thomas Road, Highlands

Listing courtesy of MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC. doug@mountainlifere.com
$495,000
3 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ 4394862 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Built in 1966 on the original caretaker's lot, this enchanting 3-bedroom, 1 bath hidden artist's haven is nestled in the peaceful Cold Springs community, just 4 miles from the charm of Main Street, Highlands and offers the perfect blend of inspiration and tranquility. Step inside to find refinished, narrow-planked hardwood floors that glow with warmth, setting the tone for a home that invites creativity, reflection, and escape. You will find a beautifully renovated kitchen with granite countertops, modern tile backsplash and new cabinets. In 2020, all the kitchen appliances were replaced with stainless steel refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and electric stove and there’s a washer and dryer in a separate laundry/storage room. In 2002, lifetime vinyl windows were installed, inviting the mountain light to pour in while keeping the elements at bay. And a full bathroom remodel was done in 2020 with a granite countertop sink, vanity, shower/bath with frameless glass sliding doors, and tile flooring. The two car garage is spacious and is wired for 220 voltage, enough power for an artist's studio or workshop. Enhancing the feel of quiet enchantment are the tall rhododendrons that offer seclusion and privacy, and a pollinating garden landscaped along the fence that frames the yard. Whether you're sipping coffee as the morning mist rises or watching horses run in the fenced pasture across the way, this sanctuary is ideal for painters, writers, and dreamers alike. Recently installed fiber optic internet, and a Generac generator ready for any season, this mountain retreat offers both serenity and reliability. The home is in a desired area of Highlands and is ideal as a vacation rental, investment opportunity, or first home. It is nestled behind a lush wall of Rhododendron making for private, peaceful sanctuary and the level, circular driveway makes for easy access, year-round. Over the years, this home has been well-maintained. The well pump was replaced in 2005 on the shared well, as well as the LP gas furnace in 2009, ensuring warmth through crisp mountain winters. The home’s solid metal roof was installed and the interior was painted in 2014. The exterior was painted along with the installation of oversized gutters and guards to protect the home through all seasons in 2018. And the hot water heater was just replaced to ensure comfort well into the future.

556 Shortoff Road, Highlands

Listing courtesy of MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC. merritt@mountainlifere.com
Start Your Search

“ Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of . All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Some IDX listings have been excluded from this website. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information © 2026 Canopy MLS as distributed by MLS GRID”

Last Updated: