Highlands Homes with None Waterfront Features

Highlands Homes with None Waterfront Features

**Discover Highlands, North Carolina: A Hidden Gem in the Mountains**

Nestled in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, Highlands, North Carolina, is a charming town that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant community life. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, Highlands boasts a temperate climate, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat. With its picturesque streets lined with quaint shops, art galleries, and delightful eateries, the town exudes a warm, welcoming atmosphere that invites exploration.

Highlands is not just a haven for nature lovers; it also offers a variety of recreational activities, from hiking the scenic trails of Whiteside Mountain to enjoying a round of golf at one of the area’s pristine courses. The nearby waterfalls and lush forests provide an idyllic backdrop for family outings and peaceful moments in nature.

For those looking to call Highlands home, the real estate market offers a diverse selection of properties, including homes without waterfront features. These residences provide the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene mountain lifestyle while enjoying the convenience of being close to the town's amenities. Whether you’re seeking a cozy cabin or a spacious family home, the options are plentiful.

Living in Highlands means embracing a lifestyle that celebrates both tranquility and adventure. With its stunning vistas, vibrant community, and rich cultural offerings, Highlands, NC, truly is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Come and experience the charm of this mountain town—your dream home awaits!

Newest Highlands Homes with None Waterfront Features

$1,125,000
4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 4403878 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Tucked away on approximately 1 acre of elevated, wooded privacy, this inviting 4-bedroom, 3-full bath mountain retreat offers the perfect blend of comfort, seclusion, and Highlands charm. Ideally located near Mirror Lake and prestigious Half-Mile Farm, this property provides a peaceful setting while remaining just minutes from downtown Highlands' shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation. The spacious floor plan features a large great room with plenty of space for gathering with family and friends. The well-designed one level layout offers four comfortable bedrooms and three full baths, making it ideal as a full-time residence, seasonal getaway, or use as a short term vacation rental due to its location just outside of Highlands' town limits. Step outside to the covered deck, where you can relax year-round while enjoying the tranquil wooded surroundings and cool mountain air. A unique smoker storage shed adds character and versatility, offering possibilities for outdoor entertaining and preserving a mountain tradition. Additional home highlights include crown molding throughout, a large 2-car garage, ample parking, and a private setting that captures the beauty and serenity of the Highlands plateau. Whether you're seeking a peaceful escape or a mountain home close to some of Highlands' and Cashiers most desirable destinations, this property presents an exceptional opportunity to experience the best of Western North Carolina living.

141 Dolly Lane, Highlands

Listing courtesy of MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC. john@mountainlifere.com
$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
$999,000
2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 4376026 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Priced BELOW tax value = instant equity opportunity you don’t want to miss. Why buy one when you can get two units for the price of one? Welcome to a Jeffrey Dungan Low Country XL-designed mountain Tiny cottage where views of Whiteside Mountain don’t get any better. This is the kind of setting people chase in the mountains—and rarely find paired with this level of design and versatility. Located in the Gated Community of The Preserve at Whiteside Cliffs. The upper level lives like a modern designer home, featuring Summit appliances, quartz countertops, Delta fixtures, and 7” oak hardwood flooring. Soaring cathedral ceilings and 270° panoramic views flood the space with natural light through expansive Ply Gem energy-efficient windows and French doors. Both bedrooms accommodates a king bed, includes full-height closet storage, and a built-in desk. Plus, enjoy your private deck just outside your Main floor Bedroom. Downstairs offers a fully functional second living space with its own living area, kitchenette, bedroom, and walk-in shower—making this a true dual-unit setup ideal for guests, rental income, or multi-generational living. With its own covered deck with views that don't disappoint. Stay comfortable year-round with dual Mitsubishi mini-splits (one per level). Outdoor living is where this property really shines and expands your Tiny Home living space: ~ Over 500 sq ft of upper-level decking to soak in those unmatched Whiteside Mountain views ~ Private deck off the primary bedroom ~ Covered lower-level deck with ceiling fans for relaxed, all-season use Additional features include: ~ Premium Board and Batten Cedar siding ~ Shiplap Interior Walls ~ Built-in breakfast bar dining ~ Combo washer/dryer ~ Two dry storage areas ~ Energy-efficient construction throughout ~ Sleeps 4+ comfortably This is more than a mountain getaway—it’s a smart investment priced under tax value with built-in upside from day one. Whether you’re looking for a mountain escape, short-term rental potential, or multi-generational living, this property checks every box. If you’ve been waiting for a property where the view truly delivers—this is it. Opportunities like this—priced under tax value with dual living spaces—don’t sit long. Call and visit the Black Panther TODAY!

261 Rock Face Trail Unit #LT 10c, Highlands

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Great Smokies. mountainhomesteam@kw.com
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