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$2,200,000

There are mountain homes, and then there are mountain properties that offer the freedom to create a legacy. Set at the end of a quiet road on 33.35+/- unrestricted acres, this exceptional Highlands-area retreat combines breathtaking long-range mountain views, remarkable privacy, and endless possibilities in one of Western North Carolina's most sought-after locations. Surrounded on two sides by U.S. Forest Service land, the property enjoys a rare sense of permanence and seclusion. Rolling woodland, a private pond, natural clearings, and a trail that has already been opened across the larger portion of the acreage invite exploration while revealing the remarkable scale of the land. Several locations throughout the property offer the potential for additional homesites where selective tree limbing or clearing could further enhance the already impressive mountain vistas. At the heart of the property sits a quintessential log cabin that perfectly captures the timeless appeal of mountain living. Warm wood interiors, soaring vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and expansive windows create an inviting atmosphere where natural light and panoramic views become part of the home's design. The dramatic great room serves as a gracious centerpiece for entertaining, equally suited for lively gatherings with friends or peaceful evenings beside the fire after a day spent exploring the mountains. The open kitchen blends beautifully into the living spaces with stainless steel appliances, generous workspace, and effortless flow to the expansive wraparound deck. Extending along three sides of the home, the outdoor living areas offer multiple places to relax, dine, and enjoy the ever-changing mountain landscape. One covered section, complete with a porch swing, provides an idyllic setting for morning coffee, afternoon thunderstorms, or colorful Blue Ridge sunsets. The thoughtfully designed floor plan offers three bedrooms and two full baths. Two guest bedrooms, a shared bath, and the laundry room are conveniently located on the main level, while the upper-level primary suite provides a peaceful retreat featuring a newly renovated shower, walk-in closet, abundant attic storage, and a loft workspace overlooking the great room below. The walkout basement adds tremendous flexibility for future expansion. A spacious unfinished area with sliding glass doors opening to the covered patio offers outstanding potential for additional living or recreation space, while a separate workshop with oversized barn-style doors easily accommodates equipment, tools, hobbies, or creative pursuits. With no HOA and no restrictions, this property offers exceptional versatility. Whether envisioning a private family compound, additional residences, a recreational retreat, hiking and camping, hunting, forestry, or simply preserving the land as your own mountain sanctuary, the opportunities are as expansive as the acreage itself. Despite its remarkable privacy, the property is only approximately 15 minutes from Highlands and 30 minutes from Cashiers, placing award-winning dining, boutique shopping, art galleries, live music, seasonal festivals, hiking trails, waterfalls, and countless outdoor adventures comfortably within reach. Starlink service has also performed well for the current owner, offering reliable connectivity while enjoying the peace and beauty of this extraordinary setting. Large unrestricted tracts surrounded by protected land are becoming increasingly rare on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Combined with a classic log home, spectacular views, and exceptional convenience to two of Western North Carolina's most desirable mountain towns, this is a truly uncommon opportunity. Schedule your private showing today and experience firsthand the beauty, privacy, and possibilities this remarkable mountain retreat has to offer.

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 4402768 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status

There are mountain homes, and then there are mountain properties that offer the freedom to create a legacy. Set at the end of a quiet road on 33.35+/- unrestricted acres, this exceptional Highlands-area retreat combines breathtaking long-range mountain views, remarkable privacy, and endless possibilities in one of Western North Carolina's most sought-after locations. Surrounded on two sides by U.S. Forest Service land, the property enjoys a rare sense of permanence and seclusion. Rolling woodland, a private pond, natural clearings, and a trail that has already been opened across the larger portion of the acreage invite exploration while revealing the remarkable scale of the land. Several locations throughout the property offer the potential for additional homesites where selective tree limbing or clearing could further enhance the already impressive mountain vistas. At the heart of the property sits a quintessential log cabin that perfectly captures the timeless appeal of mountain living. Warm wood interiors, soaring vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and expansive windows create an inviting atmosphere where natural light and panoramic views become part of the home's design. The dramatic great room serves as a gracious centerpiece for entertaining, equally suited for lively gatherings with friends or peaceful evenings beside the fire after a day spent exploring the mountains. The open kitchen blends beautifully into the living spaces with stainless steel appliances, generous workspace, and effortless flow to the expansive wraparound deck. Extending along three sides of the home, the outdoor living areas offer multiple places to relax, dine, and enjoy the ever-changing mountain landscape. One covered section, complete with a porch swing, provides an idyllic setting for morning coffee, afternoon thunderstorms, or colorful Blue Ridge sunsets. The thoughtfully designed floor plan offers three bedrooms and two full baths. Two guest bedrooms, a shared bath, and the laundry room are conveniently located on the main level, while the upper-level primary suite provides a peaceful retreat featuring a newly renovated shower, walk-in closet, abundant attic storage, and a loft workspace overlooking the great room below. The walkout basement adds tremendous flexibility for future expansion. A spacious unfinished area with sliding glass doors opening to the covered patio offers outstanding potential for additional living or recreation space, while a separate workshop with oversized barn-style doors easily accommodates equipment, tools, hobbies, or creative pursuits. With no HOA and no restrictions, this property offers exceptional versatility. Whether envisioning a private family compound, additional residences, a recreational retreat, hiking and camping, hunting, forestry, or simply preserving the land as your own mountain sanctuary, the opportunities are as expansive as the acreage itself. Despite its remarkable privacy, the property is only approximately 15 minutes from Highlands and 30 minutes from Cashiers, placing award-winning dining, boutique shopping, art galleries, live music, seasonal festivals, hiking trails, waterfalls, and countless outdoor adventures comfortably within reach. Starlink service has also performed well for the current owner, offering reliable connectivity while enjoying the peace and beauty of this extraordinary setting. Large unrestricted tracts surrounded by protected land are becoming increasingly rare on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Combined with a classic log home, spectacular views, and exceptional convenience to two of Western North Carolina's most desirable mountain towns, this is a truly uncommon opportunity. Schedule your private showing today and experience firsthand the beauty, privacy, and possibilities this remarkable mountain retreat has to offer.

4435 Flat Mountain Road, Highlands

Listing courtesy of MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC. doug@mountainlifere.com

$2,950,000

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.

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

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.

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

$340,000

Discover this beautiful 0.4 acre land lot within Highlands, NC town limits and only 1 mile to Main Street. The lot resides on the slopes of desirable Big Bear Pen mountain and is close to multiple luxury homes, providing a Buyer the opportunity to own within a highly respected area. The Seller has partially cleared the lot. Public water access available at the street. A key consideration is Highlands was voted the Best Small Mountain Town in 2024 by Travel and Leisure Magazine due to its remarkable shopping, restaurants, cultural activities, and hospitality. Located only 2.5 hours from Atlanta and only 1.5 hours to both Greenville and Asheville, this resort town is easily accessed. Build your dream home amidst the Rhododendrons and Mountain Laurel of this spectacular small town!

4275096 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status

Discover this beautiful 0.4 acre land lot within Highlands, NC town limits and only 1 mile to Main Street. The lot resides on the slopes of desirable Big Bear Pen mountain and is close to multiple luxury homes, providing a Buyer the opportunity to own within a highly respected area. The Seller has partially cleared the lot. Public water access available at the street. A key consideration is Highlands was voted the Best Small Mountain Town in 2024 by Travel and Leisure Magazine due to its remarkable shopping, restaurants, cultural activities, and hospitality. Located only 2.5 hours from Atlanta and only 1.5 hours to both Greenville and Asheville, this resort town is easily accessed. Build your dream home amidst the Rhododendrons and Mountain Laurel of this spectacular small town!

TBD Upper Lake Road Unit #69, Highlands

Listing courtesy of MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC. john@mountainlifere.com

Lee Rosenthal

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