Highlands Real Estate

Highlands Real Estate

Welcome to Highlands, a charming town nestled in the heart of North Carolina. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty and small-town charm, Highlands is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil and picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Located in the western part of North Carolina, Highlands is surrounded by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, providing residents and visitors with a stunning backdrop of rolling hills, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. The town's elevation of over 4,000 feet also offers cooler temperatures and a refreshing escape from the summer heat.

Highlands is renowned for its outdoor recreational opportunities. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, golfing, or simply taking in the scenic beauty, this town has something for everyone. The nearby Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer miles of trails to explore, while the numerous lakes and rivers provide ample opportunities for water sports and fishing.

In addition to its natural wonders, Highlands also boasts a vibrant downtown area filled with unique shops, art galleries, and delicious dining options. The town's rich history is evident in its charming architecture and historic landmarks, adding to its distinctive character.

For those seeking a peaceful and idyllic place to call home, Highlands offers a range of real estate options. From cozy mountain cabins to luxurious estates, there is a property to suit every taste and budget. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or a permanent residence, Highlands provides a serene and welcoming community.

Come and discover the beauty of Highlands, North Carolina. Experience the tranquility, explore the outdoors, and embrace the small-town charm that this enchanting city has to offer.

Newest Listings in Highlands

$1,125,000
4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 4403878 MLS ⋅ 2,184 SqFt. ⋅ 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
$229,900
1 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ 4405263 MLS ⋅ 636 SqFt. ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Discover your mountain escape just minutes from Highlands. This charming 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo with a private garage offers a bright, open living space and comfortable layout—perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Enjoy nearby adventures with hiking in Nantahala National Forest, breathtaking waterfalls like Dry Falls, and peaceful days at Lake Glenville. Plus, downtown Highlands offers boutique shopping and dining just minutes away. Your mountain lifestyle starts here.

145 Hawks Nest Lane Unit #B/3, Highlands

Listing courtesy of Lamplighter Realty. larryrogers.lamplighter@gmail.com
$229,900
1 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 4405230 MLS ⋅ 620 SqFt. ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Discover your mountain getaway just minutes from Highlands. This inviting 1-bedroom, 1.5-bath condo with a loft features an open living space, and a versatile loft perfect for guests or a home office. Enjoy the best of the area with nearby hiking in Nantahala National Forest, stunning waterfalls like Dry Falls, and relaxing days at Lake Glenville. Plus, downtown Highlands offers charming shops and dining just a short drive away. Mountain living starts here.

125 Hawks Nest Lane Unit #C/1, Highlands

Listing courtesy of Lamplighter Realty. larryrogers.lamplighter@gmail.com
$179,900
1 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 4405201 MLS ⋅ 840 SqFt. ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Discover your perfect mountain retreat! This 1-bedroom, 2-bath condo with a loft suitable for second bedroom or office, is just minutes from the heart of Highlands, North Carolina. Enjoy the best of mountain living with easy access to downtown Highlands' charming shops, dining, hiking, and beautiful waterfalls. Your mountain escape is waiting!

145 Hawks Nest Lane Unit #C/3, Highlands

Listing courtesy of Lamplighter Realty. larryrogers.lamplighter@gmail.com
$3,500,000
4 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 4403993 MLS ⋅ 5,166 SqFt. ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Mountain Luxury Meets Club Lifestyle in Cullasaja Experience the very best of mountain living in this beautifully crafted four-bedroom residence within the prestigious Cullasaja Club, where timeless architecture, exceptional craftsmanship, and an unparalleled lifestyle come together. Designed for both everyday comfort and gracious entertaining, the home welcomes you with soaring vaulted and beamed ceilings anchored by a dramatic floor-to-ceiling native stone fireplace. Expansive windows frame peaceful mountain views while filling the great room with natural light, creating a warm and inviting gathering space. The thoughtfully designed floor plan offers four private ensuite bedrooms, including an exceptional primary suite featuring its own adjoining office and sunroom—a quiet retreat for reading, working remotely, or simply enjoying the changing seasons. The spacious kitchen is complemented by a convenient butler's pantry, providing abundant storage and effortless entertaining. Outdoor living is equally impressive. A private screened porch with its own stone fireplace invites year-round enjoyment, while the expansive rear deck overlooks beautifully landscaped grounds and the surrounding mountain scenery. Whether hosting family and friends or enjoying a peaceful morning coffee, every outdoor space has been designed to embrace the natural beauty of Highlands. Life in Cullasaja Club extends well beyond the home. Members enjoy one of the Highlands Plateau's premier private club experiences, centered around an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, exceptional dining, tennis, croquet, wellness facilities, swimming, and an active calendar of social events—all set within one of the region's most picturesque mountain communities. The club is known for its welcoming atmosphere, personalized service, and generations of families returning each season to enjoy cool mountain summers and an exceptional quality of life. Just minutes from charming downtown Highlands, you'll enjoy award-winning restaurants, boutique shopping, art galleries, live theater, waterfalls, hiking trails, and countless outdoor adventures. Here, every day offers the opportunity to embrace the relaxed elegance that has made Highlands one of the Southeast's most sought-after mountain destinations. This is more than a beautiful home—it's an invitation to experience a mountain lifestyle where luxury, nature, and lifelong memories come together.

17 Sunset Trace, Highlands

Listing courtesy of MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC. doug@mountainlifere.com
$2,200,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 4402768 MLS ⋅ 3,002 SqFt. ⋅ 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
$109,000
4400262 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
**Build-Ready Mountain Homesite Near Highlands, NC – The Hard Work Is Already Done!** Why spend months clearing land, installing utilities, and preparing a homesite when so much of the work has already been completed? Located just inside the North Carolina state line from Georgia, this exceptional mountain property offers a rare opportunity to begin building sooner while enjoying easy access to **Highlands, Cashiers, and Lake Glenville**—three of Western North Carolina's most sought-after destinations for outdoor recreation, fine dining, shopping, and mountain living. From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the extensive site preparation that sets this property apart. A driveway has already been graded into the property with the first layer of gravel in place, providing easy access for construction and future use. The homesite itself has been professionally graded and prepared for a home with a **fully exposed walk-out basement and main-level living above**, allowing you to maximize both your home's design and the surrounding mountain setting. Even better, many of the time-consuming pre-construction steps have already been addressed. A survey has been completed, underground power has been installed to the property for convenient connection, and both a septic permit and well permit have been obtained. The property deed also provides the option of utilizing the community well if preferred, offering additional flexibility as you plan your build. A building permit had previously been pulled, giving the next owner a significant head start in the development process. Another standout feature is the property's **road frontage on two sides**, offering convenient access and additional flexibility for driveway placement, home orientation, and future landscaping. Whether your vision includes expansive outdoor living spaces, a wraparound porch, or a home designed to capture the surrounding mountain beauty, this property provides an excellent foundation to bring those plans to life. The location is equally impressive. Just minutes from Highlands, you'll enjoy award-winning restaurants, boutique shopping, art galleries, live entertainment, and the timeless charm that has made the area one of the Southeast's premier mountain destinations. Nearby Cashiers offers its own unique small-town atmosphere, while Lake Glenville provides endless opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and lakeside relaxation. Outdoor enthusiasts will love being close to countless hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and national forest lands that make this region so desirable year-round. Whether you're looking to build your forever home, a seasonal mountain escape, or an investment property to take advantage of the area's strong vacation rental demand, this property offers outstanding potential. The combination of completed site work, underground utilities, flexible water options, and an exceptional location means you can spend less time navigating the early stages of development and more time focusing on designing the mountain home you've always envisioned. Build with confidence knowing much of the groundwork has already been completed. Opportunities to find a homesite this well prepared in such a desirable location are becoming increasingly rare. Come explore the possibilities and imagine the mountain lifestyle waiting for you just minutes from Highlands, Cashiers, and beautiful Lake Glenville.

706 Highlands View Road, Highlands

Listing courtesy of WEICHERT, Realtors - Unlimited. jkitsos@weichertunlimited.com
$2,950,000
5 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 4395002 MLS ⋅ 4,164 SqFt. ⋅ 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 ⋅ 912 SqFt. ⋅ 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
$1,200,000
4387799 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
For those seeking privacy, acreage, and the freedom to create something truly personal in the mountains of Western North Carolina, this 30+/- unrestricted acre tract offers a rare and exciting opportunity. Offered as a portion of a 33.35+/- acre parcel, the property is privately tucked at the end of the road and bordered on two sides by USFS land, giving it a peaceful, protected feel while remaining approximately 15 minutes from Highlands and 30 minutes from Cashiers. The land unfolds with a private pond, native rhododendron, wooded trails, gentle natural beauty, and several potential homesites where long-range mountain views may be opened with thoughtful tree limbing or clearing. A trail has already been cleared so the property can be toured with ease, allowing you to walk the land, take in the setting, and visit the charming old one-room cabin built when the current owner was a child. The cabin is not livable and is conveyed at no value, but it adds a nostalgic sense of history and character to the property. With no HOA and no restrictions, the possibilities are unusually broad. Create a private mountain retreat designed around the views, develop multiple homesites, establish a quiet compound, enjoy the land for hunting or camping, explore timber or agricultural use, or hold it as a legacy property in a highly desirable mountain market. The combination of acreage, privacy, pond frontage, USFS adjacency, and potential view sites makes this offering especially compelling. Beyond the property, the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau offers a celebrated lifestyle shaped by cool mountain air, outdoor adventure, cultural events, boutique shopping, dining, music, and year-round community gatherings. Spend the day exploring nearby trails and waterfalls, then enjoy Highlands events such as Saturday Music on Pine, Bear Shadow Concerts, and Chamber activities, or Cashiers favorites like Groovin’ on the Green, the Plein Air Festival, and seasonal social events. This is more than land; it is a canvas for an elevated mountain life, with room to dream, build, gather, explore, and preserve.

4419 Flat Mountain Road, Highlands

Listing courtesy of MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC. doug@mountainlifere.com
$527,500
2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 4379401 MLS ⋅ 1,182 SqFt. ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Nestled just minutes from the charm and dining of downtown Highlands, this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and modern updates. Set on 1.8 acres of unrestricted land, the property features a lush, manicured lawn and a peaceful setting ideal for full-time living or a mountain retreat.Inside, the inviting living area showcases a stunning vaulted ceiling and a striking stone fireplace, creating a warm and open atmosphere. The recently renovated primary suite is a true highlight, featuring a thoughtfully redesigned bathroom along with separate “his” and “hers” closets—including a spacious walk-in for added convenience. Significant upgrades provide peace of mind, including a new septic system and updated plumbing (2022). In 2023, a wraparound deck was added, offering exceptional indoor-outdoor living with a screened-in space perfect for relaxing or entertaining year-round. Additional features include a detached 2-car carport that also serves as excellent storage space. With its prime location, quality updates, and serene acreage, this property is a rare find in the Highlands area

3731 Dillard Road, Highlands

Listing courtesy of Lamplighter Realty. larryrogers.lamplighter@gmail.com
$999,000
2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 4376026 MLS ⋅ 1,022 SqFt. ⋅ 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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