Highlands Homes with Cleared Lot Features

Highlands, located in Macon County, North Carolina, is a charming city known for its natural beauty and picturesque landscapes. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this small town offers a peaceful and serene environment, making it an ideal place to call home.

One of the standout features of homes in Highlands is the abundance of properties with cleared lot features. True to its name, these homes come with spacious and well-maintained yards, providing ample space for outdoor activities and enjoying the breathtaking views that surround the area.

With a cleared lot, homeowners have the freedom to create their own outdoor oasis. Whether it's a beautifully landscaped garden, a playground for children, or a cozy patio for entertaining guests, the possibilities are endless. Imagine waking up to the fresh mountain air and stepping outside to your own private sanctuary.

In addition to the cleared lot features, homes in Highlands offer a range of architectural styles, from cozy cabins to elegant estates, ensuring there is something to suit every taste and preference. Many properties also boast modern amenities such as updated kitchens, spacious living areas, and luxurious master suites.

Living in Highlands means being part of a close-knit community that values nature and outdoor recreation. Residents can explore the numerous hiking trails, go fishing in the nearby rivers and lakes, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

If you're looking for a place that combines natural beauty, a tight-knit community, and homes with cleared lot features, Highlands, North Carolina, should be at the top of your list.

Newest Highlands Homes with Cleared Lot Features

$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

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