556 Shortoff Road

Highlands, NC
$ 450,000 Beds 3 Baths 1 Sq 912
Monthly Estimate* How much can I afford?

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.

Single Family

  • Price
  • $ 450,000
  • City
  • Highlands
  • Bedrooms
  • 3
  • Full Bathrooms
  • 1
  • County
  • MACON
  • Half Bathrooms
  • 0
  • Area
  • Macon County
  • Lot Size
  • 0.41 Acres
  • Zip
  • 28741
  • Sqr Footage
  • 912
  • Year Built
  • 1966
  • Style
  • Transitional
  • MLS#
  • 4394862
Listed By: MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC; merritt@mountainlifere.com
Data Source: Canopy MLS

Features

General

Living Area 912
Sewer Septic Installed
Heating Central,Electric
Cooling None
Utilities Fiber Optics
Roof Metal
Appliances Dryer,Electric Cooktop,Electric Oven,Electric Water Heater,Microwave,Washer
Garage Spaces 2
Patio/Porch Features Front Porch
Architectural Style Transitional
Construction Materials Block,Hardboard Siding
Year Built 1966
Levels One
Property Subtype Single Family Residence
Parcel Number 7541850221
Elevation 3500
Waterfront Features None
Community Features None
County Macon
New Construction No
Property Type Residential
HOA No
Subdivision Name Cold Springs
Garage Y/N Yes
Full Baths 1
Directions From Highlands,go east on Hwy 64 toward Cashiers. Turn left on Buck Creek Road. Turn right on Shortoff Road,go 1/2 mile to 556 (the first entrance) on the left. It is hard to see traffic (pulling out
High School Highlands School
City Highlands
Senior Community Y/N No
Lot Size Units Acres
Carport Y/N No
Elementary School Highlands School
Middle/Junior High School Highlands School
Additional Parcels Y/N No
Standard Status Active
CAR_HOASubjectTo None
Construction Type Site Built
Restrictions Building,Deed,Square Feet
Tax Assessed Value 318620
Listing Terms Cash,Conventional

Interior Features

Interior Amenities Attic Stairs Pulldown
Flooring Laminate,Tile,Wood
Basement (Y/N) No
Fireplace Y/N No
Above Grade Finished Area 912
Laundry Features Laundry Room
Total Bedrooms 3
Total Baths 1
SqFt Main 912
Bedroom 3

Exterior Features

Exterior Amenities Fire Pit
Fencing Back Yard
Parking Features Detached Garage,Garage Door Opener
Lot Features Cleared,Rolling Slope
Water Source Shared Well
Lot Size Area 0.41
Foundation Details Crawl Space
Road Surface Type Gravel
Other Parking Driveway is circular and there are two entry ways to the property.
Door Features Screen Door(s)
Other Equipment Fuel Tank - Leased,Generator
Road Responsibility Publicly Maintained Road
Horse Amenities None
Main Level Garage YN Yes

Amenities

  • Foreclosure
  • Views
  • Short Sale
  • New Construction
  • Adult 55+
  • Lease To Own
  • No HOA Fees
  • Furnished
  • Primary On Main
  • Air Conditioning
  • Seller Finance
  • Green
  • Fixer Upper
  • Horse
  • Golf
  • Fireplace
  • Deck
  • Garage
  • Basement
  • Pool

Affordability Calculator

$3,786

Per Month

Based on the average sale price from the Hickory, NC office

  • Monthly Principal & interest $2,658
  • Monthly Property Taxes $1,062
  • Monthly Home Insurance $67
Adjust Payment Options
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Default based on a 30-year fixed rate of 6.49% with 20% down. The estimated payment is offered for convenience and is not an offer of credit. Due to market fluctuations, interest rates are subject to change at any time and without notice. Your individual rate may vary. Rates may differ for FHA, VA, or jumbo loans.

Mortgage calculator provided courtesy of Inside Real Estate.

Schools

Elementary School Highlands School Elementary School
Middle School Highlands School Middle School
High School Highlands School High School

Price History

6/18/2026 Listed $495,000
9/4/2026 10% - $450,000

Property vs Zip Code Average in 28741

Price
AVG $2.6M
$450K
Year Built
AVG 1992
1966
Visits
AVG 1
29
Data Provided by Inside Real Estate®

556 Shortoff Road Highlands, NC is a Single Family Home for sale at $450000 with 912 sqft and a lot size of 0.41 Acres Acre(s). 556 Shortoff Road Highlands has 3 bedrooms, 1 baths and was built in 1966. The property's zip code is 28741 which is in Highlands, NC

*Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Financial calculator disclaimer: Default based on a 30-year fixed rate of 6.49% with 20% down. The estimated payment is offered for convenience and is not an offer of credit. Due to market fluctuations, interest rates are subject to change at any time and without notice. Your individual rate may vary. Rates may differ for FHA, VA or jumbo loans.

Mortgage calculator provided courtesy of Inside Real Estate.

All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed, and should be independently verified. The real estate information and related content displayed on this site is provided for consumers personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.