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.
Single Family
- Price
- $ 2,950,000
- City
- Highlands
- Bedrooms
- 5
- Full Bathrooms
- 5
- County
- MACON
- Half Bathrooms
- 0
- Area
- Macon County
- Lot Size
- 0.97 Acres
- Zip
- 28741
- Sqr Footage
- 4,164
- Year Built
- 1974
- Style
- Traditional
- MLS#
- 4395002
Features
General
Interior Features
Exterior Features
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 MonthBased on the average sale price from the Hickory, NC office
- Monthly Principal & interest $2,658
- Monthly Property Taxes $1,062
- Monthly Home Insurance $67
Let's determine your purchasing power. Working with my mortgage partner, you'll have the information you need to shop for a home with confidence.
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
Price History
Property vs Zip Code Average in 28741
Areas That We Cover
- Alexis
- Blowing Rock
- Boomer
- Casar
- Catawba
- Charlotte
- Cherryville
- Claremont
- Cleveland
- Collettsville
- Concord
- Connelly Springs
- Conover
- Cornelius
- Crouse
- Davidson
- Denver
- Drexel
- Glen Alpine
- Granite Falls
- Hamptonville
- Harmony
- Hickory
- Hiddenite
- Hildebran
- Hudson
- Huntersville
- Iron Station
- Ironton Township
- Lenoir
- Lincolnton
- Love Valley
- Maiden
- Matthews
- Midland
- Mint Hill
- Mooresville
- Moravian Falls
- Morganton
- Nebo
- Newland
- Newton
- Olin
- Patterson
- Pineville
- Rhodhiss
- Rutherford College
- Sherrills Ford
- Stanley
- Statesville
- Stony Point
- Taylorsville
- Terrell
- Troutman
- Union Grove
- Valdese
- Vale
85 & 95 Ralph Thomas Road Highlands, NC is a Single Family Home for sale at $2950000 with 4164 sqft and a lot size of 0.97 Acres Acre(s). 85 & 95 Ralph Thomas Road Highlands has 5 bedrooms, 5 baths and was built in 1974. 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.