85 & 95 Ralph Thomas Road,Highlands, NC 28741
Highlands, NC 28741
Description
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.
Details
| MLS # | 4395002 |
|---|---|
| Listing Type | For Sale |
| Style | House |
| Sub-Type | Resale |
| Status | Active |
| Year | 1974 |
| Days On Site | 64 |
| Listing Provided By | MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC | Doug Treadwell |
Features
| Bed(s) | 5 |
|---|---|
| Bath(s) | 5 Total |
| SQ Feet | 4,164 |
| Garage | 3 |
| Basement | Y |
| Story(s) | 1 |
| Zoning | R |
| Acreage | 0.97 |
| Water Front | Yes |
Interior
| Cooling | Central Air, Zoned |
|---|---|
| Heating | Electric, Heat Pump, Zoned |
| Interior Features | Other - See Remarks |
| Appliances | Dishwasher, Electric Range, Microwave, Refrigerator with Ice Maker, Washer/Dryer, Other |
Exterior
| Exterior Features | Other - See Remarks |
|---|---|
| Roof | Architectural Shingle |
| Security Features | Radon Mitigation System |
| Construction Materials | Stone, Wood |
| Foundation Details | Permanent |
| Lot Features | Cleared, Green Area, Private, Rolling Slope, Wooded |
Parking
| Garage Yes / No | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parking Features | Circular Driveway, Driveway, Attached Garage, Garage Faces Front, Garage Faces Side, Keypad Entry, Other - See Remarks |
Utilities
| Utilities | Electricity Connected, Propane, Other - See Remarks |
|---|
Other
| List Aor | Highlands Cashiers Board of Realtors |
|---|
Taxes
| Property | 1458020 |
|---|
Area Information
| State | NC |
|---|---|
| County | Macon |
| City | Highlands |
| Zip Code | 28741 |
| Area | Macon |
| School District | Unspecified |
| Elementary School | Unspecified |
| High School | Unspecified |
| Listing VS Median (in 28741) | |
Price: $2,950,000 low | high Med: $1,062,000 sqft: 4,164 low | high Med: 1,603 $ / sqft: $708 low | high Med: $746 On site: 64 low | high Med: 78 | |
Market Activity 28741
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Learn More About This Property
| State | NC |
|---|---|
| County | Macon |
| City | Highlands |
| Zip Code | 28741 |
| Area | Macon |
| School District | Unspecified |
| Elementary School | Unspecified |
| High School | Unspecified |
| Listing VS Median (in 28741) | |
Price: $2,950,000 low | high Med: $1,062,000 sqft: 4,164 low | high Med: 1,603 $ / sqft: $708 low | high Med: $746 On site: 64 low | high Med: 78 | |