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For sale by owner
  • $594,000

    1571 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC 28741

    2beds
    1,165sqft
    : 
    $3,379/mo
    Get pre-qualified
    SingleFamily
    Built in 2006
    3,484 Square Feet Lot
    $654,000 Zestimate®
    $510/sqft
    $-- HOA

    What's special

    Floating backyard deckCozy atmosphere
    Located less than two miles from Main Street Highlands, just minutes from Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Lake Sequoyah, Author's Cottage is a charming, fully furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bath mountain retreat offering the perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and mountain charm. Thoughtfully maintained and move-in ready, the cottage is directly across from the popular On the Verandah restaurant and less than 1,000 yards from a public canoe launch, making it easy to enjoy everything Highlands has to offer while returning home to your own private mountain getaway. With approximately 1,165 square feet of living space, Author's Cottage comfortably accommodates family and guests while maintaining the cozy atmosphere that makes Highlands such a special destination. The home is being sold fully furnished, with only a few personal exclusions, allowing new owners to begin enjoying it immediately. The cottage has a long history of welcoming guests to Highlands, who consistently praise its comfort, location, and mountain character. Whether enjoyed as a private retreat, a seasonal residence, or a home shared with guests, the property offers exceptional flexibility and ease of ownership. Recent improvements include crawlspace encapsulation completed in 2021, a side deck with privacy fencing, and a floating backyard deck added in 2022. Combined with a trusted local network of housekeeping, maintenance, and landscaping professionals, the property is ideally suited for owners who spend part of the year away and appreciate a true "lock-and-leave" lifestyle. Rarely does a fully furnished, turnkey cottage become available this close to downtown Highlands while offering the convenience, flexibility, and mountain charm that have made Highlands such a beloved mountain destination. Whether you're searching for a personal mountain escape, a seasonal residence, or a place to create lasting memories with family and friends, Author's Cottage is ready to be enjoyed from day one. Schedule your private showing and discover the charm of Highlands for yourself.
    What the owner loves about this home
    What I love most about this home is that everyone who visits seems to find their own perfect way to enjoy Highlands. Some head out early for scenic hikes or one of the area's majestic waterfalls. Others prefer a leisurely stroll to a breathtaking overlook, an afternoon of canoeing or fishing, or simply wandering Main Street, browsing the shops, enjoying a great meal, and relaxing on a terrace. No matter what brings you to the mountains, it's all just minutes away. And when the day is over, it's always a pleasure to return to a warm, comfortable cottage that's ready to help you slow down and enjoy the moment. Over the years, that's exactly what this home has meant to our family, our friends, and the many guests who have stayed here. Everyone arrives looking for something a little different, yet they all seem to leave having found exactly what they came for.
    43 days
    |
    1,416
    |
    58
    |
    Listed by:

    Property Owner (818) 632-8669

    This property is for sale by owner and Zillow, Inc. is displaying it at the owner's request. It is not subject to a listing agreement with Zillow, Inc. or its affiliates.

      Facts & features

      Interior

      Bedrooms & bathrooms
      • Bedrooms: 2
      • Bathrooms: 2
      • Full bathrooms: 2
      Heating
      • Heat pump, Gas
      Appliances
      • Included: Dishwasher, Dryer, Garbage disposal, Microwave, Range / Oven, Refrigerator, Washer
      Features
      • Ceiling Fans, Walk-in Closet, Breakfast Bar
      • Flooring: Tile, Hardwood
      • Has fireplace: Yes
      Interior area
      • Total interior livable area: 1,165 sqft

      Property

      Parking
      • Parking features: Off-street
      Features
      • Exterior features: Wood
      Lot
      • Size: 3,484 Square Feet
      Details
      • Parcel number: 7530747944

      Construction

      Type & style
      • Home type: SingleFamily
      Materials
      • Foundation: Other
      • Roof: Shake / Shingle
      Condition
      • New construction: No
      • Year built: 2006

      Community & HOA

      Location
      • Region: Highlands

      Financial & listing details

      • Price per square foot: $510/sqft
      • Tax assessed value: $530,690
      • Annual tax amount: $2,197
      • Date on market: 6/13/2026

        Estimated market value

        $654,000

        $595,000 - $719,000

        $2,549/mo

        Price history

        DateEventPrice
        6/13/2026Listed for sale$594,000+13.8%$510/sqft
        Source: Owner Report a problem
        4/15/2026Listing removed--
        Source: Owner Report a problem
        1/15/2026Listed for sale$522,000-4.6%$448/sqft
        Source: Owner Report a problem
        11/2/2025Listing removed$547,000$470/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #1000327 Report a problem
        8/1/2025Price change$547,000-0.5%$470/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #1000327 Report a problem
        7/1/2025Price change$549,900-4.3%$472/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #1000327 Report a problem
        5/30/2025Price change$574,900-3.4%$493/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #1000327 Report a problem
        3/14/2025Listed for sale$595,000$511/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #1000327 Report a problem
        8/14/2024Listing removed$595,000$511/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #104382 Report a problem
        5/24/2024Listed for sale$595,000+16.7%$511/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #104382 Report a problem
        4/26/2022Sold$510,000$438/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #98629 Report a problem
        4/4/2022Pending sale$510,000$438/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #98629 Report a problem
        4/1/2022Listed for sale$510,000+34.6%$438/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #98629 Report a problem
        7/29/2021Sold$379,000$325/sqft
        Source: Public Record Report a problem
        4/24/2021Pending sale$379,000$325/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #96265 Report a problem
        4/23/2021Listed for sale$379,000$325/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #96265 Report a problem

        Public tax history

        YearProperty taxesTax assessment
        2025$2,197 $530,690
        2024$2,197 +0.5%$530,690
        2023$2,185 +15.9%$530,690 +75.2%
        2022$1,885 $302,960
        2021$1,885 +4.2%$302,960
        2020$1,808 +0.7%$302,960
        2019$1,795 $302,960 +657.4%
        2018$1,795 +756.8%$40,000
        2017$210 $40,000
        2016$210 $40,000
        2015$210 $40,000 -21.9%
        2014$210 $51,200
        2013$210 $51,200
        Find assessor info on the county website

        Monthly payment

        Est. payment

        Payment breakdown

        Explore the cost of this home by adjusting the details. Changes won't be saved.
        All calculations are estimates and provided by Zillow, Inc. for informational purposes only. Actual amounts may vary.
        HOA fees may include property taxes on listings classified as Co-Ops. Contact the listing agent and/or owner for fee details.
        Mortgage interest rates are dependent on a number of factors, including credit score, down payment, and repayment length. Interest rate data provided by Zillow Group Marketplace, Inc. as of 1/1/1970 from various mortgage lenders with which we have lead or other similar arrangements; the Estimated Payment is an average of those rates.
        See how much you could borrow to make a competitive offer.

        Climate risks

        Neighborhood: 28741

        Getting around

        8 / 100
        Car-Dependent
        3 / 100
        Somewhat Bikeable

        Nearby schools

        GreatSchools rating

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