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.
For sale by owner
Price cut: $5K (9/3)
$539,000
1571 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
2beds
1,165sqft
SingleFamily
Built in 2006
3,484 Square Feet Lot
$-- Zestimate®
$463/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Floating backyard deckCozy atmosphere
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.
- 88 days
- 1,673
- 69
Listed by:
Property Owner (818) 632-8669
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: $463/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $530,690
- Annual tax amount: $2,197
- Date on market: 6/13/2026
Estimated market value
Not available
Estimated sales range
Not available
$1,795/mo
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 9/3/2026 | Price change | $539,000-0.9%$463/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 7/31/2026 | Price change | $544,000-8.4%$467/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 6/13/2026 | Listed for sale | $594,000+13.8%$510/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 4/15/2026 | Listing removed | -- |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 1/15/2026 | Listed for sale | $522,000-4.6%$448/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 11/2/2025 | Listing removed | $547,000$470/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #1000327 Report a problem | ||
| 8/1/2025 | Price change | $547,000-0.5%$470/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #1000327 Report a problem | ||
| 7/1/2025 | Price change | $549,900-4.3%$472/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #1000327 Report a problem | ||
| 5/30/2025 | Price change | $574,900-3.4%$493/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #1000327 Report a problem | ||
| 3/14/2025 | Listed for sale | $595,000$511/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #1000327 Report a problem | ||
| 8/14/2024 | Listing removed | $595,000$511/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #104382 Report a problem | ||
| 5/24/2024 | Listed for sale | $595,000+16.7%$511/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #104382 Report a problem | ||
| 4/26/2022 | Sold | $510,000$438/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #98629 Report a problem | ||
| 4/4/2022 | Pending sale | $510,000$438/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #98629 Report a problem | ||
| 4/1/2022 | Listed for sale | $510,000+34.6%$438/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #98629 Report a problem | ||
| 7/29/2021 | Sold | $379,000$325/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
| 4/24/2021 | Pending sale | $379,000$325/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #96265 Report a problem | ||
| 4/23/2021 | Listed for sale | $379,000$325/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #96265 Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax 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







