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 counter tops, modern tile back splash 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.
For sale
$525,000
556 Shortoff Road, Highlands, NC 28741
3beds
--sqft
Est.:
Single Family Residence
Built in 1966
0.41 Acres Lot
$492,400 Zestimate®
$--/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
- 24 days |
- 79 |
- 1 |
Zillow last checked: 8 hours ago
Listing updated: February 26, 2026 at 10:48am
Listed by:
Merritt Shaw,
Mountain Life Real Estate, LLC
Source: HCMLS,MLS#: 1002514Originating MLS: Highlands Cashiers Board of Realtors
Tour with a local agent
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 1
- Full bathrooms: 1
Bedroom 1
- Level: Main
Bedroom 2
- Level: Main
Bedroom 3
- Level: Main
Bathroom 1
- Level: Main
Dining room
- Level: Main
Kitchen
- Level: Main
Laundry
- Level: Main
Living room
- Level: Main
Heating
- Baseboard, Gas
Cooling
- None
Appliances
- Included: Dryer, Dishwasher, Electric Cooktop, Electric Water Heater, Microwave, Oven, Refrigerator, Stainless Steel Appliance(s), Washer
- Laundry: Laundry Room
Features
- Granite Counters, High Speed Internet, Pantry, Track Lighting
- Flooring: Hardwood, Stone, Tile, Wood
- Basement: Crawl Space
- Has fireplace: No
- Fireplace features: None
Interior area
- Living area range: 500-1000 Square Feet
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Additional Parking, Circular Driveway, Detached, Garage, Workshop in Garage
- Garage spaces: 2
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: Accessibility Features, Other
Features
- Levels: One
- Stories: 1
- Patio & porch: Covered
- Exterior features: Private Entrance, Private Yard, Propane Tank - Leased
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Garden, Meadow
- Waterfront features: None
Lot
- Size: 0.41 Acres
- Features: Back Yard, Cleared, Front Yard, Garden, Landscaped, Native Plants, Pie Shaped Lot, Sloped, Flat, Level
- Topography: Level
Details
- Additional structures: Garage(s)
- Parcel number: 7541850221
- Zoning description: Residential
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Traditional
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Board & Batten Siding, Block, Other
- Foundation: Block
- Roof: Metal
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1966
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Sewer Applied for Permit, Septic Tank
- Water: Shared Well
- Utilities for property: Cable Available, Electricity Connected, Fiber Optic Available, Propane, Sewer Connected, Water Connected
Community & HOA
Community
- Features: None
- Subdivision: Cold Springs
HOA
- Has HOA: No
Location
- Region: Highlands
Financial & listing details
- Tax assessed value: $318,620
- Annual tax amount: $1,041
- Date on market: 2/2/2026
- Cumulative days on market: 151 days
- Road surface type: Gravel
Estimated market value
$492,400
$468,000 - $517,000
$1,630/mo
Price history
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2/26/2026 | Listed for sale | $525,000 |
Source: HCMLS #1002514 Report a problem | ||
| 1/29/2026 | Listing removed | $525,000 |
Source: HCMLS #1001862 Report a problem | ||
| 9/25/2025 | Listed for sale | $525,000+81% |
Source: HCMLS #1001862 Report a problem | ||
| 6/10/2021 | Sold | $290,000+286.7% |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
| 12/23/2019 | Sold | $75,000-62.1% |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
| 7/20/2019 | Listing removed | $1,300 |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 6/13/2019 | Listed for rent | $1,300+8.3% |
Source: House In Order Property Management Report a problem | ||
| 1/13/2019 | Listing removed | $1,200 |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 12/30/2018 | Price change | $1,200-7.7% |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 11/13/2018 | Listing removed | $198,000 |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 11/13/2018 | Listed for rent | $1,300 |
Source: House In Order PM, LLC Report a problem | ||
| 10/2/2018 | Price change | $198,000-2% |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 8/20/2018 | Price change | $202,000-4.7% |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 7/27/2018 | Price change | $212,000+7.1% |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 7/2/2018 | Price change | $198,000-6.6% |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 5/29/2018 | Price change | $212,000+6.3% |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 5/29/2018 | Pending sale | $199,500-5.9% |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 5/29/2018 | Listed for sale | $212,000 |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 3/14/2018 | Pending sale | $212,000 |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 3/5/2018 | Listed for sale | $212,000 |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $1,041 | $318,620 |
| 2024 | $1,041 +1.2% | $318,620 |
| 2023 | $1,029 -26.3% | $318,620 +143.2% |
| 2022 | $1,397 +108% | $131,010 |
| 2021 | $671 +5.2% | $131,010 |
| 2020 | $638 +2.1% | $131,010 |
| 2019 | $625 -0.1% | $131,010 -11.2% |
| 2018 | $626 | $147,460 |
| 2017 | -- | $147,460 |
| 2016 | -- | $147,460 |
| 2015 | -- | $147,460 -2.2% |
| 2014 | -- | $150,770 |
| 2013 | -- | $150,770 |
| 2012 | -- | $150,770 |
| 2011 | -- | $150,770 |
| 2010 | -- | $150,770 |
| 2009 | -- | $150,770 |
Find assessor info on the county website
BuyAbility℠ payment
Est. payment
$2,622/mo
Principal & interest
$2434
Property taxes
$188
Climate risks
Neighborhood: 28741
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 6/10Highlands SchoolGrades: K-12Distance: 3.2 mi
- 6/10Macon Middle SchoolGrades: 7-8Distance: 10.8 mi
- 2/10Mountain View Intermediate SchoolGrades: 5-6Distance: 11.1 mi






