Skip main navigation
For sale
  • $525,000

    556 Shortoff Road, Highlands, NC 28741

    3beds
    --sqft
    : 
    Single Family Residence
    Built in 1966
    0.41 Acres Lot
    $492,400 Zestimate®
    $--/sqft
    $-- HOA

    What's special

    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.
    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
    Get pre-qualifiedBe ready to make an offer.
    Connect with an agentGet info on this home, tour, and more.
    Calculate monthly paymentSee if you can afford this home.

    Estimated market value

    $492,400

    $468,000 - $517,000

    $1,630/mo

    Price history

    Price history
    DateEventPrice
    2/26/2026Listed for sale$525,000
    Source: HCMLS #1002514 Report a problem
    1/29/2026Listing removed$525,000
    Source: HCMLS #1001862 Report a problem
    9/25/2025Listed for sale$525,000+81%
    Source: HCMLS #1001862 Report a problem
    6/10/2021Sold$290,000+286.7%
    Source: Public Record Report a problem
    12/23/2019Sold$75,000-62.1%
    Source: Public Record Report a problem
    7/20/2019Listing removed$1,300
    Source: Owner Report a problem
    6/13/2019Listed for rent$1,300+8.3%
    Source: House In Order Property Management Report a problem
    1/13/2019Listing removed$1,200
    Source: Owner Report a problem
    12/30/2018Price change$1,200-7.7%
    Source: Owner Report a problem
    11/13/2018Listing removed$198,000
    Source: Owner Report a problem
    11/13/2018Listed for rent$1,300
    Source: House In Order PM, LLC Report a problem
    10/2/2018Price change$198,000-2%
    Source: Owner Report a problem
    8/20/2018Price change$202,000-4.7%
    Source: Owner Report a problem
    7/27/2018Price change$212,000+7.1%
    Source: Owner Report a problem
    7/2/2018Price change$198,000-6.6%
    Source: Owner Report a problem
    5/29/2018Price change$212,000+6.3%
    Source: Owner Report a problem
    5/29/2018Pending sale$199,500-5.9%
    Source: Owner Report a problem
    5/29/2018Listed for sale$212,000
    Source: Owner Report a problem
    3/14/2018Pending sale$212,000
    Source: Owner Report a problem
    3/5/2018Listed for sale$212,000
    Source: Owner Report a problem

    Public tax history

    Public tax history
    YearProperty taxesTax 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

      Getting around

      0 / 100
      Car-Dependent
      18 / 100
      Somewhat Bikeable

      Nearby schools

      GreatSchools rating

      Local experts in 28741

      Similar homes

      Skip to the end of the carouselSkip to the beginning of the carousel