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 countertops, modern tile backsplash 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.
Active
Price cut: $45K (8/31)
$450,000
556 Shortoff Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
3beds
912sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1966
0.41 Acres Lot
$429,500 Zestimate®
$493/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Solid metal roofNew cabinetsModern tile backsplash
- 193 days
- 839
- 20
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Merritt Shaw merritt@mountainlifere.com,
MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC
Source: Canopy MLS as distributed by MLS GRID,MLS#: 4394862
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 1
- Full bathrooms: 1
- Main level bedrooms: 3
Primary bedroom
- Level: Main
Bedroom s
- Level: Main
Bedroom s
- Level: Main
Bathroom full
- Level: Main
Dining room
- Level: Main
Kitchen
- Level: Main
Laundry
- Level: Main
Living room
- Level: Main
Heating
- Central, Electric
Cooling
- None
Appliances
- Included: Dryer, Electric Cooktop, Electric Oven, Electric Water Heater, Microwave, Washer
- Laundry: Laundry Room
Features
- Flooring: Laminate, Tile, Wood
- Doors: Screen Door(s)
- Has basement: No
- Attic: Pull Down Stairs
Interior area
- Total structure area: 912
- Total interior livable area: 912 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 912
- Finished area below ground: 0
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Detached Garage, Garage Door Opener, Garage on Main Level
- Garage spaces: 2
- Details: Driveway is circular and there are two entry ways to the property.
Features
- Levels: One
- Stories: 1
- Patio & porch: Front Porch
- Exterior features: Fire Pit
- Fencing: Back Yard
- Waterfront features: None
Lot
- Size: 0.41 Acres
- Features: Cleared, Rolling Slope
Details
- Parcel number: 7541850221
- Zoning: R
- Special conditions: Standard
- Other equipment: Generator
- Horse amenities: None
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Transitional
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Block, Hardboard Siding
- Foundation: Crawl Space
- Roof: Metal
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1966
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Septic Installed
- Water: Shared Well
- Utilities for property: Fiber Optics
Community & HOA
Community
- Features: None
- Subdivision: Cold Springs
Location
- Region: Highlands
- Elevation: 3500 Feet
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $493/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $318,620
- Annual tax amount: $1,041
- Date on market: 2/2/2026
- Cumulative days on market: 188 days
- Listing terms: Cash,Conventional
- Road surface type: Gravel
Estimated market value
$429,500
$408,000 - $451,000
$1,546/mo
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8/31/2026 | Price change | $450,000-9.1%$493/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #1002514 Report a problem | ||
| 7/17/2026 | Listed for sale | $495,000$543/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #1002514 Report a problem | ||
| 6/22/2026 | Contingent | $495,000$543/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #1002514 Report a problem | ||
| 6/17/2026 | Price change | $495,000-1%$543/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #1002514 Report a problem | ||
| 5/26/2026 | Price change | $500,000-4.8%$548/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #1002514 Report a problem | ||
| 2/26/2026 | Listed for sale | $525,000$576/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #1002514 Report a problem | ||
| 1/29/2026 | Listing removed | $525,000$576/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #1001862 Report a problem | ||
| 9/25/2025 | Listed for sale | $525,000+81%$576/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #1001862 Report a problem | ||
| 6/10/2021 | Sold | $290,000+286.7%$318/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
| 12/23/2019 | Sold | $75,000-62.1%$82/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
| 7/20/2019 | Listing removed | $1,300$1/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 6/13/2019 | Listed for rent | $1,300+8.3%$1/sqft |
Source: House In Order Property Management Report a problem | ||
| 1/13/2019 | Listing removed | $1,200$1/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 12/30/2018 | Price change | $1,200-7.7%$1/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 11/13/2018 | Listing removed | $198,000$217/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 11/13/2018 | Listed for rent | $1,300$1/sqft |
Source: House In Order PM, LLC Report a problem | ||
| 10/2/2018 | Price change | $198,000-2%$217/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 8/20/2018 | Price change | $202,000-4.7%$221/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 7/27/2018 | Price change | $212,000+7.1%$232/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 7/2/2018 | Price change | $198,000-6.6%$217/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 5/29/2018 | Price change | $212,000+6.3%$232/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 5/29/2018 | Pending sale | $199,500-5.9%$219/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 5/29/2018 | Listed for sale | $212,000$232/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 3/14/2018 | Pending sale | $212,000$232/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 3/5/2018 | Listed for sale | $212,000$232/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
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
Monthly payment
Est. payment
Payment breakdown
Explore the cost of this home by adjusting the details. Changes won't be saved.Climate risks
Neighborhood: 28741
Nearby schools
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Highlands School
- Middle: Highlands School
- High: Highlands School
Source: Canopy MLS as distributed by MLS GRID. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.







