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  • Price cut: $5K (6/17)
    $495,000

    556 Shortoff Rd, Highlands, NC 28741

    3beds
    912sqft
    : 
    $2,816/mo
    Get pre-qualified
    Single Family Residence
    Built in 1966
    0.41 Acres Lot
    $474,600 Zestimate®
    $543/sqft
    $-- HOA

    What's special

    Solid metal roofNew cabinetsModern tile backsplash
    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.
    174 days
    |
    376
    |
    8
    |

    Likely to sell faster than

    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#: 4394862MLS Logo

      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: $543/sqft
      • Tax assessed value: $318,620
      • Annual tax amount: $1,041
      • Date on market: 2/2/2026
      • Cumulative days on market: 148 days
      • Listing terms: Cash,Conventional
      • Road surface type: Gravel

        Estimated market value

        $474,600

        $451,000 - $498,000

        $1,812/mo

        Price history

        DateEventPrice
        7/17/2026Listed for sale$495,000$543/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #1002514 Report a problem
        6/22/2026Contingent$495,000$543/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #1002514 Report a problem
        6/17/2026Price change$495,000-1%$543/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #1002514 Report a problem
        5/26/2026Price change$500,000-4.8%$548/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #1002514 Report a problem
        2/26/2026Listed for sale$525,000$576/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #1002514 Report a problem
        1/29/2026Listing removed$525,000$576/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #1001862 Report a problem
        9/25/2025Listed for sale$525,000+81%$576/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #1001862 Report a problem
        6/10/2021Sold$290,000+286.7%$318/sqft
        Source: Public Record Report a problem
        12/23/2019Sold$75,000-62.1%$82/sqft
        Source: Public Record Report a problem
        7/20/2019Listing removed$1,300$1/sqft
        Source: Owner Report a problem
        6/13/2019Listed for rent$1,300+8.3%$1/sqft
        Source: House In Order Property Management Report a problem
        1/13/2019Listing removed$1,200$1/sqft
        Source: Owner Report a problem
        12/30/2018Price change$1,200-7.7%$1/sqft
        Source: Owner Report a problem
        11/13/2018Listing removed$198,000$217/sqft
        Source: Owner Report a problem
        11/13/2018Listed for rent$1,300$1/sqft
        Source: House In Order PM, LLC Report a problem
        10/2/2018Price change$198,000-2%$217/sqft
        Source: Owner Report a problem
        8/20/2018Price change$202,000-4.7%$221/sqft
        Source: Owner Report a problem
        7/27/2018Price change$212,000+7.1%$232/sqft
        Source: Owner Report a problem
        7/2/2018Price change$198,000-6.6%$217/sqft
        Source: Owner Report a problem
        5/29/2018Price change$212,000+6.3%$232/sqft
        Source: Owner Report a problem
        5/29/2018Pending sale$199,500-5.9%$219/sqft
        Source: Owner Report a problem
        5/29/2018Listed for sale$212,000$232/sqft
        Source: Owner Report a problem
        3/14/2018Pending sale$212,000$232/sqft
        Source: Owner Report a problem
        3/5/2018Listed for sale$212,000$232/sqft
        Source: Owner Report a problem

        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

        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

        0 / 100
        Car-Dependent
        18 / 100
        Somewhat Bikeable

        Nearby schools

        GreatSchools rating
        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.

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