A rare two-home Highlands retreat just four minutes from Main Street, this exceptional offering was originally built by renowned local craftsman Ralph Thomas and thoughtfully updated for modern mountain living. Privately set among the trees near the Mirror Lake area, the property spans approximately one acre across two lots and offers an uncommon blend of craftsmanship, flexibility, privacy, recreational access, and income-producing potential.
Together, the residences provide approximately 4,500 square feet of interior living space, five bedrooms, five full baths, multiple flexible guest rooms and office spaces, two laundry/utility areas, four full-size refrigerators, and abundant indoor-outdoor living space. More than 2,000 square feet of decking includes a 400-square-foot cathedral-style screened porch, permanent seating areas, two fire pits, an outdoor stove, and peaceful spaces for gathering, dining, or relaxing beneath the tree canopy.
The setting is both private and convenient, with winter mountain views, summer forest-canopy vistas, and more than 130 trees planted along the perimeter in 2020 to enhance the secluded feel. A private paved driveway provides access within a quiet enclave adjoining Mirror Lake, while nearby gravel roads, waterfalls, streams, hiking trails, Skyline Lodge, and downtown Highlands place the best of the Plateau close at hand.
The primary residence underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2020 while preserving its original Adirondack camp character. Original wormy chestnut cabinetry and wood flooring remain, complemented by Bosch and Liebherr appliances, updated baths, a screened outdoor living area with electric screens, a metal roof, and replacement windows and doors throughout. Additional features include two wood-burning fireplaces, a gas river-rock fireplace, two garages with space for three vehicles, workshop areas, guest parking, high-speed internet service with fiber-optic availability, and a generator serving both homes.
The second residence has been upgraded to strengthen rental appeal and has generated up to $60,000 annually in long & short-term rental income. Located outside the Town of Highlands limits, the property benefits from the absence of municipal rental restrictions, offering flexibility for personal use, guest accommodations, or investment income. With two distinct homes, refined updates, original craftsmanship, outdoor living, and proven rental performance, this is a truly distinctive Highlands property.
Active
$2,950,000
85&95 Ralph Thomas Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
5beds
4,164sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1974
0.97 Acres Lot
$-- Zestimate®
$708/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Original adirondack camp characterWorkshop areasWinter mountain viewsUpdated bathsWood flooringPermanent seating areasBosch and liebherr appliances
- 2 days |
- 189 |
- 4 |
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Doug Treadwell doug@mountainlifere.com,
MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC
Source: Canopy MLS as distributed by MLS GRID,MLS#: 4395002
Loading...
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 5
- Full bathrooms: 5
- Main level bedrooms: 2
Primary bedroom
- Features: En Suite Bathroom
- Level: Main
- Area: 229.71 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 17' 8" X 13' 0"
Bedroom s
- Level: Upper
- Area: 148.2 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13' 1" X 11' 4"
Bedroom s
- Level: Upper
- Area: 157.71 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13' 11" X 11' 4"
Bathroom full
- Level: Upper
- Area: 55.93 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 8' 6" X 6' 7"
Dining room
- Level: Upper
- Area: 125.16 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 10' 6" X 11' 11"
Family room
- Level: Main
- Area: 320.43 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 19' 5" X 16' 6"
Kitchen
- Level: Upper
- Area: 134.93 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 12' 1" X 11' 2"
Laundry
- Features: Storage
- Level: Upper
- Area: 42.77 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 6' 6" X 6' 7"
Living room
- Features: Cathedral Ceiling(s)
- Level: Upper
- Area: 331.69 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 19' 5" X 17' 1"
Heating
- Electric, Heat Pump, Zoned
Cooling
- Central Air, Zoned
Appliances
- Included: Dishwasher, Electric Range, Microwave, Refrigerator with Ice Maker, Washer/Dryer, Other
- Laundry: Laundry Room, Multiple Locations, Other
Features
- Other - See Remarks
- Flooring: Carpet, Tile, Wood
- Doors: French Doors, Screen Door(s), Sliding Doors
- Basement: Other
- Fireplace features: Family Room, Living Room, Other - See Remarks
Interior area
- Total structure area: 4,164
- Total interior livable area: 4,164 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 4,164
- Finished area below ground: 0
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 3
- Parking features: Circular Driveway, Driveway, Attached Garage, Garage Faces Front, Garage Faces Side, Keypad Entry, Other - See Remarks, Garage on Main Level
- Attached garage spaces: 3
- Has uncovered spaces: Yes
- Details: #85 has a 1-car attached garage and concrete driveway with room for 2+ cars; #95 has a circular asphalt driveway with a 2-car attached garage.
Features
- Levels: One
- Stories: 1
- Patio & porch: Covered, Deck, Patio, Wrap Around, Other
- Exterior features: Other - See Remarks
- Fencing: Back Yard
- Waterfront features: None
Lot
- Size: 0.97 Acres
- Features: Cleared, Green Area, Private, Rolling Slope, Wooded
Living quarters
- Secondary features: Guest House
Details
- Additional structures: Other
- Parcel number: 7540161487
- Zoning: R
- Special conditions: Standard
- Other equipment: Other - See Remarks
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Traditional
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Stone, Wood
- Foundation: Permanent
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1974
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Septic Installed
- Water: Shared Well
- Utilities for property: Electricity Connected, Propane, Other - See Remarks
Community & HOA
Community
- Security: Radon Mitigation System
- Subdivision: None
Location
- Region: Highlands
- Elevation: 3500 Feet
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $708/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $1,458,020
- Date on market: 6/25/2026
- Cumulative days on market: 2 days
- Listing terms: Cash,Conventional
- Electric utility on property: Yes
- Road surface type: Asphalt, Concrete, Gravel, Paved
Estimated market value
Not available
Estimated sales range
Not available
Not available
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 6/25/2026 | Listed for sale | $2,950,000$708/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #1003600 Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
Tax history is unavailable.
Monthly payment
Est. payment$--/mo
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
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 6/10Highlands SchoolGrades: K-12Distance: 1.6 mi
- 6/10Macon Middle SchoolGrades: 7-8Distance: 10.7 mi
- 3/10Mountain View Intermediate SchoolGrades: 5-6Distance: 10.9 mi
A local agent can set up tours, give advice and negotiate with sellers.
- North Carolina
- Macon County
- Highlands
- 28741
- 85&95 Ralph Thomas Rd
Nearby cities
Nearby zip codes
Other Highlands Topics
