Highlands, North Carolina is a charming town that is situated 4,100 feet up in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It holds a place of distinction as a high-end destination where luxury and natural beauty are the name of the game.
When visiting this area in North Carolina, your experience begins and is greatly impacted by where you choose to stay. This decision will make or break the overall feel of your trip, so choosing wisely is advisable. Thankfully, our partner, Rent in Highlands, has 5 tried and true options that are sure to help you elevate your stay and get the most out of your trip:
Sleeps 12, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
Although replete with modern furnishings and completely refurbished, The Mill House has a storied past, spanning over 100 years. It was a working mill in yesteryear and is now a renovated, luxurious spot to enjoy the Highlands, but there is still an operational water wheel! This house sits alongside Mirror Lake (full of fish ripe for the catching), and the Cullasaja River wraps around the house.
In addition to the house itself, which boasts a large deck for outdoor dining, a spacious kitchen, a comfortable seating area, and a covered porch that overlooks the river on two sides, this property also includes a screened-in porch with lush furnishings and two canoes for use. The upper-level bedroom has a private balcony that links to the guest room, and kids will love the bunk room with two sets of bunk beds. The front of the home features a welcoming firepit. Overall, this Highlands vacation rental boasts a private area for a family or group to enjoy the cool mountain experience of the Highlands.
Sleeps 14, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
Located near downtown Highlands, this open-floor mountain home boasts views of Shortoff Mountain, hence the name. Notable features of Shortoff Mountain View include a wood-burning fireplace and a great room with floor-to-ceiling windows. The master bedroom is distinguished by wood-paneled ceilings and a bathroom with a steam shower, heated floors, and a freestanding tub.
The main house also includes a loft with more seating and 2 more bedrooms. The property also features a bunkhouse above the garage, perfect for teenagers. It includes 2 bunk beds, a sofa, a full bathroom, and a wide-screen TV. Obviously, it also includes a garage, which is a nice add-on for a rental property.
Shortoff Mountain View is located on 12 private acres. It boasts an open-air deck and a furnished screened-in porch. The primary bedroom includes private access to the back deck, which connects to the screened-in porch. If you love fishing, this property will delight you thanks to its creek access and a spring-fed trout pond. This rental presents just the right amount of privacy while still providing close access to all the attractions of the Highlands.
Sleeps 10, 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
Notable features of Sparkling Waters Lakefront Retreat include the outdoor wood burning fireplace and a private deck. There is even a dock situated right alongside the home, and you are welcome to fish right off it and catch a bass for super! If you want to boat, you can either bring your own or rent one nearby. You are also free to swim or kayak (again supply your own or rent). This home is ideally suited for large families or groups with kids, or at least for the kid at heart. It even boasts a game room, including foosball, ping pong, and a pool table. Suffice it to say that even if rain ruins your plans, you have enough onsite to have fun even while staying inside.
When you enter the property you will notice the open beam ceilings, soaring in nature, along with the sprawling fireplace. The outside deck also runs the length of the house and there is a hot tub to enjoy as well. The primary bedroom offers deck access. The lower deck is covered and is where the hot tub is located, along with a hammock and gas grill. What could be better for enjoying the beautiful mountain air!
Sleeps 8, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
Located mere minutes from downtown Highlands in the coveted Sagee Woods area, Whispering Pines is a modern home designed by Darren Whatley and custom-built by Wind River Construction. It boasts premium finishes and an open floor plan, with tall windows that welcome in natural light. The entire home is designed around the impressive chef’s kitchen that boasts a quartzite island and premium appliances.
Notable features of this property include the many decks and screened-in porches. These are ideal for yoga or just soaking in the beauty of nature that is all around. There is even an uncovered deck with soft turf, perfect for sunning or reading a book as you relax on the stylish patio furniture. The lower deck includes a hot tub and a bar-height patio table.
Sleeps 8, 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
Last, but certainly not least, is Sagee Woods, boasting rustic elegance with two wood-burning fireplaces, a striking staircase and large screened-in porch. Although outside, the expansive porch is covered and offers plenty of comfy seating, a fireplace, and a gaming table, and is considered the crown jewel of this property. This home is located just 2.5 miles from downtown Highlands, where you can access the many art galleries, award-winning restaurants, shopping options, live performances, and hiking trails that make this area so popular.
Another notable feature of this Highlands cabin is the open-concept kitchen with high-quality countertops, premium appliances, and a spacious island that is ideal for meal prep or simply laying out your day’s plans in the Highlands. There is an indoor dining room as well, which also offers a good space for family games or other activities outside of eating meals, obviously. The primary suite includes a private seating area and a king bed. The other bedrooms are also carefully curated for privacy and comfort.
When staying in the Highlands, we understand that you will likely be exploring the area and enjoying its natural beauty, along with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. However, your experience in the Highlands should begin and end with where you stay, and as such, we feel choosing just the right property to substantiate your desired experience is a must.
The experts at Rent in Highlands have the 5 properties above, all of which provide an elevated experience for your vacation! Choose any of these Highlands cabins and vacation rentals, and you won't go wrong when visiting the Highlands.
