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For sale
  • $525,000

    556 Shortoff Road, Highlands, NC 28741

    3beds
    --sqft
    : 
    Single Family Residence
    Built in 1966
    0.41 Acres Lot
    $498,000 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.
    55 days
    |
    543
    |
    12
    |

    Zillow last checked: 7 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: 182 days
      • Road surface type: Gravel
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        Estimated market value

        $498,000

        $473,000 - $523,000

        $2,073/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
        $2,832/mo
        Principal & interest
        $2644
        Property taxes
        $188
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          Climate risks

          Neighborhood: 28741

          Getting around

          0 / 100
          Car-Dependent
          18 / 100
          Somewhat Bikeable

          Nearby schools

          GreatSchools rating

          Local experts in 28741

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