Skip to main content
Active

556 Shortoff Road

Highlands, NC 28741

Active 176 days on market Listing ID CAR 305006973

$495,000

Est. $2,845/mo See my rate

$543/Sq Ft

3 bd · 1 ba · 912 sqft · $543/sqft

3 Beds
1 Bath
912 Sq Ft
$543/Sq Ft
1966 Built
.41 acres Single Family Residence Cold Springs Listed Feb 2, 2026 Updated Jul 19, 2026 HOA None

About This Home

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.

Property Details

Interior Details

Heating
  • Central
  • Electric
Flooring
  • Laminate
  • Tile
  • Wood
Sqftmain
912
Roomcount
8
Sqftlower
0
Sqftthird
0
Sqftupper
0
Bedroommain
3
Fullbathmain
1
Halfbathmain
0
Door Features
  • Screen Door(s)
Half Bathrooms
0
Total Bathrooms
1
Laundry Features
  • Laundry Room
Interior Features
  • Attic Stairs Pulldown
Mainlevelgarageyn
1
Sqftunheatedtotal
0
Sqfttotalpropertyhla
912

Dwelling And Structure

Architectural Style
  • Transitional

Square Footage And Levels

Levels
  • One
Above Grade Finished Area
912
Below Grade Finished Area
0

Parking And Garage

Parking Features
  • Detached Garage
  • Garage Door Opener

Exterior Features

Roof
  • Metal
Exterior Features
  • Fire Pit
Construction Materials
  • Block
  • Hardboard Siding
Patio And Porch Features
  • Front Porch

Lot And Land

Fencing
  • Back Yard
Lot Features
  • Cleared
  • Rolling Slope
Lot Size Acres
0.41
Lot Size Units
Acres
Horse Amenities
  • None

Basement And Foundation

Foundation Details
  • Crawl Space

Waterfront And View

Waterfront Features
  • None

Utilities

Sewer
  • Septic Installed
Utilities
  • Fiber Optics
Water Source
  • Shared Well

Financial Information

Citytaxespaidto
No City Taxes Paid
Hoasubjecttodues
No

Zoning And Restrictions

Zoningspecification
R

Listed by Merritt Shaw (828-421-7593) · MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC (828-239-8814)

Location

Address
556 Shortoff Road
City
Highlands, NC 28741
Community
Cold Springs
Get directions: Apple MapsGoogle Maps
Explore the area →

Schools

Elementary
Highlands School
Middle
Highlands School
High
Highlands School

School assignments may change. Contact the school district to confirm.

Canopy MLS

Details provided by CANOPYMLS as Distributed by MLS Grid and may not match the public record.

IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use only; it may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS GRID. Use of this site may be subject to an end user license agreement.

Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of Jul 19, 2026. All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.

Some IDX listings have been excluded from this website.

Any use by you of search facilities of data on the site, other than by a consumer looking to purchase real estate, is prohibited.

DMCA Notice: Palmetto Park Realty respects the intellectual property rights of others. If you believe that your work has been copied in a way that constitutes copyright infringement, please provide our designated agent with written notice containing the following information: (1) identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed; (2) identification of the material that is claimed to be infringing; (3) your contact information; (4) a statement that you have a good faith belief that use of the material is not authorized; and (5) a statement that the information in the notification is accurate and you are authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner.

Please send DMCA notices to: hello@palmettopark.com

Schedule a Tour

556 Shortoff Road, Highlands, NC, 28741

Step 1 of 2

Note: All times are Eastern Time (ET). Tours must be scheduled at least 2 hours in advance.

Time

Add a place