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Active

556 Shortoff Road

Highlands, NC 28741

Active Listed 187 Days Price cut to $450,000 Sep 4, 2026 Listing ID CAR 305006973

$450,000
Est. $2,856/mo20% down · 7.125% · 30-yrAdjust
  • P&I$2,425
  • Taxes$281
  • Insurance$150

Principal, interest, property tax, insurance & HOA. Estimate only — not a loan offer.

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$493/Sq Ft

3 bd · 1 ba · 912 sqft · $493/sqft

3 Beds
1 Bath
912 Sq Ft
$493/Sq Ft
1966 Built
.41 acres Single Family Residence Cold Springs Listed Feb 2, 2026 Updated Sep 4, 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 history

  1. Sep 4, 2026
    Price reduced $450,000 Active
    Was $495,000
  2. Sep 4, 2026
    Status changed to Off Market $450,000 Off Market
    Active -> Off Market
  3. Sep 3, 2026
    Previously listed $450,000 Off Market
Show 3 more Show less
  1. Jul 19, 2026
    Back on market $495,000 Active
    Pending -> Active
  2. Jun 22, 2026
    Went pending $495,000 Pending
    Active -> Pending
  3. Feb 2, 2026
    Listed for sale $495,000 Active
    Listed 187 Days

Property Details

Interior Details

Heating
  • Central
  • Electric
Flooring
  • Laminate
  • Tile
  • Wood
Room Count
8
Door Features
  • Screen Door(s)
Half Bathrooms
0
Total Bathrooms
1
Laundry Features
  • Laundry Room
Main Level Sq Ft
912
Interior Features
  • Attic Stairs Pulldown
Main Level Garage
Yes
Main Level Bedrooms
3
Main Level Full Baths
1
Main Level Half Baths
0

Dwelling And Structure

Construction Type
Site Built
Architectural Style
  • Transitional

Square Footage And Levels

Levels
  • One
Above Grade Finished Area
912

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

Basement And Foundation

Foundation Details
  • Crawl Space

Utilities

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

Financial Information

Hoa Dues
No
City Taxes Paid To
No City Taxes Paid

Zoning And Restrictions

Zoning
R
Restrictions
  • Building
  • Deed
  • Square Feet
Subject To Ccrs
No

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
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Schools

Elementary
Highlands School
Middle
Highlands School
High
Highlands School

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

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