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Active

85 95 Ralph Thomas Road

Highlands, NC 28741

Active 32 days on market Listing ID CAR 305036481

$2,950,000

Est. $16,957/mo See my rate

$708/Sq Ft

5 bd · 5 ba · 4,164 sqft · $708/sqft

5 Beds
5 Baths
4,164 Sq Ft
$708/Sq Ft
1974 Built
.97 acres Single Family Residence Listed Jun 25, 2026 Updated Jun 26, 2026 HOA None

About This Home

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.

Property Details

Interior Details

Heating
  • Electric
  • Heat Pump
  • Zoned
Flooring
  • Carpet
  • Tile
  • Wood
Sqftmain
2216
Roomcount
9
Sqftlower
0
Sqftthird
0
Sqftupper
1948
Bedroommain
2
Bedroomthird
0
Bedroomupper
3
Fullbathmain
3
Halfbathmain
0
Door Features
  • French Doors
  • Screen Door(s)
  • Sliding Doors
Fullbaththird
0
Fullbathupper
2
Halfbaththird
0
Halfbathupper
0
Half Bathrooms
0
Total Bathrooms
5
Halfbathsecondlq
0
Laundry Features
  • Laundry Room
  • Multiple Locations
  • Other - See Remarks
Interior Features
  • Other - See Remarks
Mainlevelgarageyn
1
Security Features
  • Radon Mitigation System
Sqftunheatedtotal
0
Fireplace Features
  • Family Room
  • Living Room
  • Other - See Remarks
Sqfttotalpropertyhla
4164

Dwelling And Structure

Architectural Style
  • Traditional

Square Footage And Levels

Levels
  • One
Above Grade Finished Area
4164
Below Grade Finished Area
0

Parking And Garage

Carport Spaces
0
Parking Features
  • Circular Driveway
  • Driveway
  • Attached Garage
  • Garage Faces Front
  • Garage Faces Side
  • Keypad Entry
  • Other - See Remarks

Exterior Features

Roof
  • Architectural Shingle
Exterior Features
  • Other - See Remarks
Construction Materials
  • Stone
  • Wood
Patio And Porch Features
  • Covered
  • Deck
  • Patio
  • Wrap Around
  • Other - See Remarks

Lot And Land

Fencing
  • Back Yard
Lot Features
  • Cleared
  • Green Area
  • Private
  • Rolling Slope
  • Wooded
Lot Size Acres
0.97
Lot Size Units
Acres
Other Structures
  • Other - See Remarks

Basement And Foundation

Basement
  • Other
Foundation Details
  • Permanent

Waterfront And View

Waterfront Features
  • None

Utilities

Sewer
  • Septic Installed
Utilities
  • Electricity Connected
  • Propane
  • Other - See Remarks
Water Source
  • Shared Well

Financial Information

Citytaxespaidto
No City Taxes Paid
Hoasubjecttodues
No

Zoning And Restrictions

Zoningspecification
R

Listed by Doug Treadwell (828-482-2800) · MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC (828-239-8814)

Location

Address
85 95 Ralph Thomas Road
City
Highlands, NC 28741
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Schools

Elementary
Unspecified
Middle
Unspecified
High
Unspecified

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

Canopy MLS

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