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For sale by owner
  • $594,000

    1571 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC 28741

    2beds
    1,165sqft
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    SingleFamily
    Built in 2006
    3,484 Square Feet Lot
    $649,300 Zestimate®
    $510/sqft
    $-- HOA

    What's special

    Inviting cottageFully furnished turnkey cottageFloating backyard deckCozy atmosphere
    Welcome to Author's Cottage, a charming, fully furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bath mountain retreat near downtown Highlands. Thoughtfully maintained and move-in ready, this inviting cottage offers the perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and mountain charm in one of Western North Carolina's most sought-after destinations. Located less than two miles from Main Street Highlands, the home is just minutes from downtown shopping and dining, Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Lake Sequoyah. It is directly across from the popular On the Verandah restaurant and less than 1,000 yards from a public canoe launch. With approximately 1,165 square feet of living space, Author's Cottage comfortably accommodates family and guests while maintaining the cozy atmosphere that makes Highlands such a special mountain getaway. The home is being sold fully furnished, with only a few personal exclusions, allowing new owners to begin enjoying it immediately. For years, the cottage has welcomed visitors to Highlands who consistently praise its comfort, location, and mountain character. Whether used as a private retreat, a seasonal residence, or a home shared with guests, the property offers exceptional flexibility and ease of ownership. Recent improvements include crawlspace encapsulation completed in 2021, a side deck with privacy fencing, and a floating backyard deck added in 2022. Combined with a trusted local network of housekeeping, maintenance, and landscaping professionals, the property is ideally suited for owners who spend part of the year away and appreciate a true "lock-and-leave" lifestyle. Rarely does a fully furnished, turnkey cottage become available this close to downtown Highlands while offering the convenience, flexibility, and mountain charm that have made the area famous. Whether you're searching for a personal mountain escape, a seasonal residence, or a place to create lasting memories with family and friends, Author's Cottage is ready to be enjoyed from day one. Schedule your private showing and discover the charm of Highlands for yourself.
    What the owner loves about this home
    What I love most about this home is that it lets me enjoy the best of Highlands without sacrificing convenience. In just a few minutes, I can be in town for dinner, shopping, or a concert, or exploring nearby waterfalls and mountain trails. Yet when I return, the cottage feels warm, comfortable, and removed from the pace of everyday life. It's the kind of place where friends linger on the deck, mornings start a little slower, and weekends seem to last longer. That's what has made it so special to us over the years.
    2 days
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    488
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    16
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    Listed by:

    Property Owner (818) 632-8669

    This property is for sale by owner and Zillow, Inc. is displaying it at the owner's request. It is not subject to a listing agreement with Zillow, Inc. or its affiliates.

      Facts & features

      Interior

      Bedrooms & bathrooms
      • Bedrooms: 2
      • Bathrooms: 2
      • Full bathrooms: 2
      Heating
      • Heat pump, Gas
      Appliances
      • Included: Dishwasher, Dryer, Garbage disposal, Microwave, Range / Oven, Refrigerator, Washer
      Features
      • Ceiling Fans, Walk-in Closet, Breakfast Bar
      • Flooring: Tile, Hardwood
      • Has fireplace: Yes
      Interior area
      • Total interior livable area: 1,165 sqft

      Property

      Parking
      • Parking features: Off-street
      Features
      • Exterior features: Wood
      Lot
      • Size: 3,484 Square Feet
      Details
      • Parcel number: 7530747944

      Construction

      Type & style
      • Home type: SingleFamily
      Materials
      • Foundation: Other
      • Roof: Shake / Shingle
      Condition
      • New construction: No
      • Year built: 2006

      Community & HOA

      Location
      • Region: Highlands

      Financial & listing details

      • Price per square foot: $510/sqft
      • Tax assessed value: $530,690
      • Annual tax amount: $2,197
      • Date on market: 6/13/2026
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        Estimated market value

        $649,300

        $584,000 - $721,000

        $1,945/mo

        Price history

        DateEventPrice
        6/13/2026Listed for sale$594,000+13.8%$510/sqft
        Source: Owner Report a problem
        4/15/2026Listing removed--
        Source: Owner Report a problem
        1/15/2026Listed for sale$522,000-4.6%$448/sqft
        Source: Owner Report a problem
        11/2/2025Listing removed$547,000$470/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #1000327 Report a problem
        8/1/2025Price change$547,000-0.5%$470/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #1000327 Report a problem
        7/1/2025Price change$549,900-4.3%$472/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #1000327 Report a problem
        5/30/2025Price change$574,900-3.4%$493/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #1000327 Report a problem
        3/14/2025Listed for sale$595,000$511/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #1000327 Report a problem
        8/14/2024Listing removed$595,000$511/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #104382 Report a problem
        5/24/2024Listed for sale$595,000+16.7%$511/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #104382 Report a problem
        4/26/2022Sold$510,000$438/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #98629 Report a problem
        4/4/2022Pending sale$510,000$438/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #98629 Report a problem
        4/1/2022Listed for sale$510,000+34.6%$438/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #98629 Report a problem
        7/29/2021Sold$379,000$325/sqft
        Source: Public Record Report a problem
        4/24/2021Pending sale$379,000$325/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #96265 Report a problem
        4/23/2021Listed for sale$379,000$325/sqft
        Source: HCMLS #96265 Report a problem

        Public tax history

        YearProperty taxesTax assessment
        2025$2,197 $530,690
        2024$2,197 +0.5%$530,690
        2023$2,185 +15.9%$530,690 +75.2%
        2022$1,885 $302,960
        2021$1,885 +4.2%$302,960
        2020$1,808 +0.7%$302,960
        2019$1,795 $302,960 +657.4%
        2018$1,795 +756.8%$40,000
        2017$210 $40,000
        2016$210 $40,000
        2015$210 $40,000 -21.9%
        2014$210 $51,200
        2013$210 $51,200

        Find assessor info on the county website

        Monthly payment

        Est. payment

          Payment breakdown

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          All calculations are estimates and provided by Zillow, Inc. for informational purposes only. Actual amounts may vary.
          HOA fees may include property taxes on listings classified as Co-Ops. Contact the listing agent and/or owner for fee details.
          Mortgage interest rates are dependent on a number of factors, including credit score, down payment, and repayment length. Interest rate data provided by Zillow Group Marketplace, Inc. as of 1/1/1970 from various mortgage lenders with which we have lead or other similar arrangements; the Estimated Payment is an average of those rates.
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          Climate risks

          Neighborhood: 28741

          Getting around

          8 / 100
          Car-Dependent
          3 / 100
          Somewhat Bikeable

          Nearby schools

          GreatSchools rating

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