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.
For sale by owner
$594,000
1571 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
2beds
1,165sqft
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
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 |
- 488 |
- 16 |
Listed by:
Property Owner (818) 632-8669
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
Estimated market value
$649,300
$584,000 - $721,000
$1,945/mo
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 6/13/2026 | Listed for sale | $594,000+13.8%$510/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 4/15/2026 | Listing removed | -- |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 1/15/2026 | Listed for sale | $522,000-4.6%$448/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 11/2/2025 | Listing removed | $547,000$470/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #1000327 Report a problem | ||
| 8/1/2025 | Price change | $547,000-0.5%$470/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #1000327 Report a problem | ||
| 7/1/2025 | Price change | $549,900-4.3%$472/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #1000327 Report a problem | ||
| 5/30/2025 | Price change | $574,900-3.4%$493/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #1000327 Report a problem | ||
| 3/14/2025 | Listed for sale | $595,000$511/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #1000327 Report a problem | ||
| 8/14/2024 | Listing removed | $595,000$511/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #104382 Report a problem | ||
| 5/24/2024 | Listed for sale | $595,000+16.7%$511/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #104382 Report a problem | ||
| 4/26/2022 | Sold | $510,000$438/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #98629 Report a problem | ||
| 4/4/2022 | Pending sale | $510,000$438/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #98629 Report a problem | ||
| 4/1/2022 | Listed for sale | $510,000+34.6%$438/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #98629 Report a problem | ||
| 7/29/2021 | Sold | $379,000$325/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
| 4/24/2021 | Pending sale | $379,000$325/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #96265 Report a problem | ||
| 4/23/2021 | Listed for sale | $379,000$325/sqft |
Source: HCMLS #96265 Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax 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 | $51,200 |
Find assessor info on the county website
Monthly payment
Est. payment$--/mo
Payment breakdown
Explore the cost of this home by adjusting the details. Changes won't be saved.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.
See how much you could borrow to make a competitive offer.
Climate risks
Neighborhood: 28741
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 6/10Highlands SchoolGrades: K-12Distance: 1.7 mi
- 6/10Macon Middle SchoolGrades: 7-8Distance: 10.4 mi
- 2/10Mountain View Intermediate SchoolGrades: 5-6Distance: 10.6 mi
A local agent can set up tours, give advice and negotiate with sellers.
- North Carolina
- Macon County
- Highlands
- 28741
- 1571 Franklin Rd








