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For sale
  • $3,295,000

    653 Country Club Drive, Highlands, NC 28741

    4beds
    --sqft
    : 
    $19,392/mo
    Get pre-qualified
    Single Family Residence
    Built in 1971
    1.23 Acres Lot
    $3,216,100 Zestimate®
    $--/sqft
    $348/mo HOA

    What's special

    Custom wainscotingHidden caveExpansive covered terraceOversized two-bay golf-cart garageWine roomInfrared heatersPrivate fitness room
    Tucked behind the gates of Wildcat Cliffs Country Club, this fully furnished 4-bedroom, 4 bath, 2 half baths, Craftsman retreat has been completely renovated and professionally redesigned, blending timeless craftsmanship with refined mountain luxury. Ralph Lauren-inspired interiors feel sophisticated yet warm, inviting and perfectly suited to life in Highlands. Understated from the road, the home unfolds into generous living spaces designed for family and friends. The great room features vaulted ceilings, a dramatic stone fireplace, custom wainscoting and walls of glass framing lake and long-range mountain views. A hidden equipment room keeps technology discreetly out of sight. The chef's kitchen offers a 60-inch Wolf range, Bosch dishwasher, custom cabinetry and abundant gathering space. A dedicated bar room reminiscent of “Cheers” flows into the open dining room and expansive covered terrace. With a masonry fireplace, outdoor television, infrared heaters and views over lush perennial gardens, this is true four-season outdoor living. Wrapped in glass, the main-level primary suite features spectacular views, separate his-and-her closets and a spa-inspired bath with a soaking tub overlooking the gardens and mountains. A second main-level en-suite evokes the timeless comfort of a classic mountain retreat. The lower level includes a media room with built-in Murphy beds, wine room and private fitness room. Beyond the interiors, an extraordinary adventure awaits. Pass Mo, the enormous bronze moose, and descend into a private enchanted forest that must be experienced to appreciate its magic. Moss-covered paths with cable railings lead down locust-and-stone steps, past a massive boulder where spring water trickles through unusual moss formations, then by a hidden cave. Follow the sound of moving water to a mountain waterfall meandering through the stones—a setting reminiscent of a national park, yet entirely your own. Hike from home and continue exploring along a trail network extended by neighboring properties. An oversized two-bay golf-cart garage provides room for multiple carts, clubs and gear, with the clubhouse just a short ride away. Wildcat Cliffs offers championship golf, croquet, pickleball, fitness center with indoor pool, fishing ponds and walking trails. Membership is by invitation and subject to approval. This is more than a renovated home; it is a thoughtfully curated Highlands retreat unlike any other.
    10 days
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    Zillow last checked:

    Listing updated:

    Listed by:

    Daniel Doughty,

    EXP Realty LLC

    Source: HCMLS,MLS#: 1003693Originating MLS: Highlands Cashiers Board of Realtors

      Facts & features

      Interior

      Bedrooms & bathrooms
      • Bedrooms: 4
      • Bathrooms: 6
      • Full bathrooms: 4
      • 1/2 bathrooms: 2
      Bedroom 2
      • Level: Main
      Bedroom 3
      • Level: Lower
      Bedroom 4
      • Level: Lower
      Primary bathroom
      • Level: Main
      Primary bathroom
      • Level: Main
      Bathroom 2
      • Level: Main
      Bathroom 3
      • Level: Lower
      Bathroom 4
      • Level: Lower
      Dining room
      • Level: Main
      Family room
      • Level: Lower
      Kitchen
      • Level: Main
      Living room
      • Level: Main
      Heating
      • Central, Electric, Gas, Heat Pump
      Cooling
      • Central Air, Heat Pump
      Appliances
      • Included: Convection Oven, Dryer, Free-Standing Gas Range, Ice Maker, Microwave, Refrigerator, Range Hood, Tankless Water Heater, Vented Exhaust Fan, Washer
      • Laundry: Inside, In Basement, Main Level, Lower Level, Laundry Room, Laundry Tub, Multiple Locations, Sink
      Features
      • Beamed Ceilings, Wet Bar, Breakfast Bar, Chandelier, Double Vanity, Entrance Foyer, His and Hers Closets, High Speed Internet, Kitchen Island, Multiple Closets, Open Floorplan, Stone Counters, Recessed Lighting, Sound System, Storage, Soaking Tub, Vaulted Ceiling(s), Bar, Natural Woodwork, Walk-In Closet(s), Wired for Sound
      • Flooring: Hardwood, Tile, Vinyl
      • Basement: Daylight,Exterior Entry,Encapsulated,Heated,Interior Entry,Concrete,Partially Finished,Bath/Stubbed,Walk-Out Access
      • Number of fireplaces: 2
      • Fireplace features: Living Room, Masonry, Outside, Wood Burning
      • Furnished: Yes
      Video & virtual tour

      Property

      Parking
      • Parking features: Golf Cart Garage, On Site, Off Street, Paved, Parking Pad, Workshop in Garage
      Features
      • Levels: Two
      • Stories: 2
      • Patio & porch: Rear Porch, Covered, Deck, Front Porch, Heated
      • Exterior features: Covered Courtyard, Courtyard, Dog Run, Garden, Gas Grill, Outdoor Grill, Private Yard, Rain Gutters, Water Feature
      • Pool features: Association, Community
      • Has view: Yes
      • View description: Long Range, Mountain(s)
      • Waterfront features: None
      Lot
      • Size: 1.23 Acres
      • Features: Back Yard, Close to Clubhouse, Garden, Near Golf Course, Landscaped, Native Plants, Paved, Rolling Slope, Rock Outcropping, Spring, Views, Waterfall
      • Topography: Sloping,Terraced
      Details
      • Parcel number: 7551820065
      • Zoning description: Residential

      Construction

      Type & style
      • Home type: SingleFamily
      • Architectural style: Craftsman
      • Property subtype: Single Family Residence
      Materials
      • HardiPlank Type, Stone Veneer, Wood Siding
      • Roof: Shingle
      Condition
      • New construction: No
      • Year built: 1971

      Utilities & green energy

      • Electric: Generator
      • Sewer: Private Sewer
      • Water: Community/Coop
      • Utilities for property: Cable Available, High Speed Internet Available, Sewer Connected

      Community & HOA

      Community
      • Features: Clubhouse, Fitness Center, Golf, Playground, Pickleball, Pool, Putting Green, Restaurant, Racquetball, Tennis Court(s), Trails/Paths, Gated
      • Security: Gated Community, Smoke Detector(s)
      • Subdivision: Wildcat Cliffs Cc
      HOA
      • Has HOA: Yes
      • Amenities included: Clubhouse, Dog Park, Fitness Center, Golf Course, Gated, Meeting Room, Meeting/Banquet/Party Room, Party Room, Playground, Pickleball, Park, Pool, Racquetball, Spa/Hot Tub, Tennis Court(s)
      • HOA fee: $4,170 annually
      • HOA name: Wildcat Cliffs Community Services LLC
      Location
      • Region: Highlands

      Financial & listing details

      • Tax assessed value: $1,635,960
      • Annual tax amount: $4,849
      • Date on market: 7/13/2026
      • Cumulative days on market: 11 days
      • Road surface type: Asphalt

        Estimated market value

        $3,216,100

        $3.06M - $3.38M

        $7,084/mo

        Price history

        DateEventPrice
        7/13/2026Listed for sale$3,295,000+83.1%
        Source: HCMLS #1003693 Report a problem
        8/14/2023Sold$1,800,000-18.2%
        Source: HCMLS #101055 Report a problem
        8/8/2023Pending sale$2,200,000
        Source: HCMLS #101055 Report a problem
        7/17/2023Contingent$2,200,000
        Source: HCMLS #101055 Report a problem
        7/11/2023Price change$2,200,000-8.3%
        Source: HCMLS #101055 Report a problem
        1/29/2023Price change$2,400,000-11.1%
        Source: HCMLS #101055 Report a problem
        10/22/2022Listed for sale$2,700,000
        Source: HCMLS #101055 Report a problem

        Public tax history

        YearProperty taxesTax assessment
        2025$4,850 $1,635,960
        2024$4,850 +0.2%$1,635,960
        2023$4,838 +13.2%$1,635,960 +68.9%
        2022$4,272 $968,440
        2021$4,272 +6.1%$968,440
        2020$4,027 +0.3%$968,440
        2019$4,014 +11.3%$968,440 -0.8%
        2018$3,608 $976,280
        2017-- $976,280
        2016-- $976,280
        2015-- $976,280 -3.9%
        2014$3,585 $1,015,600
        2013$3,585 $1,015,600
        2012-- $1,015,600
        2011-- $1,015,600
        2010-- $1,015,600
        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

        0 / 100
        Car-Dependent
        3 / 100
        Somewhat Bikeable

        Nearby schools

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