556 Shortoff Rd

Highlands, NC 28741

$495,000
Price
3
Beds
912 Sq. Ft.
$543 / Sq. Ft.
912
Sq. Ft.
$543
per Sq. Ft.
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Description

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,...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.
  1. Listed by MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC • merritt@mountainlifere.com

Property Details for 556 Shortoff Road

Architectural Style
Transitional
Waterfront Features
None
Parking Features
Detached Garage, Garage Door Opener
Community Features
None
Subdivision Name
Cold Springs
LISTING UPDATED: 06/18/2026 12:39 PM

Property Details for 556 Shortoff Road

StatusActive
MLS #4394862
Days on Market1
Taxes-
HOA Fees-
Condo/Co-op Fees-
Property TypeSingle Family
MLS TypeResidential / Single Family Residence
Year Built1966
Lot Size0.41 AC / 17,859 SF
CountyMacon County
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Location

Listing Courtesy of MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC
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Building Information for 556 Shortoff Road

Stories-Year Built1966Building Size-Lot Size0.41 AC / 17,859 SF

Payment Calculator

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$2,818 per month

30 year fixed, 6.36% Interest

Principal and Interest

$2,467

Property Taxes

$351

HOA Dues

$0

The Payment Calculator is for illustrative purposes only.

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Property Information for 556 Shortoff Road

Summary
Location and General Information
  • Longitude: -83.1867
  • Latitude: 35.093127
  • Directions: From Highlands, go east on Hwy 64 toward Cashiers. Turn left on Buck Creek Road. Turn right on Shortoff Road, go 1/2 mile to 556 (the first entrance) on the left. It is hard to see traffic (pulling out) if you pull into the 2nd entrance (where the mailboxes are). It's across the road from the entrance of Cold Springs (crossroads are Old Toll Road and Saddleback Lane).
Taxes and HOA Information
  • HOA YN: No
  • HOA Subject To: None
  • HOA Subject To Dues: No
  • Tax Assessed Value: $318,620.00
  • Parcel Number: 7541850221
  • City Taxes Paid To: No City Taxes Paid
School Information
  • Middle Or Junior School: Highlands School
  • High School: Highlands School
  • Elementary School: Highlands School
Parking
  • Parking: Open Parking YN: No
  • Parking: Other: Driveway is circular and there are two entry ways to the property.
  • Parking: Carport YN: No
  • Garage Spaces: 2.0
  • Garage YN: Yes
  • Garage Main Level YN: Yes
Property
Lot Information
  • Elevation: 3500
  • Above Grade Finished Area: 912.0
  • Below Grade Finished Area: 0.0
  • Sq Ft Lower: 0
  • Sq Ft Main: 912
  • Sq Ft Third: 0
  • Sq Ft Unheated Total: 0
  • Sq Ft Upper: 0
  • Sq Ft Total Property HLA: 912.0
  • Lot Features: Cleared, Rolling Slope
  • Lot Size Units: Acres
  • Property Type: Residential
Property and Assessments
  • Geocode Confidence: High
  • New Construction YN: No
  • Photos Count: 18
  • Road Responsibility: Publicly Maintained Road
  • Construction Type: Site Built
  • Assumable: No
  • Senior Community YN: No
  • Plat Reference Section Pages: 2582
  • Restrictions: Building, Deed, Square Feet
Green Features
  • Green Verification Count: 0
Utilities
  • Sewer: Septic Installed
  • Utilities: Fiber Optics
  • Water Source: Shared Well
Interior and Exterior Features
Exterior Features
  • Exterior Features: Fire Pit
  • Fencing: Back Yard
  • Construction Materials: Block, Hardboard Siding
  • Patio And Porch Features: Front Porch
  • Pool Private YN: No
  • Road Surface Type: Gravel
  • Roof: Metal
  • Horse Amenities: None
Interior Features
  • Appliances: Dryer, Electric Cooktop, Electric Oven, Electric Water Heater, Microwave, Washer
  • Levels: One
  • Other Equipment: Fuel Tank - Leased, Generator
  • Cooling: None
  • Heating: Central, Electric
  • Interior Features: Attic Stairs Pulldown
  • Laundry Features: Laundry Room
  • Fireplace YN: No
  • Door Features: Screen Door(s)
  • Flooring: Laminate, Tile, Wood
  • Foundation Details: Crawl Space
  • Basement YN: No
  • Bedroom Main: 3
  • Full Bath Main: 1
  • Half Bath Main: 0
Room Information
Room Information
  • Room Count: 8.0
Room 1
  • Room Types: Primary Bedroom
  • Room Level: Main
Room 2
  • Room Types: Bedroom(s)
  • Room Level: Main
Room 3
  • Room Types: Bedroom(s)
  • Room Level: Main
Room 4
  • Room Types: Bathroom-Full
  • Room Level: Main
Room 5
  • Room Types: Living Room
  • Room Level: Main
Room 6
  • Room Types: Dining Room
  • Room Level: Main
Room 7
  • Room Types: Kitchen
  • Room Level: Main
Room 8
  • Room Types: Laundry
  • Room Level: Main

Property History for 556 Shortoff Road

DateEvent & SourcePriceAppreciation
Feb 2, 2026

Listed (Active)

CANOPY #4394862

$495,000—
May 24, 2021

Closed (Public Record)

Public Record #1464042317

$290,000

+159.5% / yr

Dec 23, 2019

Closed (Public Record)

Public Record #1359636676

$75,000—
DateEvent & SourcePrice
02/02/2026

Listed (Active)

CANOPY #4394862

$495,000
05/24/2021

Closed (Public Record)

Public Record #1464042317

$290,000

+159.5% / yr

12/23/2019

Closed (Public Record)

Public Record #1359636676

$75,000

For completeness, we often displays two records for one sale: the MLS record and the public record.

Public Records for 556 Shortoff Road

Taxable ValueLand$80,520Additions$228,500Total$309,020
Tax Record2025$4,212 ($351 / month)
Home Facts
Beds3Baths1Total Finished SqFt912 SqFtAbove Grade Finished SqFt912 SqFtStories1Lot Size17,860 SqFtStyleSingle Family ResidenceYear Built1964ZoningRCountyMACONAPN7541850221

Schools near 556 Shortoff Road

This home is within Macon County School District.
Rating
School
Type
Grades
Distance
Highlands School
Public - K to 12
Mountain View Intermediate School
Public - 5 to 6
Macon Middle School
Public - 7 to 8
Franklin High
Public - 9 to 12
Rating
School
Distance
Highlands School
PublicK to 12

Mountain View Intermediate School
Public5 to 6

Macon Middle School
Public7 to 8

Franklin High
Public9 to 12

School ratings and boundaries are provided by GreatSchools.org and Pitney Bowes. This information should only be used as a reference. Proximity or boundaries shown here are not a guarantee of enrollment. Please reach out to schools directly to verify all information and enrollment eligibility.

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More information about 556 Shortoff Road, Highlands, NC 28741

556 Shortoff Road is a single family home for sale in Highlands, NC 28741. This property was listed for sale on February 2, 2026 by MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC, it's currently listed at $495,000. It has been on the market for a total of 1 days and was last sold on May 24, 2021. This listing's school district is Macon County School District. Nearby schools include Highlands School, Mountain View Intermediate School and Macon Middle School. 556 Shortoff Road is a 3-bed, 1-bath, 912 sqft single family home built in 1966.

No guarantee, warranty or representation of any kind is made regarding the completeness or accuracy of any information, descriptions or measurements (including square footage measurements and property condition), such should be independently verified through appropriate means, including, but not limited to, in person inspection and public records, and Compass International Holdings, its subsidiaries, affiliates and independently owned and operated franchisees, and their affiliated agents and associated third parties expressly disclaim any liability in connection therewith. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. Offers of compensation are subject to change at the seller's discretion. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Listing Courtesy of MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC

Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of 06/18/2026 12:39 PM. All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information. Properties displayed may be listed or sold by various participants in the MLS. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed by MLS GRID. Use of the MLS GRID data may be subject to an end user license agreement prescribed by the applicable MLS of the Member Participant, if any, and as amended from time to time.