85 Ralph Thomas Rd

Highlands, NC 28741

$2,950,000
Price
5
Beds
4,164 Sq. Ft.
$708 / Sq. Ft.
4,164
Sq. Ft.
$708
per Sq. Ft.
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Description

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

Property Details for 85 Ralph Thomas Road

Architectural Style
Traditional
Waterfront Features
None
Parking Features
Circular Driveway, Driveway, Attached Garage, Garage Faces Front, Garage Faces Side, Keypad Entry, Other - See Remarks
Subdivision Name
None
LISTING UPDATED: 06/26/2026 11:35 AM

Property Details for 85 Ralph Thomas Road

StatusActive
MLS #4395002
Days on Market1
Taxes-
HOA Fees-
Condo/Co-op Fees-
Property TypeSingle Family
MLS TypeResidential / Single Family Residence
Year Built1974
Lot Size0.97 AC / 42,253 SF
CountyMacon County
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Location

Listing Courtesy of MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC
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Building Information for 85 Ralph Thomas Road

Stories-Year Built1974Building Size-Lot Size0.97 AC / 42,253 SF

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$14,700 per month

30 year fixed, 6.36% Interest

Principal and Interest

$14,700

Property Taxes

$0

HOA Dues

$0

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Property Information for 85 Ralph Thomas Road

Summary
Location and General Information
  • Longitude: -83.20803944
  • Zoning: R
  • Latitude: 35.06866097
  • Directions: From Highlands: Take Main St to Franklin Rd then RIGHT on Mirror Lake Rd. Continue on Mirror Lake Rd to LEFT on Billy Cabin Rd. Continue for about 0.2 mi, then veer LEFT onto Ralph Thomas Rd. You'll come to the guest house on your right first (#85), then the main house is the last house on the road with the circular drive.
Taxes and HOA Information
  • HOA YN: No
  • HOA Subject To: None
  • HOA Subject To Dues: No
  • Tax Assessed Value: $1,458,020.00
  • Parcel Number: 7540161487
  • City Taxes Paid To: No City Taxes Paid
School Information
  • Middle Or Junior School: Unspecified
  • High School: Unspecified
  • Elementary School: Unspecified
Parking
  • Parking: Open Parking YN: No
  • Parking: Other: #85 has a 1-car attached garage and concrete driveway with room for 2+ cars; #95 has a circular asphalt driveway with a 2-car attached garage.
  • Parking: Carport Spaces: 0.0
  • Parking: Carport YN: No
  • Garage Spaces: 3.0
  • Garage YN: Yes
  • Garage Main Level YN: Yes
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Property
Lot Information
  • Elevation: 3500
  • Above Grade Finished Area: 4164.0
  • Below Grade Finished Area: 0.0
  • Sq Ft Lower: 0
  • Sq Ft Main: 2216
  • Sq Ft Third: 0
  • Sq Ft Unheated Total: 0
  • Sq Ft Upper: 1948
  • Sq Ft Total Property HLA: 4164.0
  • Lot Features: Cleared, Green Area, Private, Rolling Slope, Wooded
  • Lot Size Units: Acres
  • Property Type: Residential
Property and Assessments
  • Geocode Confidence: High
  • Down Payment Resource YN: No
  • New Construction YN: No
  • Photos Count: 48
  • Road Responsibility: Private Maintained Road
  • Development Status: Completed
  • Construction Type: Site Built
  • Assumable: No
  • Senior Community YN: No
  • Plat Book Slide: Bk 1/Card #547
  • Restrictions: No Restrictions
Utilities
  • Sewer: Septic Installed
  • Utilities: Electricity Connected, Propane, Other - See Remarks
  • Water Source: Shared Well
Interior and Exterior Features
Exterior Features
  • Exterior Features: Other - See Remarks
  • Fencing: Back Yard
  • Construction Materials: Stone, Wood
  • Patio And Porch Features: Covered, Deck, Patio, Wrap Around, Other - See Remarks
  • Pool Private YN: No
  • Road Surface Type: Asphalt, Concrete, Gravel, Paved
  • Roof: Architectural Shingle
  • Other Structures: Other - See Remarks
Interior Features
  • Appliances: Dishwasher, Electric Range, Microwave, Refrigerator with Ice Maker, Washer/Dryer, Other
  • Levels: One
  • Other Equipment: Fuel Tank - Leased, Other - See Remarks
  • Cooling: Central Air, Zoned
  • Heating: Electric, Heat Pump, Zoned
  • Interior Features: Other - See Remarks
  • Laundry Features: Laundry Room, Multiple Locations, Other - See Remarks
  • Fireplace Features: Family Room, Living Room, Other - See Remarks
  • Fireplace YN: Yes
  • Door Features: French Doors, Screen Door(s), Sliding Doors
  • Flooring: Carpet, Tile, Wood
  • Foundation Details: Permanent
  • Basement YN: Yes
  • Basement Features: Other
  • Bedroom Main: 2
  • Bedroom Third: 0
  • Bedroom Upper: 3
  • Full Bath Main: 3
  • Full Bath Third: 0
  • Full Bath Upper: 2
  • Half Bath Main: 0
  • Half Bath Second LQ: 0
  • Half Bath Third: 0
  • Half Bath Upper: 0
  • Second Living Quarters: Guest House
Room Information
Room Information
  • Room Count: 9.0
Room 1
  • Room Types: Primary Bedroom
  • Room Level: Main
Room 2
  • Room Types: Family Room
  • Room Level: Main
Room 3
  • Room Types: Dining Room
  • Room Level: Upper
Room 4
  • Room Types: Kitchen
  • Room Level: Upper
Room 5
  • Room Types: Living Room
  • Room Level: Upper
Room 6
  • Room Types: Bedroom(s)
  • Room Level: Upper
Room 7
  • Room Types: Bathroom-Full
  • Room Level: Upper
Room 8
  • Room Types: Bedroom(s)
  • Room Level: Upper
Room 9
  • Room Types: Laundry
  • Room Level: Upper
Rental
Rent Information
  • Security Features: Radon Mitigation System

Property History for 85 Ralph Thomas Road

DateEvent & SourcePriceAppreciation
Jun 25, 2026

Listed (Active)

CANOPY #4395002

$2,950,000—
Oct 22, 2021

Closed (Public Record)

Public Record #1475266097

$550,000—
DateEvent & SourcePrice
06/25/2026

Listed (Active)

CANOPY #4395002

$2,950,000
10/22/2021

Closed (Public Record)

Public Record #1475266097

$550,000

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

Public Records for 85 Ralph Thomas Road

Taxable ValueLand$121,380Additions$504,260Total$625,640
Home Facts
Beds3Baths2Total Finished SqFt1,132 SqFtAbove Grade Finished SqFt1,132 SqFtStories1Lot Size18,295 SqFtStyleSingle Family ResidenceYear Built1974ZoningRCountyMACONAPN7540161487Fireplace TypeHas Fireplace

Schools near 85 Ralph Thomas 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 85 Ralph Thomas Road, Highlands, NC 28741

85 Ralph Thomas Road is a single family home for sale in Highlands, NC 28741. This property was listed for sale on June 25, 2026 by MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC, it's currently listed at $2,950,000. It has been on the market for a total of 1 days and was last sold on October 22, 2021. This listing's school district is Macon County School District. Nearby schools include Highlands School, Mountain View Intermediate School and Macon Middle School. 85 Ralph Thomas Road is a 5-bed, 5-bath, 4,164 sqft single family home built in 1974.

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 06/26/2026 11:35 AM. 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.