Welcome to your peaceful 2-bedroom, 2-bath mountain retreat on beautiful Buck Creek, where the soothing sounds of rushing water and the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains create a setting of pure serenity. This 2005 Arts & Crafts–style home blends timeless craftsmanship with thoughtful updates, offering both comfort and charm in a truly exceptional location. Nestled on an unrestricted 0.56± acre lot at the end of Big Buck Road—with only two homes beyond—this property enjoys a rare sense of privacy while remaining easily accessible off Buck Creek Road. The land directly fronts bold, year-round Buck Creek and adjoins an impressive 31,071 acres of U.S. Forest Service land, providing a feeling of endless wilderness and recreation right at your doorstep. Whether you love fly-fishing, hiking, or simply relaxing beside the water, this location offers a lifestyle immersed in nature. The home’s inviting exterior features open and screened porches designed to capture unobstructed views of the creek, where mornings begin with birdsong and evenings end with the peaceful rhythm of the water. Inside, a welcoming great room centers around a woodstove that adds warmth and ambiance on cool mountain nights. Hardwood floors run throughout the main living areas and bedrooms, while natural light enhances the warm wood tones and open flow of the space. The main level offers an open-concept living and dining area, a well-appointed kitchen, and a comfortable guest bedroom with an ensuite bath. The guest bath features a unique circular soaking tub, perfect for both rejuvenating hot soaks and invigorating cold plunges—a rare find that adds a spa-like touch to this mountain home. Upstairs, a spacious open loft serves as a quiet sitting area or home office—ideal for reading, creative pursuits, or remote work—all while offering a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding forest and the soothing sound of Buck Creek below. The entire lower level is dedicated to the primary suite, creating a private retreat designed for relaxation and renewal. A gas stone fireplace adds cozy comfort, while the ensuite bath features a river stone walk-in shower that blends natural beauty with modern design. The screened porch off the primary suite overlooks Buck Creek and offers direct access to the lower-level open deck and stone patio, perfect for enjoying the sights and sounds of the water. Recent updates include a new three-bedroom septic tank installed in 2024, providing added value and peace of mind. Two convenient parking areas accommodate up to four vehicles, with easy year-round access suitable for full-time or seasonal living. Positioned approximately 30 minutes from downtown Highlands, NC, and 20 minutes from Franklin, the property strikes a perfect balance between peaceful seclusion and proximity to amenities. Spend your days exploring local waterfalls, trails, and scenic overlooks, then enjoy the fine dining, boutique shopping, and cultural events of Highlands—or the convenience of larger stores and services in Franklin. Whether you’re seeking a year-round residence, mountain getaway, or vacation rental opportunity, this home offers an ideal blend of comfort, craftsmanship, and natural beauty. Its unrestricted status provides flexibility for future use, while the setting—fronting Buck Creek and bordering vast national forest land—ensures your surroundings will always retain their peace and privacy. This is more than a home; it’s a retreat where every day feels like a getaway—where the sounds of the creek and the cool mountain breezes remind you to slow down and savor life’s quieter moments. Discover the magic of Buck Creek living, where timeless style, modern comfort, and the beauty of nature converge in perfect harmony.
Single-familyProperty Type
2005Year Built
0.56 acresLot Size
$410Price/Sq.Ft.
Listed by Doug Treadwell• MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC
Listed by Heather Ball• MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC
Contact: doug@mountainlifere.com
Bought with Josi Dacko• Keller Williams Great Smokies
Est. $3,345 per month, based on comparable rentals
Sale and tax history for 187 Big Buck Rd
Sale History
Tax History
Date
Event
Price
CSAOR #26042557
Feb 26, 2026
Contingent
—
Oct 31, 2025
Listed
$825,000
$428/sq ft
HCMLS #1002143
Mar 18, 2026
Sold
$790,000
$410/sq ft
Mar 9, 2026
Pending
—
Feb 26, 2026
Contingent
—
Oct 31, 2025
Listed
$825,000
$428/sq ft
+23
Embrace the beauty and tranquility of the North Carolina mountains in this Arts & Crafts–style home, built in 2005 and thoughtfully designed to take full advantage of its stunning natural surroundings. Nestled on an unrestricted 0.56+/- acre lot that fronts bold, year-round Buck Creek, this property offers the rare combination of privacy, convenience, and access to adventure—adjoining 31,071 acres of US Forest Service land. Located at the end of Big Buck Road, with only two homes beyond, this peaceful retreat provides a true sense of seclusion while maintaining easy access off Buck Creek Road. Enjoy mornings and evenings on the open and screened porches overlooking bold Buck Creek, where the soothing sound of rushing water sets the tone for relaxed mountain living. Inside, the great room features warm wood tones, hardwood floors, and a cozy woodstove—perfect for cool evenings or quiet gatherings. The entire lower level is dedicated to the primary suite, creating a private retreat complete with a gas stone fireplace, sitting area, ensuite bathroom with river stone walk-in shower, and tranquil creek views. A loft sitting area on the upper level provides a flexible space for reading, working, or unwinding. Spacious guest suite with an ensuite bathroom on the main level boasts a unique soaking tub and double vanity. Practical updates include a new 3-bedroom septic tank installed in 2024, two gravel parking areas accommodating up to four vehicles, and convenient access. Whether used as a full-time residence or a seasonal getaway, this property captures the essence of mountain living—private yet connected, serene yet close to amenities. Approximately 30 minutes from downtown Highlands for dining and boutique shopping, and 20 minutes from Franklin’s “big box” stores for everyday needs, this home offers the best of both worlds—comfort, character, and connection to nature.
Fireplace Features: Gas, Gas Log, Gas Vented, Great Room, Primary Bedroom, Propane, Wood Burning Stove
Heating & Cooling
Heating Information: Heat Pump, Wood Stove
Cooling Information: Ceiling Fan(s), Central Air
Interior Features
Room Count: 9
Interior Features: Breakfast Bar, Open Floorplan, Storage, Walk-in Closet(s)
Window Features: Insulated Window(s)
Appliances: Bar Fridge, Dishwasher, Dryer, Gas Range, Microwave, Propane Water Heater, Refrigerator, Washer, Washer/Dryer, Wine Refrigerator
Flooring: Tile, Wood
Door Features: French Doors, Insulated Door(s), Screen Door(s)
Exterior
Building Information
Construction Type: Site Built
Construction Materials: Fiber Cement, Metal, Wood
Roof: Metal
Exterior Features
Patio And Porch Features: Covered, Deck, Enclosed, Front Porch, Porch, Screened
Exterior Features: Fire Pit
Waterfront Information
Waterfront Features: None
Water Body Name: Creek
Property Information
Development Status: Completed
Other Equipment: Fuel Tank(s)
Property Type: Residential
Property Sub Type: Single Family Residence
Other Structures: Shed(s)
Zoning: R
Zoning Specification: R
Lot Information
Lot Features: Adjoins Forest, Creek Front, Hilly, Level, Creek/Stream, Waterfront, Wooded
Lot Size Area: 0.565
Lot Size Units: Acres
Elevation: 2500
Road Surface Type: Gravel
Road Responsibility: Private Maintained Road
Utilities
Utility Information
Water Source: Well
Sewer: Septic Installed
Utilities: Electricity Connected, Propane, Satellite Internet Available
Location
Multi-Unit Information
Restrictions: No Restrictions
Restrictions Description: No deed restrictions could be found. Buyers/Agents should confirm with an attorney during due diligence.
HOA Information
HOA Subject To: None
School Information
Elementary School: Unspecified
Middle Or Junior High School: Unspecified
High School: Unspecified
Location Information
Directions: FROM HIGHLANDS: Take Buck Creek Rd for approx. 9+/- mile then LEFT onto Big Buck Road. Stay to the RIGHT at the first split in the road, then LEFT at the 2nd split. #187 will be on your RIGHT. Parking before and after the house. FROM FRANKLIN: Take Higlands Rd about 8 miles to LEFT on Buck Creek Rd. Continue for about 2 miles then RIGHT onto Big Buck Rd. Stay to the RIGHT at the first split in the road, then LEFT at the 2nd split. #187 will be on your RIGHT. Parking before and after the house.
Community Information
Community Features: None
Public facts
Beds: 2
Baths: 2.0
Sq. Ft.: 2,388
Stories: 1.5
Lot Size: 0.57 acres
Style: Single Family Residential
Year Built: 2005
Year Renovated: —
County: Macon County
APN: 7522970762
Home facts updated by county records on Aug 27, 2026
Other
Auction Information
Is Auction: 0
Listing Information
Exception YN: 0
Green Information
Green Verification Count: 0
Home Information
Total Property HLA Sq. Ft.: 1927
Living Area: 1927
Above Grade Finished Area: 1,367
Below Grade Finished Area: 560
Sq. Ft. Upper: 280
Sq. Ft. Third: 0
Sq. Ft. Main: 1087
Sq. Ft. Lower: 0
Second Living Quarters Sq. Ft.: 0
Second Living Quarters Heated Living Area: 0
Foundation Details: Basement, Permanent
Levels: One and One Half
Around this home
Schools
Mountain View Intermediate School
Public 5-6 • Assigned • 6.7mi
3/10
Macon Middle School
Public 7-8 • Assigned • 6.5mi
6/10
Macon Early College High School
Public 9-12 • Assigned • 7.7mi
7/10
Provided by GreatSchools
Climate risks
9/10 Flood Factor
Estimated 80%+ chance of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
3/10 Fire Factor
0.15% chance of being in a wildfire in next 30 years
3/10 Heat Factor
9 days above 90° expected this year, 24 days in 30 years
2/10 Wind Factor
Minor risk of severe winds over next 30 years
4/10 Air Factor
6 unhealthy days expected this year, 6 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Highlands, NC • 28741
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
40
23
50
31
59
40
66
48
66
52
74
60
78
64
71
59
69
56
63
46
56
39
47
31
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
In this area, properties receive around 8.6 hours in
June and 4.5 hours in December, placing it below the
U.S. average for solar exposure.