Nestled on 3.9 private, beautifully landscaped acres at the foot of majestic Shortoff Mountain, this charming Highlands farmhouse offers the perfect blend of mountain elegance, comfort, and convenience. Just minutes from downtown Highlands and the area's premier clubs, the property enjoys breathtaking views from nearly every room and an abundance of inviting indoor and outdoor living spaces. Step inside to soaring cathedral ceilings, rich hardwood floors, and a grand living room centered around a stone fireplace. The thoughtfully designed floor plan is ideal for both everyday living and entertaining, featuring a cozy den with a second fireplace, multiple covered porches and decks, and seamless access to the outdoors. The gourmet chef's kitchen is beautifully appointed with Sub-Zero, Viking, Asko, and GE appliances, complemented by quartz countertops, a breakfast bar, and an inviting eat-in area. Whether hosting an intimate dinner in the formal dining room or gathering with friends on the covered deck overlooking the mountain vistas, this home was designed for memorable moments. The elegant main-level primary suite is a private retreat, complete with a walk-in closet, jetted garden tub, and its own screened porch. Three additional spacious guest bedrooms are located upstairs, including a private ensuite with loft and two bedrooms connected by a generous Jack- and-Jill bath. Additional features include a substantial two-car garage large enough for full-size SUVs, an equally spacious carriage house with bonus room above, a butler's pantry/laundry room with second refrigerator, two half baths, and abundant storage throughout. The home is well appointed with a LG washer and dryer combination and two tankless water heaters with recirculation system providing instant hot water throughout the home. This pristine home features including a new roof, new painting both interior and exterior, new interior and exterior lighting, new countertops, new oven, amazing additional landscaping including a koi pond, a fenced dog park and many more important updates. Outdoor living is exceptional, with covered porches, expansive entertaining areas, and dedicated garden space ready for your green thumb. Ideally located just five minutes from downtown Highlands and only fifteen minutes from Cashiers, this exceptional mountain retreat offers privacy, beauty, and easy access to the very best of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.
Single-familyProperty Type
2002Year Built
3.91 acresLot Size
2 car garageParking
Listed by Josephine Lovell• Highlands Sotheby's International Realty - DT
Arrive at your Charming Highlands Farmhouse nestled at the foot of Shortoff, one of the highest and most beautiful mountains in our area. Be welcomed into gracious, comfortable living as you sit by the living room fire under soaring ceilings. Create a feast in the well appointed Gourmet Chef's Kitchen, fitted with SubZero, Viking, Marvel and Thermador surrounded by beautiful Granite Countertops. Enjoy it in your eat-in-kitchen, the breakfast bar, or dining room . .. both inside and out! Sleep soundly in one of 4 comfortable bedrooms, with Primary on Main, complete with private Screen Porch. Enjoy the view from nearly every room, or step out on the covered deck to bask in your outdoor entertaining space. Further details include substantial two car garage large enough to hold two full size SUV's, with equally large Carriage House and bonus room above. Butler's Pantry/Laundry Room with second refrigerator, two half baths, multiple covered decks, Covered front porch, screen porch off Master BR. Cathedral Ceilings and fireplace in Living Rm, cozy den with second fireplace. 10 foot ceilings and Hardwood Floors throughout. All situated on 3.9 very private, beautifully landscaped acres overlooking magnificent Shortoff Mt. 4 Spacious Bedrooms, the elegant Primary Suite on Main, with jetted garden tub and walk in closet. 3 more upstairs, 1 en suite with loft, 2 sharing a large Jack & Jill Bath. Outdoor living abounds with garden space ready for your green thumb. Brand New LG Washer/Dryer Combo and Rinnai Propane Tankless Hot Water Heater with Recirc. Pump for Instant Whole House Hot Water. 5 minutes from town & Cullasaja Club, 10 minutes to Highlands Cove, and Mountaintop, and only 15 to Cashiers.
Public Records
Jul 11, 2003
Sold
$1,420,000
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$6,273
$474,510 + $1,653,950
$2,128,460
2024
$6,273 (+0.2%)
$474,510 + $1,653,950
$2,128,460
2023
$6,261 (+10.6%)
$474,510 + $1,653,950
$2,128,460
2022
$5,663
$320,820 + $970,990
$1,291,810
2021
$5,663 (+6.1%)
$320,820 + $970,990
$1,291,810
2020
$5,336 (+0.2%)
$320,820 + $970,990
$1,291,810
2019
$5,323 (−6.5%)
$320,820 + $970,990
$1,291,810
2018
$5,693
$427,750 + $1,128,170
$1,555,920
2017
$5,693
$427,750 + $1,128,170
$1,555,920
2016
$5,693 (+0.4%)
$427,750 + $1,128,170
$1,555,920
2015
$5,670 (+4.0%)
$427,750 + $1,128,170
$1,555,920
2014
$5,450
$601,170 + $1,266,500
$1,867,670
Public record
Beds
3
Baths
4
Stories
1.5
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
3.91 Acres
Year renovated
—
Finished Sq. Ft.
5,141
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
5,141
Year built
2002
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Macon County
APN
7541750432
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Aug 27, 2026.
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
2/10 Fire Factor
0.00% chance of being in a wildfire in next 30 years
1/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 89° expected this year, 20 days in 30 years
2/10 Wind Factor
Minor risk of severe winds over next 30 years
4/10 Air Factor
5 unhealthy days expected this year, 5 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
75
60
69
56
63
46
56
39
47
31
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
89/ 100
Very good sunlight
Sunscore
There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
9.4 hrs
6.9 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 188 Norton Ridge Rd
We cannot show automated home-value estimates for this home.
Nearby homes have recently sold between $1,270,000 and $4,750,000.
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $1.3M to $4.8M.