Tucked along the edge of the Nantahala National Forest — offering protected privacy and no future development beyond — this charming mountain cottage is just four miles from Highlands Main Street and conveniently located off Dillard Road. Designed for easy mountain living, this single-level home features an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area centered around a cozy fireplace. Just beyond, a covered back porch opens to the peaceful, wooded setting — perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation. The home includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms, along with a versatile bonus room. The gentle, nearly level yard at approximately 3,900 feet in elevation offers exceptional usability — rare for a Highlands-area property. Updates include a new HVAC system, encapsulated basement, fresh exterior paint, and a roof replacement in 2022. A large circular driveway provides ample parking and easy access. With no HOA and no deed restrictions, this property offers flexibility for personal use, a second home, or a short-term rental investment. Enjoy close proximity to hiking, waterfalls, and outdoor recreation, as well as Highlands’ renowned dining, boutique shopping, and arts scene. A true mountain retreat — comfortable and ready to enjoy from day one, with the chance to personalize over time.
Single-familyProperty Type
1978Year Built
0.96 acresLot Size
Listed by Rachel Wavra• Silver Creek Real Estate Group, Inc.
Bought with Clif Gottwals• Christie's International Real Estate Highlands-Cashiers
Est. $2,511 per month, based on comparable rentals
Sale and tax history for 255 Turtle Pond Rd
Sale History
Tax History
Date
Event
Price
HCMLS #1003082
Jul 29, 2026
Sold
$600,000
Jul 13, 2026
Pending
—
Jun 22, 2026
Contingent
—
Apr 16, 2026
Listed
$650,000
HCMLS #104147
Apr 19, 2024
Listed
$699,000
Public Records
Jul 6, 2023
Sold
$540,000
HCMLS #101907
Jul 6, 2023
Sold
$539,900
Apr 19, 2023
Listed
$539,900
+24
This charming cottage adjoins the National Forest yet is only 4 miles from Main Street, Highlands. Enjoy nature while rocking on the back porch or cozy up to a fire in the living room. It features an open kitchen/dining/living area with easy access to outdoor living spaces. There are two bedrooms and baths with a bonus space currently used as a bunk room but could be a den or office. This unrestricted property could be a rental if desired. This cottage is located off Dillard Road but convenient to the outdoor activities, boutique shopping, fine dining, and arts that Highlands is known for. The same family has lovingly maintained it for 23 years.
Public Records
Sep 11, 2000
Sold
$195,000
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$1,518
$104,850 + $378,750
$483,600
2024
$1,518 (+32.0%)
$104,850 + $378,750
$483,600
2023
$1,150 (+8.4%)
$104,850 + $255,690
$360,540
2022
$1,062
$74,420 + $147,350
$221,770
2021
$1,062 (+5.6%)
$74,420 + $147,350
$221,770
2020
$1,006 (+1.3%)
$74,420 + $147,350
$221,770
2019
$993 (−0.8%)
$74,420 + $147,350
$221,770
2018
$1,000
$89,860 + $161,770
$251,630
2017
$1,000
$89,860 + $161,770
$251,630
2016
$1,000 (+2.4%)
$89,860 + $161,770
$251,630
2015
$977 (−1.8%)
$89,860 + $161,770
$251,630
2014
$995
$94,850 + $225,660
$320,510
Public record
Beds
2
Baths
2
Stories
1
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
0.96 Acres
Year renovated
1988
Sq. Ft.
1,344
Year built
1978
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Macon County
APN
7429466729
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Aug 7, 2026.
Property details
Parking
Parking/Garage Information
Parking Features: Circular Driveway, Gravel
Interior
Bathroom Information
# of Full Bathrooms: 2
Heating & Cooling
Has Cooling
Cooling: Central Air, Electric
Has Heating
Heating: Central
Interior Features
Interior Features: Breakfast Bar, Kitchen Island, Open Floorplan
Furnished: Partially
Appliances: Dryer, Dishwasher, Electric Oven, Electric Range, Washer
Flooring: Carpet, Hardwood, Tile
Has Fireplace
# of Fireplaces: 1
Fireplace Features: Living Room, Wood Burning
Room Information
Laundry Features: Main Level, Laundry Room
Basement Details: Crawl Space, Exterior Entry
Exterior
Exterior Features
Exterior Features: Outdoor Grill
Patio And Porch Features: Rear Porch, Covered, Wrap Around
Roof: Metal
Building Information
Direction Faces: North
Levels: One
Property Features
Has View
Property Information
Property Type: Residential
Property Sub Type: Single Family Residence
Raw Mls Property Sub Type: Single Family Residence
Land Information
Topography: Level
Lot Information
Lot Features: Back Yard, Level
Road Surface Type: Gravel
Lot Size : 0.96
Lot Size Area: 0.96
Lot Size Units: Acres
Lot Size Acres: 0.96
Zoning Description: None
Financial
Tax Information
Tax Annual Amount: $1,518.09
Utilities
Utility Information
Water Source: Well
Utilities: Electricity Connected
Sewer: Septic Tank
Location
Location Information
Directions: From Main Street, Highlands - Take NC-106/Dillard Road for 4 miles. Turn right onto Turtle Pond Road. Continue for about 1/4 mile and then turn right to stay on Turtle Pond. Circular driveway is first on the right, #255.
Subdivision Name: None
Public facts
Beds: 2
Baths: 2.0
Sq. Ft.: 1,344
Stories: 1.0
Lot Size: 0.96 acres
Style: Single Family Residential
Year Built: 1978
Year Renovated: 1988
County: Macon County
APN: 7429466729
Home facts updated by county records on Aug 7, 2026
Other
Listing Information
List AOR: HighlandsCashiersBoardOfRealtors
Around this home
0/100 Car-Dependent1/100 Somewhat bikeable
Schools
Places
Transit
Highlands School
Public K-12 • Assigned • 3.8mi
6/10
Provided by GreatSchools
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
3/10 Fire Factor
0.31% chance of being in a wildfire in next 30 years
1/10 Heat Factor
6 days above 94° expected this year, 16 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, 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
75
60
69
56
63
46
56
39
47
31
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
86/ 100
Very good sunlight
Sunscore
There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.