There are homes that are decorated, and there are homes that are collected, and this enchanting Mirror Lake cottage is decidedly the latter. Thoughtfully and professionally edited throughout, the residence reflects an effortless sense of style that feels both refined and unmistakably Highlands. Warm, wormy chestnut wood-paneled rooms transition beautifully into light-filled spaces with painted tongue-and-groove ceilings, exposed beams, hardwood floors, natural textures, and an artful mix of furnishings and artwork gathered with intention; sleek satin pewter and polished nickel door and cabinet hardware from PE Guerin in Greenwich Village, NYC, adds sophistication throughout. Offering one bedroom, two full baths, and versatile flex space, the home has been designed around comfortable, gracious living rather than convention. Intimate gathering areas invite conversation, reading, dining, and quiet afternoons at home, while each room maintains its own distinct character. Offered fully furnished, the cottage provides a rare opportunity to step into a home whose atmosphere has been carefully considered from room to room. Outdoors, a gravel drive leads to mature landscaping, blooming hydrangeas, and charming gravel pathways with stone insets, along with secluded garden spaces that extend the interior's peaceful feel. Located in the sought-after Mirror Lake neighborhood, just minutes from the heart of downtown Highlands, 286 Mirror Lake Road is a beautifully composed mountain retreat that captures the understated elegance and enduring character of Highlands cottage living.
Single-familyProperty Type
1950Year Built
5,227 sq ftLot Size
Listed by Craig Berry• Highlands Sotheby's International Realty - DT
Listed by Vanessa Moore• Highlands Sotheby's International Realty - DT
Bought with Wes Sheppard• Howard Hanna Allen Tate - Highlands
Est. $2,399 per month, based on comparable rentals
Sale and tax history for 286 Mirror Lake Rd
Sale History
Tax History
Date
Event
Price
HCMLS #1003926
Oct 2, 2026
Sold
$975,000
Sep 22, 2026
Pending
—
Sep 4, 2026
Contingent
—
Aug 19, 2026
Listed
$1,075,000
HCMLS #101322
Mar 29, 2023
Sold
$725,000
Dec 31, 2022
Listed
$775,000
+25
Great 30 day + Rental possibilities make this Mirror Lake 2 bedroom cottage impeccably remodeled while keeping with it's original style and elegance a great investment property or a family retreat to beat the heat. All on one floor living space with screened in porch. Primary bedroom with wood burning fireplace. Enjoy the view of Mirror lake from the screened in porch or private courtyard. Beautifully landscaped and easy access to the green way trail to shops and dining in downtown Highlands. Vermont Imperial Danby counter tops, wormy chest paneling, professional grade Bosch appliances, New roof in 2019 with architectural shingles, (black metal roof on screen porch) repair and fortification of chimney, new gutter system with leaf guards, custom stone fireplace, updated bathrooms, new Lennox AC unit about 6 months old, interior painted, exterior painted, custom knotty alder front door with custom hardware, custom interior french doors to close off fireplace room if needed, custom locust arbor & gate on driveway side, added Termite Baits throughout (1250 to install), extensive landscaping and redo of front ditch, rebuild of tank enclosure, and custom wood shutters / wood blinds is move in ready! Just bring your toothbrush. Please call for a personal tour today!
HCMLS #86841
Oct 12, 2017
Sold
$399,000
Aug 28, 2017
Listed
$440,000
The ambiance is overwhelming! This home is impeccably decorated and packed with style and elegance. Originally built around 1930 as a true Mirror Lake summer retreat. Expanded in the 1950's and updated through the years, this cottage now has all the charm of yesterday with the convenience of today. Take in a view of the lake from the back screened in porch or from the private court yards that surround the home. Box woods, hydrangea, and old growth rhododendron make up the low maintenance landscaping. Steps away from Mirror Lake and an easy walk to the green way trail that meanders to Main Street. Great care and thought was put into the finishes and materials, that include use of Vermont Imperial Danby counter tops, wormy chestnut paneling, and professional grade Bosch appliances. Currently utilized as a one bedroom with the Master bedroom being used as a large living space. Unfinished attic space could be finished for future bedrooms.
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$2,953
$111,600 + $612,280
$723,880
2024
$2,953 (+0.4%)
$111,600 + $612,280
$723,880
2023
$2,941 (+15.5%)
$111,600 + $612,280
$723,880
2022
$2,546
$132,620 + $283,040
$415,660
2021
$2,546 (+4.3%)
$132,620 + $283,040
$415,660
2020
$2,441 (+0.5%)
$132,620 + $283,040
$415,660
2019
$2,428 (+134.3%)
$132,620 + $283,040
$415,660
2018
$1,036 (+2.1%)
$48,000 + $131,680
$179,680
2017
$1,015
$44,000 + $131,680
$175,680
2016
$1,015 (+2.3%)
$44,000 + $131,680
$175,680
2015
$992 (−26.0%)
$44,000 + $131,680
$175,680
2014
$1,340
$88,000 + $201,700
$289,700
Public record
Beds
2
Baths
2
Stories
1
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
5,227 Sq. Ft.
Year renovated
2010
Sq. Ft.
1,124
Year built
1950
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Macon County
APN
7540152476
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Oct 8, 2026.
Property details
Parking
Parking/Garage Information
Parking Features: On Site, On Street
Interior
Bathroom Information
# of Full Bathrooms: 2
Heating & Cooling
Has Cooling
Cooling: Electric, Heat Pump
Has Heating
Heating: Electric, Heat Pump
Interior Features
Interior Features: High Speed Internet, Open Floorplan, Recessed Lighting
Furnished: Furnished
Appliances: Built-In Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer Stacked, Dishwasher, Gas Cooktop
Flooring: Hardwood, Tile
Fireplace Features: None
Room Information
Laundry Features: Main Level
Basement Details: Crawl Space
Exterior
Exterior Features
Exterior Features: Courtyard, Private Yard
Patio And Porch Features: Rear Porch, Screened
Roof: Asphalt, Shingle
Building Information
Levels: One
Property Features
Waterfront Features: Lake Privileges
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: Corner Lot, Landscaped, Native Plants, Level
Directions: From Main Street in downtown Highlands, take Franklin Road toward Franklin. Just past Highlands Smokehouse, turn right onto Mirror Lake Road. Continue on Mirror Lake Road, crossing the Mirror Lake bridge, to 286 Mirror Lake Road.
Subdivision Name: Cullasaja Heights
Community Information
Community Features: Lake
Public facts
Beds: 2
Baths: 2.0
Sq. Ft.: 1,124
Stories: 1.0
Lot Size: 5,227 square feet
Style: Single Family Residential
Year Built: 1950
Year Renovated: 2010
County: Macon County
APN: 7540152476
Home facts updated by county records on Oct 8, 2026
Other
Listing Information
List AOR: HighlandsCashiersBoardOfRealtors
Around this home
Schools
Highlands School
Public K-12 • Assigned • 1.4mi
6/10
Provided by GreatSchools
Climate risks
9/10 Flood Factor
Estimated 80%+ chance of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
1/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 93° 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
71
59
69
55
63
46
56
39
47
31
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
84/ 100
Very good sunlight
Sunscore
This home receives average direct sun exposure in Highlands. There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.