Located less than 5 miles from the heart of Highlands, NC, this inviting 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is nestled in the desirable Rustic Falls neighborhood off scenic Horse Cove Road. Tucked among the trees and offering year-round mountain views, this property is perfect for full-time living, weekend getaways, or a savvy rental investment—with no rental restrictions and endless possibilities. Inside, you’ll find a warm and welcoming family room complete with a cozy gas fireplace, seamlessly flowing into the open kitchen featuring an island bar, sleek clean lines, and easy access to the side deck—ideal for grilling or relaxing while taking in the natural surroundings. Entertain with ease thanks to a screened-in porch made for summer dinners, late-night card games, and peaceful evenings. The main level also includes a spacious laundry room and a full guest bath for added convenience. The primary suite is a true retreat, boasting a large ensuite bathroom with double vanity, a soaking tub, and a walk-in shower, as well as a generous walk-in closet. Upstairs, two guest bedrooms share a full bathroom, and one offers access to a private sitting deck—perfect for morning coffee or winding down with a book. Whether you're dreaming of a mountain escape, an income-producing rental, or your forever home close to the vibrant shops, dining, and entertainment of downtown Highlands, this home is ready for you to make it your own. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of mountain paradise.
Single-familyProperty Type
1998Year Built
1 acresLot Size
Listed by Sarah Strawn• Keller Williams Great Smokies
Listed by Nicole Ernst• Keller Williams Great Smokies
Bought with Ann Cooper• Landmark Realty Group - Highlands
Walkingstick Road. Looking for a small cabin with great view, this cabin lives large with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, and is pleasant with a porch and a wall of glass in the living room to enjoy the view of Sagee and Blackrock mountains. This house is in good condition and is at a price that won't break the bank.
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$1,608 (+0.6%)
$81,250 + $433,570
$514,820
2024
$1,599 (+0.8%)
$81,250 + $433,570
$514,820
2023
$1,587 (+0.4%)
$81,250 + $430,470
$511,720
2022
$1,580
$143,750 + $198,670
$342,420
2021
$1,580 (+5.8%)
$143,750 + $198,670
$342,420
2020
$1,494 (+0.9%)
$143,750 + $198,670
$342,420
2019
$1,481 (+75.1%)
$143,750 + $198,670
$342,420
2018
$846
$45,000 + $163,590
$208,590
2017
$846
$45,000 + $163,590
$208,590
2016
$845 (+2.8%)
$45,000 + $163,590
$208,590
2015
$822 (−16.1%)
$45,000 + $163,590
$208,590
2014
$980
$57,000 + $258,610
$315,610
Tax history for 500 Walkingstick Rd
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$1,608 (+0.6%)
$81,250 + $433,570
$514,820
2024
$1,599 (+0.8%)
$81,250 + $433,570
$514,820
2023
$1,587 (+0.4%)
$81,250 + $430,470
$511,720
2022
$1,580
$143,750 + $198,670
$342,420
2021
$1,580 (+5.8%)
$143,750 + $198,670
$342,420
2020
$1,494 (+0.9%)
$143,750 + $198,670
$342,420
2019
$1,481 (+75.1%)
$143,750 + $198,670
$342,420
2018
$846
$45,000 + $163,590
$208,590
2017
$846
$45,000 + $163,590
$208,590
2016
$845 (+2.8%)
$45,000 + $163,590
$208,590
2015
$822 (−16.1%)
$45,000 + $163,590
$208,590
2014
$980
$57,000 + $258,610
$315,610
*Taxable value of land and structures on it ("additions") is determined regularly by local assessors and does not affect market price.
Public record
Beds
3
Baths
2
Stories
1
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
1 Acre
Year renovated
—
Sq. Ft.
1,456
Year built
1998
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Macon County
APN
7459533728
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Aug 27, 2026.
Property details
Parking
Parking/Garage Information
Parking Features: Concrete, Driveway
Interior
Virtual Tour
Bathroom Information
# of Full Bathrooms: 3
Heating & Cooling
Has Cooling
Cooling: Central Air, Ceiling Fan(s)
Has Heating
Heating: Electric
Interior Features
Interior Features: Breakfast Bar, Double Vanity, Eat-in Kitchen, Kitchen Island, Open Floorplan, Soaking Tub, Walk-In Closet(s)
Furnished: Furnished
Appliances: Dishwasher, Electric Oven, Microwave, Refrigerator
Flooring: Tile, Vinyl
Has Fireplace
# of Fireplaces: 1
Fireplace Features: Family Room, Gas
Room Information
Laundry Features: Washer Hookup, Inside, Main Level, Laundry Room
Exterior
Exterior Features
Exterior Features: Private Entrance, Private Yard
Patio And Porch Features: Rear Porch, Deck, Enclosed, Front Porch, Screened
Roof: Shingle
Building Information
Levels: Two
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: Sloping
Lot Information
Lot Features: Gentle Sloping, Native Plants, Private, Sloped, Views, Wooded
Road Surface Type: Gravel, Paved
Road Frontage Type: Easement
Lot Size : 1
Lot Size Area: 1
Lot Size Units: Acres
Lot Size Acres: 1
Zoning Description: Residential
Financial
Tax Information
Tax Annual Amount: $1,685.75
Utilities
Utility Information
Water Source: Private, Well
Utilities: Electricity Connected, Propane, Water Connected
Sewer: Septic Tank
Location
Location Information
Directions: From Main St. in Highlands head down N 4th St and then turn RIGHT at the first cross street onto Oak St. (go approx. 0.1 mile). Then turn RIGHT onto N 5th St and then LEFT at the 1st cross street onto Horse Cove Rd. (go approx. 3.7 miles) and you will turn RIGHT onto Walking Stick Rd. which you will follow down to #500 on your LEFT. The beginning of the driveway splits in two, stay to the LEFT SIDE.
Subdivision Name: Rustic Falls
Public facts
Beds: 3
Baths: 2.0
Sq. Ft.: 1,456
Stories: 1.0
Lot Size: 1 acres
Style: Single Family Residential
Year Built: 1998
Year Renovated: —
County: Macon County
APN: 7459533728
Home facts updated by county records on Aug 27, 2026
Other
Listing Information
List AOR: HighlandsCashiersBoardOfRealtors
Around this home
Schools
Highlands School
Public K-12 • Assigned • 2.3mi
6/10
Provided by GreatSchools
Lifestyle
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
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
2/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 95° 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
4 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
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 4.6 hours in December, placing it below the
U.S. average for solar exposure.