Perched above the clouds with front-row seats to nature’s most spectacular show. Situated inside the exclusive gates of Bear Shadow Ridge, this masterfully crafted retreat is one of only two homes offering a completely unobstructed view of Whiteside Mountain, the valley below, and the famous bi-annual "Shadow of the Bear" phenomenon. Skip the crowded public overlook—enjoy this legendary sight from the comfort of your private expansive deck or sunroom. Bear Shadow sitings are so rare they are the topic of Land Rover commercials! Designed with quiet sophistication, the main level features rich antique hardwood floors, a true chef’s kitchen, and a luxurious primary suite complete with a newly updated spa-like bath and a massive walk-in closet with dedicated laundry. Upstairs, three grand guest suites offer ample space for family, while a private bonus apartment over the three-car garage provides the ideal guest house or nanny suite. Outdoors, enjoy beautifully landscaped, level grounds—a rare mountain find perfect for pets and outdoor living. Located conveniently between Highlands and Cashiers, you're just ten minutes from world-class dining, shopping, and premier country clubs.
Single-familyProperty Type
2008Year Built
1.32 acresLot Size
3 car garageParking
Listed by Josephine Lovell• Highlands Sotheby's International Realty - DT
Only two homes perch inside the gates of Bear Shadow Ridge with an unobstructed view of Whiteside Mountain, the valley below and the image of the Bear Shadow in the spring and in the fall. This home is an exquisite embodiment of quality features throughout with antique hardwood floors, a gourmet kitchen, the primary bedroom on the main level with an enormous walk-in closet with a washer and dryer, and a luxurious bath. The main home has three generous guest suites up with a bonus apartment with full bath over the three-car garage. A sunroom and an outdoor deck provide immediate enjoyment of the Whiteside Mountain and Bear Shadow view. The "overlook" sits below this property where most visitors risk their lives to see this amazing view and unprecedented "Bear Shadow" viewing twice each year. This legendary event is so popular it is the subject of commercials on YouTube. But if you own this home, you can safely sit on your deck or look at your window and see this miracle of nature. The immaculate grounds provide a level backyard to walk your furry child. Quiet sophistication and high-end taste describe this family home conveniently located halfway between Highlands and Cashiers where in ten minutes you can enjoy the amenities of both communities. Close to country clubs, you can join the one of your choosing subject to club approval.
HCMLS #78977
Apr 1, 2015
Sold
$1,500,000
Mar 22, 2014
Listed
$1,750,000
Only two homes perch inside the gates of Bear Shadow ridge with an unobstructed view of Whiteside Mountain, the valley below and the image of the bear shadow in the spring and in the fall. This home is an exquisite embodiment of quality features throughout with antique hardwood floors, a gourmet kitchen, an enormous walk in master closet with a washer and dryer, and a luxurious master bath. The main home has three generous guest suites up with a bonus room over the three-car garage. The immaculate grounds provide a fenced, level backyard to walk your furry child. Quiet sophistication and high end taste describes this almost new home. Priced to sell this season!!
Public Records
Sep 18, 2006
Sold
$400,000
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$3,316
$339,720 + $774,590
$1,114,310
2024
$3,316 (+0.8%)
$330,800 + $774,590
$1,105,390
2023
$3,290 (+152.4%)
$325,900 + $774,590
$1,100,490
2022
$1,303
$303,070
2021
$1,303 (+6.3%)
$303,070
2020
$1,227
$303,070
2019
$1,227 (−19.9%)
$303,070
2018
$1,532
$425,740
2017
$1,532
$425,740
2016
$1,531 (−0.7%)
$425,740
2015
$1,542 (+205.3%)
$425,740
2014
$505
$175,390
Public record
Beds
5
Baths
5.5
Stories
—
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
0.71 Acres
Year renovated
—
Finished Sq. Ft.
2,994
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
2,994
Year built
—
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Macon County
APN
7551947528
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
3/10 Fire Factor
0.15% chance of being in a wildfire in next 30 years
1/10 Heat Factor
5 days above 92° expected this year, 13 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, 4 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
90/ 100
Exceptional sunlight
Sunscore
This home ranks in the top 30% for direct sun exposure in the zip code. There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
10.1 hrs
6.6 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 51 Bear Shadow Rdg
We cannot show automated home-value estimates for this home.
Nearby homes have recently sold between $1,495,000 and $4,750,000.
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $1.5M to $4.8M.