85 & 95 Ralph Thomas Rd, Highlands, NC 28741

A rare 2-home Highlands retreat just 4 minutes from Main Street, this exceptional offering was originally built by renowned local craftsman Ralph Thomas and thoughtfully updated for modern mountain living. Privately set among the trees near the Mirror Lake area, the property spans approximately one acre across two lots and offers an uncommon blend of craftsmanship, flexibility, privacy, recreational access, and income-producing potential. Together, the residences provide approximately 4,500 square feet of interior living space, five bedrooms, five full baths, multiple flexible guest rooms and office spaces, two laundry/utility areas, four full-size refrigerators, and abundant indoor-outdoor living space. More than 2,000 square feet of decking includes a 400-square-foot cathedral-style screened porch, permanent seating areas, two fire pits, an outdoor stove, and peaceful spaces for gathering, dining, or relaxing beneath the tree canopy. The setting is both private and convenient, with winter mountain views, summer forest-canopy vistas, and more than 130 trees planted along the perimeter in 2020 to enhance the secluded feel. A private paved driveway provides access within a quiet enclave adjoining Mirror Lake, while nearby gravel roads, waterfalls, streams, hiking trails, Skyline Lodge, and downtown Highlands place the best of the Plateau close at hand. The primary residence underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2020 while preserving its original Adirondack camp character. Original wormy chestnut cabinetry and wood flooring remain, complemented by Bosch and Liebherr appliances, updated baths, a screened outdoor living area with electric screens, a metal roof, and replacement windows and doors throughout. Additional features include two wood-burning fireplaces, a gas river-rock fireplace, two garages with space for three vehicles, workshop areas, guest parking, high-speed internet service with fiber-optic availability, and a generator serving both homes. The second residence has been upgraded to strengthen rental appeal and has generated up to $60,000 annually in long & short-term rental income. Located outside the Town of Highlands limits, the property benefits from the absence of municipal rental restrictions, offering flexibility for personal use, guest accommodations, or investment income. With two distinct homes, refined updates, original craftsmanship, outdoor living, and proven rental performance, this is a truly distinctive Highlands property.

A rare Highlands offering just four minutes from Main Street, this private two-home mountain retreat was originally built by renowned local craftsman Ralph Thomas and thoughtfully updated for modern living. Set on approximately one acre across two lots near Mirror Lake, the property combines privacy, craftsmanship, flexible space, and rental potential. Together, the residences offer approximately 4,500 square feet of interior living space, five bedrooms, five full baths, multiple Guest/flex rooms and office spaces, two laundry/utility areas, four full-size refrigerators, and inviting indoor-outdoor gathering areas. More than 2,000 square feet of decking includes a cathedral-style screened porch, permanent seating, two fire pits, an outdoor stove, and winter mountain and summer forest-canopy views. The main residence was renovated in 2020 while preserving its Adirondack camp character, including original wormy chestnut cabinetry and wood flooring. Premium appliances, updated baths, a metal roof, replacement windows and doors, generator service, garages, workshop space, parking, and short-term rental income history from the second home complete this exceptional Highlands retreat.