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$495,000 Sale Pending
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Property Description
Built in 1966 on the original caretaker's lot, this enchanting 3-bedroom, 1 bath hidden artist's haven is nestled in the peaceful Cold Springs community, just 4 miles from the charm of Main Street, Highlands and offers the perfect blend of inspiration and tranquility. Step inside to find refinished, narrow-planked hardwood floors that glow with warmth, setting the tone for a home that invites creativity, reflection, and escape. You will find a beautifully renovated kitchen with granite countertops, modern tile backsplash and new cabinets. In 2020, all the kitchen appliances were replaced with stainless steel refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and electric stove and there's a washer and dryer in a separate laundry/storage room. In 2002, lifetime vinyl windows were installed, inviting the mountain light to pour in while keeping the elements at bay. And a full bathroom remodel was done in 2020 with a granite countertop sink, vanity, shower/bath with frameless glass sliding doors, and tile flooring. The two car garage is spacious and is wired for 220 voltage, enough power for an artist's studio or workshop. Enhancing the feel of quiet enchantment are the tall rhododendrons that offer seclusion and privacy, and a pollinating garden landscaped along the fence that frames the yard. Whether you're sipping coffee as the morning mist rises or watching horses run in the fenced pasture across the way, this sanctuary is ideal for painters, writers, and dreamers alike. Recently installed fiber optic internet, and a Generac generator ready for any season, this mountain retreat offers both serenity and reliability. The home is in a desired area of Highlands and is ideal as a vacation rental, investment opportunity, or first home. It is nestled behind a lush wall of Rhododendron making for private, peaceful sanctuary and the level, circular driveway makes for easy access, year-round. Over the years, this home has been well-maintained. The well pump was replaced in 2005 on the shared well, as well as the LP gas furnace in 2009, ensuring warmth through crisp mountain winters. The home's solid metal roof was installed and the interior was painted in 2014. The exterior was painted along with the installation of oversized gutters and guards to protect the home through all seasons in 2018. And the hot water heater was just replaced to ensure comfort well into the future.
Full Property Details
Full Property Details for 556 Shortoff Rd
General
- Price: $495,000
- Status: Pending
- Type: Single Family
- Source: Charlotte_Regional_Realtor_Association
- MLS ID: 4394862
- Updated: 6/22/2026
- Added to Site: 157 day(s) ago
Interior
- Interior Features: Attic Stairs Pulldown
- Appliances: Dryer, Electric Cooktop, Electric Oven, Electric Water Heater, Microwave, Washer
- Flooring: Laminate, Tile, Wood
Rooms
Bathrooms
- Total Bathrooms: 1
- Full Bathrooms: 1
- Main - Full Baths: 1
Bedrooms
- Total Bedrooms: 3
- Bedrooms Main & Up: 3
Other Rooms
- Laundry: Laundry Room
Additional Information
- Shared Amenities: None
- Equipment: Fuel Tank - Leased, Generator
Exterior
- Exterior Features: Fire Pit
Parking
- Garage: Yes
- Garage Spaces: 2
- Parking Features: Detached Garage, Garage Door Opener
Location
- County: Macon
- Subdivision: Cold Springs
- Driving Directions: From Highlands, go east on Hwy 64 toward Cashiers. Turn left on Buck Creek Road. Turn right on Shortoff Road, go 1/2 mile to 556 (the first entrance) on the left. It is hard to see traffic (pulling out) if you pull into the 2nd entrance (where the mailboxes are). It's across the road from the entrance of Cold Springs (crossroads are Old Toll Road and Saddleback Lane).
School Information
- Elementary School: Highlands School
- Middle School: Highlands School
- High School: Highlands School
Heating & Cooling
- Cooling Type: None
- Heating Type: Central, Electric
Utilities
- Sewer: Septic Installed
- Water: Shared Well
- Utility Description: Fiber Optics
Structural Information
- Architectural Style: Transitional
- Construction: Site Built
- Exterior Const.: Block, Hardboard Siding
- Roof: Metal
- Main/1st Level: 912 Sq. Ft.
- Year Built: 1966
Lot Features
- Street/Road Desc.: Gravel
- Elevation (Approx.): 3500
- Lot Features: Cleared, Rolling Slope
- Fencing (Description): Back Yard
Horse Property
- Horse Facility Desc.: None
Financial Considerations
- Terms: Cash, Conventional
Disclosures and Reports
- Restrictions: Building, Deed, Square Feet
- Property ID: 7541850221
- Lot Number: Z40-1085
Listed by Mountain Life Real Estate, Llc
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Schools
Schools serving 556 Shortoff Rd
School District:Macon County Schools
| Name | Grades | Distance |
|---|---|---|
Highlands School 545 Pierson Drive, Highlands, NC 28741 | K-12 | 3.2 mi |
Macon Middle School 1345 Wells Grove Road, Franklin, NC 28734 | 7-8 | 10.8 mi |
Macon Early College High School 77 Siler Farm Road, Franklin, NC 28734 | 9-12 | 12 mi |
Franklin High 100 Panther Drive, Franklin, NC 28734 | 9-12 | 12.5 mi |
Disclaimer:
School attendance boundaries provided by ATTOM Data Solutions and are for reference only. Contact the school directly to verify enrollment eligibility.
Price & Sales History for 556 Shortoff Rd
Date
Details
Price
Change
Source
2/02/2026
Listed
$495,000
70.69%
MLS
5/24/2021
Sold
$290,000
—
Public Record
Disclaimer: Historical sales information is derived from public records provided by the county offices. Information is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
Tax History
Tax History for 556 Shortoff Rd
Year
Property Taxes
Change
Tax Assessment
Change
2025
$4,212
309%
$309,020
—
2023
$1,029
53%
$309,020
136%
2021
$671
—
$131,010
5%
2022
$671
5%
$125,010
-5%
2020
$638
2%
$131,010
—
2019
$625
—
$131,010
-11%
2018
$626
100%
$147,460
—
2016
—
$147,460
—
Disclaimer: Historical tax information is derived from public records provided by the county offices. Information is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
Estimate the Cost
Estimate the Cost for 556 Shortoff Rd
556 Shortoff Road, Highlands, NC 28741 (MLS# 4394862) is a Single Family property with 3 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom. 556 Shortoff Road is currently listed for $495,000 and was received on February 02, 2026. Want to learn more about 556 Shortoff Road? Do you have questions about finding other Single Family real estate for sale in Highlands? You can browse all Highlands real estate or contact a Coldwell Banker agent to request more information.

