Address
85 & 95 Ralph Thomas Road, Highlands, NC
Price
$ 2,950,000
Property Attributes
- ID#4395002
- TypeSingle Family
- Listing Status Active
- CountyMACON
- CityHighlands
- AreaMacon County
- Zip28741
- StyleTraditional
- Year Built1974
- Price$ 2,950,000
- Bedrooms5
- Full Bathrooms5
- Half Bathrooms0
- Sqr Footage4164
- Lot Size0.97 Acres
Data Source:
Canopy MLS
Property Description
A rare two-home Highlands retreat just four 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.
| Elementary School | Middle School | High School |
|---|---|---|
| Unspecified Elementary School | Unspecified Middle School | Unspecified High School |
| Price History | |
|---|---|
| 6/25/2026 | Listed $2,950,000 |
General Features
| Living Area | 4164 |
|---|---|
| Sewer | Septic Installed |
| Heating | Electric,Heat Pump,Zoned |
| Cooling | Central Air,Zoned |
| Utilities | Electricity Connected,Propane,Other - See Remarks |
| Roof | Architectural Shingle |
| Appliances | Dishwasher,Electric Range,Microwave,Refrigerator with Ice Maker,Washer/Dryer,Other |
| Development Status | Completed |
| Zoning | R |
| Garage Spaces | 3 |
| Patio/Porch Features | Covered,Deck,Patio,Wrap Around,Other - See Remarks |
| Architectural Style | Traditional |
| Security Features | Radon Mitigation System |
| Construction Materials | Stone,Wood |
| Year Built | 1974 |
| Levels | One |
| Property Subtype | Single Family Residence |
| Parcel Number | 7540161487 |
| Elevation | 3500 |
| Waterfront Features | None |
| County | Macon |
| New Construction | No |
| Property Type | Residential |
| HOA | No |
| Subdivision Name | None |
| Garage Y/N | Yes |
| Other Structures | Other - See Remarks |
| Full Baths | 5 |
| Directions | From Highlands: Take Main St to Franklin Rd then RIGHT on Mirror Lake Rd. Continue on Mirror Lake Rd to LEFT on Billy Cabin Rd. Continue for about 0.2 mi,then veer LEFT onto Ralph Thomas Rd. You'll |
| High School | Unspecified |
| City | Highlands |
| Senior Community Y/N | No |
| Lot Size Units | Acres |
| Carport Y/N | No |
| Elementary School | Unspecified |
| Middle/Junior High School | Unspecified |
| Additional Parcels Y/N | No |
| Virtual Tour | https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=JrmCRvYu2NM |
| Standard Status | Active |
| CAR_HOASubjectTo | None |
| Construction Type | Site Built |
| Restrictions | No Restrictions |
| Tax Assessed Value | 1458020 |
| Virtual Tour | https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=JrmCRvYu2NM |
| Listing Terms | Cash,Conventional |
Interior Features
| Interior Amenities | Other - See Remarks |
|---|---|
| Basement | Other |
| Flooring | Carpet,Tile,Wood |
| Fireplace Features | Family Room,Living Room,Other - See Remarks |
| Basement (Y/N) | Yes |
| Fireplace Y/N | Yes |
| Above Grade Finished Area | 4164 |
| Laundry Features | Laundry Room,Multiple Locations,Other - See Remarks |
| Total Bedrooms | 5 |
| Total Baths | 5 |
| SqFt Main | 2216 |
| SqFt Upper | 1948 |
| Bedroom | 2 |
Exterior Features
| Exterior Amenities | Other - See Remarks |
|---|---|
| Fencing | Back Yard |
| Parking Features | Circular Driveway,Driveway,Attached Garage,Garage Faces Front,Garage Faces Side,Keypad Entry,Other - See Remarks |
| Lot Features | Cleared,Green Area,Private,Rolling Slope,Wooded |
| Water Source | Shared Well |
| Lot Size Area | 0.97 |
| Foundation Details | Permanent |
| Road Surface Type | Asphalt,Concrete,Gravel,Paved |
| Other Parking | #85 has a 1-car attached garage and concrete driveway with room for 2+ cars; #95 has a circular asphalt driveway with a 2-car attached garage. |
| Door Features | French Doors,Screen Door(s),Sliding Doors |
| Other Equipment | Fuel Tank - Leased,Other - See Remarks |
| Road Responsibility | Private Maintained Road |
| Main Level Garage YN | Yes |
Amenities
- Foreclosure
- Views
- Short Sale
- New Construction
- Adult 55+
- Lease To Own
- No HOA Fees
- Furnished
- Primary On Main
- Air Conditioning
- Seller Finance
- Green
- Fixer Upper
- Horse
- Golf
- Fireplace
- Deck
- Garage
- Basement
- Pool
Property vs Single Family Average in 28741
Price
Year Built
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