Property listing for 131 Big Creek Ln, Highlands, NC 28741
ActiveSingle Family Home

$2,275,000

131 Big Creek Ln, Highlands, NC 28741

Riverside Cottage on Big Creek — Walk to Highlands Town

3 Bed · 3.5 Bath

Creekfront cottage with terraces, screened porch fireplace, and proven rental history

3

Beds

3.5

Baths

2006

Built

1.12 acres

Lot

No attached garage (driveway parking)

Garage

About 131 Big Creek Ln

Known affectionately as “Tucked Inn,” 131 Big Creek Lane is a rare creekfront retreat located just minutes from Highlands’ shops and restaurants. The home is arranged for comfortable living and entertaining: enter into a vaulted great room anchored by a dramatic stone wood-burning fireplace and a custom iron chandelier. Shiplap walls, built-in bookcases and wide-plank hardwood floors give the main living spaces warmth and character, while thoughtful designer draperies and tailored bedding reflect the property’s turnkey presentation.

Step from the great room onto a generous screened porch that features a second fireplace and motorized roll-down panels — a season-extension feature that makes the porch usable most of the year. A deck and dedicated grilling area adjoin the porch for easy al fresco meals. The kitchen opens visually to the front yard and to the porch through a pass-through window — ideal for casual serving and social flow. The primary suite is conveniently located on the main floor with en-suite bath and easy access to the main living areas.

Upstairs, a flexible loft/sitting area with built-in bookcases separates two private bedroom suites, each providing privacy for family or guests. Outside, landscaped terraces and garden areas with winding trails step down through rhododendron to the creek; multiple seating platforms allow you to enjoy the sound of the waterfall and the creek’s year-round presence. A garden shed and maintained trails add practical and recreational value to the property.

This home has an excellent documented rental history and — per seller notes — no short-term rental restrictions. Its combination of creek frontage, proximity to town, and high-quality finishes make it attractive as a primary residence, second home, or investment property. Showings by appointment.

Home Highlights

Direct creek frontage on Big Creek with terraces and waterfall viewsScreened porch with fireplace and motorized roll-down panelsPrimary suite on main level plus two private upstairs suitesDesigner-finished, turnkey condition with excellent rental historyAbout 0.5–1.0 mile to Highlands town center

Property Features

Interior Features

  • Vaulted great room with stone wood-burning fireplace
  • Shiplap walls and wide-plank hardwood floors
  • Built-in bookcases throughout
  • Primary bedroom on main level
  • Loft/sitting area upstairs separating two private suites
  • Custom draperies and designer finishes

Exterior & Lot

  • Approximately 1.12-acre lot (48,787 sqft)
  • Direct Big Creek frontage with small waterfall
  • Multiple terraces and garden trails to the creek
  • Screened porch with fireplace and automated roll-down panels
  • Deck and separate grilling area
  • Garden shed

Location & Neighborhood

  • Short walk/drive to Highlands downtown shops and dining
  • Quiet residential lane (Big Creek Ln)
  • Close access to regional trails and scenic drives
  • Macon County / Town of Highlands jurisdiction

Walkability & Recreation

  • Walkability Rating: 70/100
  • Easy walk to town amenities; excellent access to hiking, waterfalls and outdoor activities
  • Nearby parks and scenic overlooks on the Highlands-Cashiers plateau

Neighborhood & Location

The Big Creek area is a quiet, residential enclave near central Highlands that offers a mix of year-round homes and seasonal retreats. Properties often enjoy mature rhododendron and hardwoods, short trails to streams and waterfalls, and quick access to Main Street. The community appeals to buyers seeking mountain privacy with convenient proximity to dining, galleries, and services.

Market Insights

Highlands sits above much of Macon County as a limited-inventory resort market where well-appointed cottages and creekfront lots command premiums. The local market is seasonal; summer and fall months bring most buyer activity. Median sale prices across the Highlands area are significantly higher than county averages given the prevalence of second homes and mountain-lifestyle buyers. Inventory remains constrained, which supports quicker sales for uniquely sited homes — especially those with water features and turnkey condition. For buyers, this means competition for special properties; for sellers, a properly priced and well-marketed riverfront cottage often achieves strong offers during peak season. Verify current seasonal comps with your agent to time listing and outreach to vacation-home buyer lists.

Nearby Schools

Highlands School

Elementary/Middle (K-8) · 0.5 mi

7/10

Franklin High School

High · 20 mi (commute for high school)

6/10

Walkability & Recreation

70
Walkability
90
Recreation

Excellent outdoor access — short drives to hiking, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks; private trails and creek terraces on property enhance on-site recreation.

Investment Highlights

  • Direct creek frontage with multiple terraces and waterfall views
  • Turnkey interior with designer touches, built-ins, and hardwood floors
  • Screened porch with fireplace and automated roll-down panels extends use season
  • Excellent documented rental history; no short-term rental restrictions noted
  • Short walk/drive to Highlands downtown amenities

Key Findings

  • List price: $2,275,000 (March 2026)
  • 3 beds, 3.5 baths, built 2006; lot ~1.12 acres (48,787 sqft)
  • Primary suite on main level; two private suites upstairs plus loft and bookcases
  • Substantial creek frontage on Big Creek with trails and terraces to water
  • No attached garage listed; parking likely driveway/turnout

Things to Consider

  • Limited public data on utilities, exact finished square footage, and septic/water systems — verify during due diligence
  • Potential stream/shoreline buffers, steep slope, or watershed restrictions that could limit alterations
  • Seasonal market; pricing should be evaluated against active local luxury comps and rental demand seasonality

Opportunity Analysis

Acquire a turnkey creekfront cottage in Highlands that combines lifestyle appeal with proven rental income potential. Target buyers include second-home purchasers, lifestyle buyers desiring walk-to-town convenience, and investors seeking a high-performing short-term rental in a constrained inventory market.

Potential Use Scenarios

  • Position as a turnkey lifestyle and income property in marketing materials; highlight rental performance and creek frontage
  • Obtain a current septic/water inspection and confirm local short-term rental rules before contract
  • Price competitively with clear photography emphasizing creek terraces and screened porch to maximize seasonal demand

Risk Factors

  • Regulatory constraints on modifications near streams
  • Potential maintenance needs from creek proximity (erosion, flood insurance)
  • Limited garage/covered parking for buyers seeking enclosed vehicle storage

Buyers should conduct independent due diligence before making any purchase decisions.

AI Valuation Estimate

Low

$2050K

Midpoint

$2275K

High

$2500K

$948/SF estimated price per square foot

65% confidence

Estimate anchored to list price ($2,275,000) and adjusted +/- ~10-12%. Price/ft uses an assumed finished area ~2,400 sqft (estimate only). No live comp pull; values informed by Highlands limited-inventory luxury market and the property's creek frontage and turnkey condition.

As of 2026-03-14

This is a computer-generated estimate for informational purposes only and is not an appraisal or professional valuation.

Market & Area Data

Market Trends

Area Median Price$700,000
Avg Days on Market60 days
Inventory3 months
1-Year Appreciation+400.0%

Demographics

Population (1 mi)2,000
Median Income (1 mi)$65,000

Highlands is a second-home and retirement destination with a seasonal population; limited developable land keeps inventory constrained and supports premium pricing.

Nearby Points of Interest

  • Highlands town center (0.5–1.0 mi)
  • Main Street shops and restaurants (0.5–1.0 mi)

Short drive or walk to Highlands' downtown restaurants, galleries, and markets; access to hiking, waterfalls, and the Blue Ridge Parkway within 10–30 minutes.

School District

DistrictMacon County Schools
ElementaryHighlands School (K-8) — estimated rating 7/10
MiddleHighlands School (K-8) — estimated rating 7/10
HighFranklin High School (Macon County Schools) — estimated rating 6/10 (students often travel to Franklin for high school)

Market data is based on aggregated public records and may not reflect real-time conditions.

Property Details

Building Details

Year Built2006
Constructionwood frame
Stories2
Rooflikely composition shingle
Heatinglikely forced air / propane or electric (not specified)
Coolinglikely central AC or split systems (not specified)
Basementnone
FireplaceYes
Conditiongood

Lot & Site

Lot Size1.12 acres (48,787 SF)
Topographysloping
Parkingdriveway
Parking Spaces2
FrontageRiverside/creek frontage along Big Creek with multiple terraces and trails to water

Utilities

Zoning & Land Use

DescriptionResidential single-family (likely R-1 or equivalent) in a primarily residential and conservation-oriented mountain community
JurisdictionTown of Highlands / Macon County

Allowed Uses

Single family residenceAccessory structures (sheds, patios) subject to local setbacksShort term rentals allowed by owner notes but verify with town rules
Current Useresidential

Tax & Sale History

Tax Assessment

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