CompCasa Property Analysis · single_family

42 Hemlock Rdg

Turnkey Pondfront Mountain Estate — Riverwalk, Highlands, NC

Furnished 4BR/4BA pond-facing cottage steps from downtown Highlands

4 beds4 baths4,000 sq ftBuilt 20070.1601 acresNo garage noted — likely carport/driveway-only parking
CompCasa valuation analysis
Estimated market value
$2,100,000
Low $1,900,000 · Midpoint $2,100,000 · High $2,300,000
Confidence65%Sales comparison approach
CompCasa estimate$2,100,000Mar 14, 2026
$1,900,000$2,100,000 midpoint$2,300,000
Price / sq ft$525
Median sale price$825,000
Avg days on market75 days
Inventory4 months

Estimate anchored to the list price of **$2,100,000**; building area is an industry-estimated 4,000 sq ft (not provided in source). Range reflects demand for turnkey luxury homes in Highlands/Riverwalk and recent limited inventory in the high-elevation second-home market.

About the property

Turnkey Pondfront Mountain Estate — Riverwalk, Highlands, NC

A compelling blend of mountain presence and refined living, 42 Hemlock Rdg sits within Riverwalk and overlooks a private pond — a rare combination steps from downtown Highlands. This furnished residence (offered with select exclusions) was crafted for both intimate family life and gracious entertaining. Enter into a grand living room defined by soaring vertical volume and a signature stone fireplace that provides scale and warmth. The open plan flows to a chef-capable kitchen and dining area designed for effortless gatherings.

Thoughtful outdoor spaces extend the home's program: a primary suite opens to its own screened terrace, creating a private retreat among the treetops. Off the kitchen is a second screened living room with a fireplace — an all-season extension of the interior that functions as an additional living or formal entertaining area. The home’s four bedrooms and four baths are arranged for privacy and comfort, making it ideal as a legacy mountain house or a high-end seasonal escape.

The lot of approximately 6,970 sq ft is intimate yet carefully composed — woods, water views, and the quiet circulation of a mature community provide privacy without isolation. Riverwalk residents enjoy quick drives to Highlands’ acclaimed restaurants, art galleries, and specialty shops; hikes, waterfalls and scenic overlooks are minutes away. The house is turnkey and move-in ready, presenting immediate lifestyle value for buyers seeking convenience combined with a strong foothold in a limited-supply luxury market.

Practical notes: built in 2007, offered furnished, and positioned in a low-inventory segment where well-appointed, water-adjacent homes command premium pricing. Buyers should verify square footage and any Riverwalk covenants or town regulations related to short-term rental operations. For those who value privacy, refined mountain architecture, and immediate usability, this property is a standout offering in Highlands.

Property details

A 2007 cottage/traditional on 0.16 acres.

Building

Year built2007
ConstructionWood Frame With Stone Accents (Typical For Region)
RoofGabled (Estimated)
Heatinglikely forced-air and/or zoned heat with wood/stone fireplace (not verified)
Coolinglikely minimal central A/C or split systems (not verified)

Site & utilities

Lot size0.1601 acres
GarageNo garage noted — likely carport/driveway-only parking
Stories2
ConditionExcellent
BasementNone
FireplaceYes
Improvement notesHigh-end finishes described; vaulted living room with statement stone fireplace, screened terraces, seasonal outdoor living spaces; offered furnished with select exclusions.
Lot area6,970 sq ft
TopographySloping
FrontagePond frontage/overlook per listing description; setting among trees within Riverwalk community.
ParkingDriveway And Off Street
Parking spaces3
Parking notesNo attached garage listed. Off-street parking and drive aisle typical for Riverwalk lots.
AccessAccess via Hemlock Ridge within Riverwalk; private community roads, paved.
Location & nearby

Riverwalk (Highlands)

Researched nearby locations

Downtown Highlands boutiques & dining (0.5-1.5 mi)
Highlands Country Club / golf facilities (approx 2-4 mi)

Location

42 Hemlock Rdg, Highlands, NC 28741

View in Google Maps
Editorial neighborhood context

Riverwalk is a quiet, mature residential enclave within easy reach of downtown Highlands. Homes here tend to be architecturally sensitive to the mountain context, set on smaller, wooded lots with emphasis on privacy and outdoor living. Residents benefit from rapid access to Highlands’ restaurants, galleries and seasonal events, while being minutes from regional hiking trails, waterfall sites and scenic overlooks. The neighborhood appeals to full-time residents, second-home buyers and seasonal visitors seeking a refined mountain lifestyle.

Nearby access summary

Excellent access to hiking, waterfalls, and outdoor recreation — ideal for owners who value quick access to trails and scenic mountain overlooks.

ElementaryHighlands School (K-12) — community school serving the area (public) (approx 1-3 mi; rating ~7/10)
Middle schoolHighlands School (K-12) — same campus (rating ~7/10)
High schoolHighlands School (K-12) — same campus (rating ~7/10)
School districtMacon County Schools
Market context

A factual market snapshot around 42 Hemlock Rdg.

Median sale price$825,000
Avg days on market75 days
Inventory4 months
1-year appreciation300.0%
5-year appreciation1800.0%
Editorial market perspective

Highlands is a specialty market driven by second-home demand, seasonal visitation, and limited developable inventory. The luxury segment — homes north of $1.5M — typically sees fewer active listings and strong interest from buyers in the Southeast looking for turnkey mountain retreats. Median sale prices in the broader Highlands area are materially lower than this property's list price (local median estimated near $825K), but pond-adjacent turnkey homes in Riverwalk routinely trade at premiums. Inventory is generally constrained, which compresses negotiation windows for well-presented listings; however, occupancy and cashflow for rentals are seasonal and require local regulatory checks. Given current conditions, a thoughtfully priced and furnished offering will attract both local and out-of-state buyers, often producing faster market times relative to the broader area.

Zoning & land use

Residential / planned community (Riverwalk) — individual lots within a planned subdivision; specific PUD/CCR may apply

Zoning

DescriptionResidential / planned community (Riverwalk) — individual lots within a planned subdivision; specific PUD/CCR may apply
JurisdictionTown of Highlands / Macon County (apply locally)
Current useResidential
SetbacksSubdivision covenants and local setbacks apply (verify with town and plat).

Research-indicated uses

  • Single Family Residence
  • Accessory Structures Per Covenants
  • Short Term Rental May Be Allowed Subject To Town/Covenant Rules
Verify with the jurisdiction: Zoning, setbacks, and allowed-use summaries are research indicators—not legal advice or a determination that a specific use is permitted.
Research findings & due diligence

What the research supports — and what is still worth verifying.

Key findings

  • Listing price: $2,100,000 (source listing data).
  • Property: 4 beds, 4 baths, built 2007, lot ~6,970 sq ft.
  • Offered furnished with select exclusions — accelerates time-to-use.
  • Estimated building area used for valuation: ~4,000 sq ft (estimate).
  • High-end turnkey homes in Highlands experience limited competition and often trade at a premium to general-area medians.
Highlights & features

What stands out about this property.

Interior Features

  • Grand living room with soaring ceilings and statement stone fireplace
  • Open kitchen and dining flow ideal for entertaining
  • Primary suite with private screened terrace
  • Second screened living room off kitchen with fireplace
  • 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms; offered furnished with select exclusions

Exterior & Lot

  • Pond outlook and treed perimeter
  • Lot approx. 6,970 sq ft (0.16 acres)
  • Multiple screened terraces for year-round outdoor living
  • Private, paved community roads within Riverwalk
  • Comfortable off-street parking; no attached garage listed

Location & Neighborhood

  • Riverwalk enclave — quiet, well-regarded community
  • 0.5–1.5 miles to downtown Highlands dining and galleries
  • Minutes to regional trails, waterfalls and scenic overlooks
  • Macon County / Town of Highlands jurisdiction

Walkability & Recreation

  • Walkability Rating: 40/100
  • Easy drive to downtown shops and restaurants
  • Close access to hiking, waterfalls, and Highlands outdoor amenities
Research transparency

Sources & research confidence.

See where the property research came from and how confidence varies by field.

View sources & confidence
2
MLS (as referenced in Redfin)
Important: This analysis is AI-assisted using pre-scraped listing data and model knowledge. It is not a formal appraisal. Verify all critical facts before making decisions.