539 Cheney Lane, Highlands, NC 28741
Property image
Property image
OFF MARKET

539 Cheney Lane
Highlands, NC 28741

  • 2 Beds
  • 1 Bath

$1,466,400

Trulia Estimate
as of Jul 31, 2026
Est. Refi. Payment $8,027/mo*

$1,466,400

Trulia Estimate
as of Jul 31, 2026
Est. Refi. Payment $8,027/mo*
2 Beds
1 Bath
(on 13.15 acres)

Local Information

  • Map ViewExplore the area around 539 Cheney Lane.
  • Schools2 Elementary Schools2 Middle Schools3 High Schools
  • Shop & Eat
-- mins to
Commute Destination

Home Highlights

Property Type
Single-Family Home
Year Built
1920
Lot Size
13.15 acres

About this House

Steeped in Highlands history, this charming 1920s cottage sits on over 13 acres of wooded land, perennial gardens, and native flora. Built by Henry Wright—a noted naturalist and contributor to the Highlands Botanical Garden—the home showcases enduring craftsmanship. The kitchen features original wormy chestnut cabinetry, while the living room is clad in chestnut paneling milled from the property. A granite fireplace anchors the space, and herringbone red oak flooring, laid by Wright himself, adds character and warmth. The land is a haven for native species, including Turk’s Cap Lilies, Pink Ladyslippers, several rare Trillium varieties, and the elusive Shortia (Oconee Bells). The current owners, dedicated and knowledgeable gardeners, have carefully stewarded this botanical legacy—preserving genetic lines that trace back to the original plantings from Wright’s time on the property. The main level includes the kitchen, living room with wood stove insert, and primary bedroom and bath. Upstairs offers a second bedroom and office or study. A covered front porch overlooks the serene setting. Additional features include a small pond, dual streams, a vintage garage used for storage, and a detached shop with maple flooring reclaimed from the old Highlands School gym—perfect for a studio, office, or future guest house. Located just minutes from downtown Highlands, this private, well-insulated property offers incredible potential as a family compound or legacy estate using the existing home as a guest residence!
539 Cheney Lane, Highlands, NC 28741 is a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom single-family home built in 1920. It last sold for $1,750,000 on Sep 18, 2025 (12% below the $1,999,999 asking price). It is currently off market. The Trulia Estimate is $1,466,400, with a rent estimate of $2,088/month.

Home Details for 539 Cheney Lane

Interior Features

Interior Details
Number of Rooms: 5Types of Rooms: Master Bedroom, Bedroom 2, Den, Kitchen, Living Room
Beds & Baths
Number of Bedrooms: 2Number of Bathrooms: 1Number of Bathrooms (full): 1
Appliances & Utilities
Utilities: Electricity ConnectedAppliances: Dryer, Dishwasher, Gas Oven, Microwave, Refrigerator, WasherDishwasherDryerLaundry: Washer Hookup,Dryer HookupMicrowaveRefrigeratorWasher
Heating & Cooling
Heating: GasNo CoolingAir Conditioning: NoneHas HeatingHeating Fuel: Gas
Levels, Entrance, & Accessibility
Stories: 2Levels: Two
View
Has a ViewView: Mountain(s)

Exterior Features

Exterior Home Features
Roof: ShinglePatio / Porch: Rear Porch, Covered, Front PorchOther Structures: Outbuilding, Shed(s), StorageExterior: Garden, Private Entrance, Private YardGarden
Frontage
Road Frontage: State RoadRoad Surface Type: Gravel, PavedNot on Waterfront
Water & Sewer
Sewer: Septic Permit 2 Bedroom, Septic Tank
Surface & Elevation
Topography: Level, Rolling

Days on Market

Cumulative Days on Market: 40

Property Information

Year Built
Year Built: 1920
Property Type / Style
Property Type: ResidentialProperty Subtype: Farm, Single Family ResidenceArchitecture: Bungalow,Farmhouse
Building
Construction Materials: Shake Siding, Wood SidingNot a New Construction
Property Information
Not Included in Sale: To be provided upon Offer. Minimal Exclusion, Seller does intend to take cuttings from some of the Native Plants.Parcel Number: 7541416467, 7541418734

Price & Status

Price
List Price: $1,999,999
Status Change & Dates
Off Market Date: Wed Aug 06 2025Possession Timing: Close Of Escrow

Active Status

MLS Status: Closed

Location

Direction & Address
City: HighlandsCommunity: None

Building

Building Details
Builder Name: Henry Wright

HOA

Association for this Listing: Highlands Cashiers Board of RealtorsNo HOA

Lot Information

Lot Area: 13.15 Acres

Offer

Listing Agreement Type: Exclusive Right To Sell

Miscellaneous

Mls Number: 1001330Living Area Range Units: Square FeetActivation Date: Sun Jun 29 2025Universal Property Id: US-37113-N-7541416467, 7541418734-R-N
Last check for updates: about 7 hours ago
Listed by Spencer Kirkpatrick
Highlands Sotheby's International Realty - DT
Bert Mobley
Highlands Sotheby's International Realty - DT
Bought with: Cathy Garren, Highlands Sotheby's International Realty - DT
Originating MLS: Highlands Cashiers Board of Realtors
Source: HCMLS, MLS#1001330

Price History for 539 Cheney Lane

DatePriceEventSource
09/18/2025$1,750,000Sold
HCMLS #1001330
08/08/2025$1,999,999PendingHCMLS #1001330
07/08/2025$1,999,999ContingentHCMLS #1001330
06/29/2025$1,999,999Listed For SaleHCMLS #1001330
01/09/2024$1,490,900ListingRemovedHCMLS #102449
07/03/2023$1,490,900Listed For SaleHCMLS #102449
07/01/2023$1,550,000ListingRemovedHCMLS #100854
09/24/2022$1,550,000Listed For SaleHCMLS #100854
01/20/1993$225,000Sold
N/A

Market trends in Highlands

Last updated June 2026
Buyer'sMarketSeller'sMarket
Avg. sale price
Sale-to-List Price
Price per sq ft
Available listings
186
25
MoM
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Property Tax and Assessment

Year2025
Tax$3,116
Assessment$1,036,200
Home facts updated by county records

Comparable Sales for 539 Cheney Lane

Address
Distance
Property Type
Sold Price
Sold Date
Bed
Bath
Sqft
0.38
Single-Family Home
$805,000
05/15/26
2
2
-
0.65
Single-Family Home
$2,200,000
05/20/26
4
3
-
0.38
Single-Family Home
$998,500
10/14/25
3
3.5
-
0.75
Single-Family Home
$1,284,000
08/11/25
3
2
-
0.57
Single-Family Home
$625,000
05/15/26
3
2
-
0.80
Single-Family Home
$1,595,000
12/03/25
3
3
-
0.72
Single-Family Home
$1,100,000
06/02/26
3
3
-

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Assigned Schools

These are the assigned schools for 539 Cheney Lane.
The GreatSchools Rating compares schools on a variety of school quality indicators including test scores, college readiness, equity and more. Learn more.

What Locals Say about Highlands

At least 19 Trulia users voted on each feature.
  • 95 % Say it's dog friendly

  • 91 % Say it's quiet

  • 89 % Say car is needed

  • 89 % Say yards are well-kept

  • 84 % Say people would walk alone at night

  • 76 % Say there's holiday spirit

  • 74 % Say parking is easy

  • 74 % Say they plan to stay for at least 5 years

  • 74 % Say there's wildlife

  • 74 % Say there are community events

  • 54 % Say neighbors are friendly

  • 52 % Say streets are well-lit

  • 46 % Say kids play outside

  • 44 % Say it's walkable to grocery stores

  • 30 % Say it's walkable to restaurants

  • 25 % Say there are sidewalks

Sourced by Trulia users. Learn more about our methodology.
  • Kimberlyg833
    "It’s beautiful and appears to be a great place to raise a family. I used to come here as a child back in the 70’s with my parents and it’s still as I remember it. Quaint and beautiful. "
  • Karie.mcclure
    "not sure only a renter at this point but love how safe And low key it is .. great weather as well nice people "
  • Pam
    "Great small town. Elevation 4000 feet plus. Friendly residents. Lots to do for a small town. A little pricy, but worth it. Great hiking and waterfalls galore. Dog friendly neighborhood and town."
  • Christine B.
    "It's a very friendly community. When the tourists come to town for the season it gets overcrowded but some non locals are really friendly. "
  • Bill B.
    "I live here and love the weather, hiking trails, water falls, and the National Forest. 4,118 feet elevation provides cool weather in the summer."
  • Susan C.
    "What a beautiful place to live ... there is nothing as peaceful or beautiful as the mountains and this lovely, quaint town."
  • Rick C.
    "There's no Wal-Mart or fast food joints. Life in the mountains has an easier pace. You are removed from the city, but that's why we live here, to get away from it all. There is a world class spa, fine dining on smaller scale, exquisite shops. Think Breckinridge, without the skiing.Beautiful mountains, hiking, mountain biking, floral life, live music, plays, wineries, what more do you want?"
  • carolrosen
    "Great area, lovely home, easy comfortable living"
  • John D.
    "A great place to spend the summer, and within walking distance to town."
  • Nadine P.
    "A wonderful community with a year round caretaker, pool, tennis courts and swimming pool plus it is gated. Certainly not a necessity in Highlands! I would recommend King Mtn to anyone looking for lush foliage, fantastic views and wonderful amenities."
  • Nadine P.
    "I have lived in Highlands, NC for 7 years and still upon returning from out of town get a peacefulness when I hit Main St or the Gorge Rd from Franklin. Prettiest place anywhere...you must visit!"
  • Dorothy S.
    "You will find that people are extremely friendly. We have four mild seasons. Winter is wonderful. Nothing is better than curling up with a book in front of a crackling fire."

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Copyright Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. All rights reserved. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.