85&95 Ralph Thomas Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
Property image
Property image
FOR SALE
0.97 ACRES

$2,950,000

  • 5 Beds
  • 5 Baths
  • 4,164 sqft (on 0.97 acres)

85&95 Ralph Thomas Rd, Highlands, NC 28741

Est. Mortgage $16,781/mo*
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Home Highlights

Single-Family Home
Built in 1974
0.97 acre lot
$708/sqft
3 Car Garage

Local Information

  • Map ViewExplore the area around 85&95 Ralph Thomas Rd.
  • Schools2 Elementary Schools2 Middle Schools3 High Schools
  • Shop & Eat
-- mins to
Commute Destination

About this House

What's unique:Original adirondack camp characterWorkshop areasWinter mountain viewsUpdated bathsWood flooringPermanent seating areas
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.
Last check for updates: about 7 hours ago
Listing Provided by: Doug Treadwell
MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC
Source: Canopy MLS as distributed by MLS GRID, MLS#4395002
Also Listed on Carolina Smokies MLS, Canopy MLS as distributed by MLS GRID, HCMLS.

Home Details for 85&95 Ralph Thomas Rd

Active Status

MLS Status: Active

Interior Features

Interior Details
Basement: OtherNumber of Rooms: 9Types of Rooms: Primary Bedroom, Bedroom S, Bathroom Full, Dining Room, Family Room, Kitchen, Laundry, Living Room
Beds & Baths
Number of Bedrooms: 5Main Level Bedrooms: 2Number of Bathrooms: 5Number of Bathrooms (full): 5
Dimensions and Layout
Living Area: 4164 Square Feet
Appliances & Utilities
Utilities: Electricity Connected, Propane, Other - See RemarksAppliances: Dishwasher, Electric Range, Microwave, Refrigerator with Ice Maker, Washer/Dryer, OtherDishwasherLaundry: Laundry Room,Multiple Locations,OtherMicrowave
Heating & Cooling
Heating: Electric,Heat Pump,ZonedHas CoolingAir Conditioning: Central Air,ZonedHas HeatingHeating Fuel: Electric
Fireplace & Spa
Fireplace: Family Room, Living Room, Other - See Remarks
Gas & Electric
Has Electric on Property
Windows, Doors, Floors & Walls
Door: French Doors, Screen Door(s), Sliding DoorsFlooring: Carpet, Tile, Wood
Levels, Entrance, & Accessibility
Stories: 1Levels: OneFloors: Carpet, Tile, Wood
View
No View
Security
Security: Radon Mitigation System

Exterior Features

Exterior Home Features
Patio / Porch: Covered, Deck, Patio, Wrap Around, OtherFencing: Back YardOther Structures: OtherExterior: Other - See RemarksFoundation: Permanent
Parking & Garage
Number of Garage Spaces: 3Number of Covered Spaces: 3Other 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.No CarportHas a GarageHas an Attached GarageHas Open ParkingParking Spaces: 3Parking: Circular Driveway,Driveway,Attached Garage,Garage Faces Front,Garage Faces Side,Keypad Entry,Other - See Remarks,Garage on Main Level
Frontage
Waterfront: NoneResponsible for Road Maintenance: Private Maintained RoadRoad Surface Type: Asphalt, Concrete, Gravel, Paved
Water & Sewer
Sewer: Septic Installed
Surface & Elevation
Elevation: 3500 FeetElevation: 3500Elevation Units: Feet
Finished Area
Finished Area (above surface): 4164 Square Feet

Days on Market

Cumulative Days on Market: 1Days on Market: 90

Property Information

Year Built
Year Built: 1974
Property Type / Style
Property Type: ResidentialProperty Subtype: Single Family ResidenceArchitecture: Traditional
Building
Construction Materials: Stone, WoodNot a New ConstructionNo Additional Parcels
Property Information
Parcel Number: 7540161487

Price & Status

Price
List Price: $2,950,000Price Per Sqft: $708

Location

Direction & Address
City: HighlandsCommunity: None
School Information
Elementary School: UnspecifiedJr High / Middle School: UnspecifiedHigh School: Unspecified

Agent Information

Listing Agent
Listing ID: 4395002

Building

Building Area
Building Area: 4164 Square Feet

Community

Not Senior Community

Lot Information

Lot Area: 0.97 acres

Listing Info

Special Conditions: Standard

Offer

Listing Terms: Cash, Conventional

Miscellaneous

BasementMls Number: 4395002Attribution Contact: doug@mountainlifere.comAbove Grade Unfinished Area: 4164

Around this home

View nearby schools on GreatSchools
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. "
    15
    Flag
  • 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 "
    2
    Flag
  • 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."
    7
    Flag
  • 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. "
    6
    Flag
  • 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."
    3
    Flag
  • Susan C.
    "What a beautiful place to live ... there is nothing as peaceful or beautiful as the mountains and this lovely, quaint town."
    3
    Flag
  • 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?"
    2
    Flag
  • carolrosen
    "Great area, lovely home, easy comfortable living"
    3
    Flag
  • John D.
    "A great place to spend the summer, and within walking distance to town."
    3
    Flag
  • 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."
    0
    Flag
  • 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!"
    0
    Flag
  • 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."
    1
    Flag

Market trends in Highlands

Last updated August 2026
Buyer'sMarketSeller'sMarket
Avg. sale price
—
Sale-to-List Price
—
Price per sq ft
—
Available listings
192
1MoM

Home Value

Trulia Estimate
$2.66M
Since last month
Decreased$11K (-0.4%)
Since last year
Decreased$211K (-7.4%)
Learn more about this home's value by checking out its Trulia Estimate, the value of nearby homes, and how much similar homes have sold for.

Trulia Estimate

The of this home's value decreased by -7% in the last 10 years
MonthEstimated value
2026
September 2026$2.66M
August 2026$2.67M
July 2026$2.73M
June 2026$2.87M

Comparable sales

These are recently sold homes that have a similar location or other similar features to this home, like bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage. Get a sense of the expected prices in the area by viewing these homes.
Address
Distance
Property Type
Sold Price
Sold Date
Bed
Bath
Sqft
190 Wingina Place, Highlands, NC
0.11
Single-Family Home
$1,250,000
01/05/26
4
3
-
150 Cullasaja Drive, Highlands, NC
0.35
Single-Family Home
$2,495,000
12/12/25
4
4
-
874 Foreman Road, Highlands, NC
0.37
Single-Family Home
$2,525,000
09/17/26
4
3
-
25 Hemlock Ridge, Highlands, NC
0.40
Single-Family Home
$2,999,000
03/27/26
4
4.5
-
683 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC
0.64
Single-Family Home
$600,000
08/12/26
3
2
1,910
8 Three R Lane, Highlands, NC
0.39
Single-Family Home
$1,085,000
08/31/26
3
2.5
-
131 Big Creek Lane, Highlands, NC
0.56
Single-Family Home
$1,862,500
08/07/26
3
3.5
-

Nearby home prices

Get a sense of expected prices in the area by checking the value of nearby homes.
Address
Distance
Price
Bed
Bath
Sqft
Status
531 Billy Cabin Road, Highlands, NC 28741
0.07
$2,199,000
4
4.5
-
For Sale
462 Mirror Lake Road, Highlands, NC 28741
0.09
$2,175,000
4
4
-
For Sale
Billy Cabin Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
0.11
-
-
-
-
Off Market
311 Wingina Place, Highlands, NC 28741
0.12
$316,500
1
1
-
Recently Sold
190 Wingina Place, Highlands, NC 28741
0.11
$1,250,000
4
3
-
Recently Sold
80 E Wingina Place, Highlands, NC 28741
0.13
$731,400
3
2
-
Off Market
269 &311 Wingina Place, Highlands, NC 28741
0.13
$897,900
3
3
-
Off Market
86 E Wingina Place, Highlands, NC 28741
0.13
$950,000
3
2
-
For Sale
40 E Wingina Place, Highlands, NC 28741
0.13
$771,400
2
2
-
Off Market
376 Wingina Place, Highlands, NC 28741
0.18
$870,200
3
2
-
Off Market
733 Wyanoak Road, Highlands, NC 28741
0.18
$929,000
3
3
-
Off Market

Price and Tax history

DateEventPrice
Jun 25, 2026
Source: HCMLS #1003600
Listed For Sale
$2,950,000

LGBTQ Local Legal Protections

Doug Treadwell, MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC
Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of 2026-09-22 13:33:29 PDT. All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information. Some IDX listings have been excluded from this website. Click here for more information

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Frequently asked questions about 85&95 Ralph Thomas Rd

  • What is the estimated monthly payment for 85&95 Ralph Thomas Rd?
    Based on a $2,950,000 list price with 20% down at today's rates, the estimated monthly payment for 85&95 Ralph Thomas Rd in Highlands, NC is approximately $16,874 (about $15,889 principal & interest, $910 property taxes, and $75 homeowner's insurance). This is an estimate. Actual payment depends on your loan terms.
  • What do residents say about Highlands?
    Residents describe Highlands, NC as dog-friendly, quiet, and well-kept. Most residents say you need a car. See homes for sale in Highlands, NC.
  • What are the closest schools to 85&95 Ralph Thomas Rd?
    The closest schools to 85&95 Ralph Thomas Rd in Highlands, NC are Franklin High (rated 5/10), Highlands School (Elementary/Middle/High, rated 6/10), Macon Early College High School (rated 7/10).
  • What is 85&95 Ralph Thomas Rd estimated to be worth?
    Trulia's estimated value for 85&95 Ralph Thomas Rd in Highlands, NC is $2,657,900.
  • Does 85&95 Ralph Thomas Rd have air conditioning?
    Yes, 85&95 Ralph Thomas Rd in Highlands, NC has air conditioning.
  • Does 85&95 Ralph Thomas Rd have laundry facilities?
    Yes, 85&95 Ralph Thomas Rd in Highlands, NC has laundry facilities.
85&95 Ralph Thomas Rd, Highlands, NC 28741 is a 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 4,164 sqft single-family home built in 1974. This property is currently available for sale and was listed by Canopy MLS as distributed by MLS GRID on Jun 25, 2026. The MLS # for this home is MLS# 4395002.