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$899,000

261 Rock Face Trail
Highlands, NC 28741
Listed by Allison MacDowell · Keller Williams Great Smokies
Bedrooms
2
Bathrooms
2
Living area
1,022 sqft
Year built
2023

About this home

TWO MOUNTAIN HOMES. ONE INCREDIBLE VIEW. ONE PRICE. Priced BELOW tax value = instant equity opportunity you don’t want to miss. Welcome to upscale mountain living at its best in the beautiful Preserve at Whiteside Cliffs, ideally situated between Cashiers and Highlands. This Jeffrey Dungan-designed Low Country XL mountain cottage combines exceptional architecture, dramatic Whiteside Mountain views and the rare flexibility of TWO separate living spaces under one roof. The upper residence captures breathtaking mountain views through walls of energy-efficient windows and French doors. Soaring cathedral ceilings create an open, airy feel, while 7” oak flooring adds warmth throughout. The beautifully appointed kitchen features Summit appliances, quartz countertops and Delta fixtures. A king-sized primary bedroom opens to its own private deck, while more than 500 sq ft of upper-level decking creates an incredible outdoor living space for entertaining, morning coffee or simply soaking in the view. The lower residence offers its own private living area, kitchenette, king-sized bedroom, walk-in shower and covered deck—perfect for guests, extended family, multigenerational living or additional privacy when everyone comes to the mountains. Cedar shake and vertical shiplap exterior details give the home distinctive mountain character, while dual Mitsubishi mini-split systems provide efficient year-round comfort. Multiple dry-storage areas add valuable functionality. Located in the gated Preserve at Whiteside Cliffs, you are perfectly positioned in the middle of Cashiers and Highlands, putting the shopping, dining, galleries, outdoor recreation and charm of both mountain communities within easy reach. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated mountain escape, a place to gather with family and friends, or the flexibility of two separate living spaces, this property delivers something truly special. Two homes. One spectacular mountain setting. Upscale Highlands-Cashiers living at its best. Outdoor living is where this property really shines and expands your Tiny Home living space: ~ Over 500 sq ft of upper-level decking to soak in those unmatched Whiteside Mountain views ~ Private deck off the primary bedroom ~ Covered lower-level deck with ceiling fans for relaxed, all-season use Additional features include: ~ Premium Board and Batten Cedar siding ~ Shiplap Interior Walls ~ Built-in breakfast bar dining ~ Combo washer/dryer ~ Two dry storage areas ~ Energy-efficient construction throughout ~ Sleeps 4+ comfortably This is more than a mountain getaway—it’s a smart investment priced under tax value with built-in upside from day one. Whether you’re looking for a mountain escape, short-term rental potential, or multi-generational living, this property checks every box. If you’ve been waiting for a property where the view truly delivers—this is it. Opportunities like this—priced under tax value with dual living spaces—don’t sit long. Call and visit the Black Panther TODAY!

Property details

MLS
Canopy MLS
MLS #
CAR4376026
Property type
Single Family Residence
Subdivision
The Preserve at Whiteside Cliffs
Status
Active
Days on market
141
On market date
May 1, 2026
Stories
N/A
Total bathrooms
2
Garage spaces
N/A
Parking spaces
N/A
Lot size
N/A
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Nearby schools

Within 10 miles. School directory data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), accessed via the Urban Institute Education Data API. Local Score is calculated by INNOVATE Real Estate; where a state rating is shown, it comes from that state's own official school report card.

Elementary
Blue Ridge School
5.09 mi away · Grades -1-6
Zoned school (attendance boundary, 2015-16 data)
3.3
Local Score (state rating (2025) blended 70/30 with student-teacher ratio) -- not an official state rating
State rating: C (2025)
Enrollment
154
Student:teacher ratio
12.8:1
District
Jackson County Public Schools
Middle
None found nearby
High
Blue Ridge Early College
5.11 mi away · Grades 7-13
Zoned school (attendance boundary, 2015-16 data)
2.9
Local Score (state rating (2025) blended 70/30 with student-teacher ratio) -- not an official state rating
State rating: D (2025)
Enrollment
130
Student:teacher ratio
10.8:1
District
Jackson County Public Schools

Walkability

Blended score for Highlands's center, calculated by INNOVATE Real Estate from two sources: the EPA's National Walkability Index (street network, transit, land-use mix) and Google Places amenity data (what's actually reachable on foot from this point). 60% EPA National Walkability Index + 40% nearby-amenity density (Google Places).

24
Car-dependent
out of 100
EPA National Walkability Index
7.8 / 20 -- Below average walkable
Google Places amenity density
0 / 100
Restaurants & cafes0
Grocery stores0
Parks0
Schools0
Transit stops0
Pharmacies0

Market position

How this listing compares to current activity in Highlands, from live MLS data.

On the market 141 days -- 53 more days than Highlands's current average of 88 days.
For reference, the median list price across 17 active listings in Highlands right now is $560,000.

Mortgage calculator

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Est. monthly payment
$5,564/mo
$179,800 down
$719,200 loan
Principal & interest$4,665
Property tax (est.)$749
Home insurance (est.)$150

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Data source: Listing information provided by Canopy MLS (carolina) via Trestle/CoreLogic. Last updated September 19, 2026.

Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed; all measurements, school assignments, HOA fees, taxes, and feature lists are approximate and should be independently verified. Equal Housing Opportunity.