Single Family Residence at 85 Hillcrest Drive, Highlands
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$1,725,000

85 Hillcrest Drive
Highlands, NC 28741
Listed by Doug Treadwell · MOUNTAIN LIFE REAL ESTATE, LLC
Bedrooms
3
Bathrooms
4
Living area
2,750 sqft
Year built
1946

About this home

A Remarkable Mountain Retreat in Historic Horse Cove Discover 85 Hillcrest Drive, a beautifully renovated mountain retreat on approximately 3.58 acres in Highlands' historic Horse Cove. Originally a barn, the residence underwent an extensive renovation taken down to the studs. Updated electrical and plumbing systems, windows, and roof blend its distinctive origins with modern comfort. The home's remarkable transformation earned a feature in The Laurel Magazine. Inviting living spaces accommodate relaxing and entertaining, with every bedroom featuring its own ensuite bathroom. An additional bonus room offers flexibility for extra sleeping space, recreation, or a home office. A whole-house water filtration system and generator provide added convenience. Nature is part of everyday life here. Approximately three-quarters of a mile of private walking trails wind through the property, following a beautiful stream. Mature trees, native mountain vegetation, and an apple and pear orchard enhance the landscape. Enjoy a morning walk beside the rushing water, gather around the fire pit beneath the stars, tend the garden, or simply unwind to the soothing sounds of the stream. The property's generous acreage creates room to explore, garden, and enjoy the outdoors at your own pace. From the orchard's seasonal fruit to the stream's soothing sounds, thoughtful details throughout the landscape make this mountain retreat as memorable outside as it is within. Horse Cove's winding country roads, historic homesteads, flowing streams, and mountain scenery preserve its distinctive character. Nearby waterfalls and hiking trails invite outdoor exploration, while downtown Highlands offers acclaimed restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, live performances, and golf. Enjoy the balance of a peaceful mountain setting and convenient access to the area's dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. Whether entertaining guests, exploring the trails, or enjoying a quiet evening by the stream, this property offers a distinctive way to experience mountain living. 85 Hillcrest Drive brings together a remarkable piece of Highlands history, extensive renovations, modern amenities, and a beautiful natural setting. Discover the character of Horse Cove and the enduring appeal of the Highlands lifestyle. A truly distinctive property where mountain history, modern comfort, and the beauty of flowing water meet. Come for the mountains. Stay for the lifestyle.

Highlights

Fireplace

Property details

MLS
Canopy MLS
MLS #
CAR4430876
Property type
Single Family Residence
Subdivision
None
Status
Active
Days on market
3
On market date
October 9, 2026
Stories
N/A
Total bathrooms
4
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
6.29 mi away · Grades -1-6
Nearest school -- attendance-zone data not available here
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
Macon Early College High School
14.51 mi away · Grades 9-13
Zoned school (attendance boundary, 2015-16 data)
3.1
Local Score (state rating (2025) blended 70/30 with student-teacher ratio) -- not an official state rating
State rating: B (2025)
Enrollment
129
Student:teacher ratio
32.3:1
District
Macon County 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). EPA National Walkability Index only -- nearby-amenity data not cached yet for this area.

42
Somewhat walkable
out of 100
EPA National Walkability Index
8.3 / 20 -- Below average walkable

Mortgage calculator

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Est. monthly payment
$10,538/mo
$345,000 down
$1,380,000 loan
Principal & interest$8,951
Property tax (est.)$1,438
Home insurance (est.)$150

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Data source: Listing information provided by Canopy MLS (carolina) via Trestle/CoreLogic. Last updated 5 days ago.

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.