Articles regarding luxury real estate in Highlands Cashiers
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Why Affluent Buyers Choose Highlands and Cashiers for Summer Homes
Seated high in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, the Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire area has long attracted those seeking a refined escape from the summer heat. With elevations over 4,000 feet, cool mountain breezes, and dense forests dotted with waterfalls, this corner of western North Carolina offers a distinct contrast to the cities and lowlands below.For affluent buyers from Atlanta, Texas, Florida, and beyond, it’s more than just a seasonal getaway; it’s a chance to unplug, reconnect with nature, and settle into a slower, more intentional rhythm of life. Whether you’re looking for a second home in a private golf community, a lakefront cottage for multigenerational summers, or a mountain retreat with sweeping views, this region offers an unmatched combination of natural beauty, exclusivity, and lifestyle.This guide will walk you through the area’s climate, recreation, real estate, and most notable communities, designed for those exploring the idea of a summer home in the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.
The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau enjoys one of the most temperate summer climates in the eastern United States. Thanks to the high elevations, summer days are refreshingly mild, typically in the 70s and low 80s, with crisp mornings and cool evenings ideal for porch coffee, hiking, or cocktails by the fire pit.Spring and fall offer spectacular colors and slightly cooler air, making the area a three-season destination for most second-home owners.But it’s important to understand the seasonal rhythm here. While summer brings life to the plateau like open-air markets, bustling restaurants, club events, and visiting families, the winter months are much quieter. Many restaurants and shops reduce hours or close entirely, even within private clubs. For buyers primarily seeking vibrant outdoor living and social connection, spring through fall is when the region truly shines.
Set within a temperate rainforest, surrounded by the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, the Highlands-Cashiers area offers a rare blend of rugged beauty and refined outdoor living.Hiking & Waterfalls Hundreds, if not thousands, of miles of scenic trails weave through the mountains, many leading to dramatic waterfalls or panoramic ridgelines. Trails range from quick family-friendly loops to more challenging climbs, and it's not uncommon to have a popular overlook to yourself, especially on weekday mornings.Lake Life Lake Glenville, the highest lake east of the Mississippi, offers opportunities for boating, skiing, and paddleboarding against a backdrop of forested hills. Public access points and rentals make it easy to enjoy the water without owning a lakefront home, though they do exist and are highly coveted. Lake Toxaway, a private lake closer to Brevard, offers a more serene, owners-only experience.Golf & Club Living For those who prefer the fairway to the forest, there’s no shortage of world-class private clubs. Places like Wade Hampton, Mountaintop, and Cullasaja offer more than just golf; they serve as social hubs with wellness amenities, member events, and dining that reflect the tastes of seasonal residents.Everyday Simplicity Beyond the marquee amenities, much of the lifestyle here is about slowing down. Cool evenings on the porch, long lunches with friends, and quiet mornings on the trail are the unspoken rituals that make the area so appealing.
Luxury real estate in the Highlands-Cashiers area spans everything from lakefront homes and golf estates to secluded mountaintop retreats. With limited inventory and strong seasonal demand, the market tends to favor early preparation and local insight, especially for buyers seeking a specific combination of views, privacy, and proximity to club or town amenities. Explore homes for sale in Highlands & CashiersPrivate Clubs & Gated Communities Many buyers gravitate toward the area’s renowned private communities, each offering its own flavor of mountain living. Whether it’s the timeless design of Wade Hampton, the family-oriented vibrancy of Mountaintop, or the lakeside charm of Trillium or Lake Toxaway Country Club, these neighborhoods combine high-end amenities with a strong sense of belonging. Club memberships often include access to golf, dining, wellness, and social events, but keep in mind that each club has its own membership structure and seasonality. Explore Highlands and Cashiers gated communities.Stand-Alone Homes & Land Not everyone wants or needs the structure of a gated community. For those drawn to a quieter, more independent lifestyle, there are opportunities to purchase homes or homesites outside the clubs. These can range from modest cottages tucked into the woods to massive estates with lots of land and sweeping long-range views.To Build or To Buy? Building a home here can be a rewarding path, but not without its challenges. Labor can be limited, permitting is often slow, and site development costs can be significant, especially on steeper slopes. Buyers who find a home that checks most of the boxes may prefer to renovate or simply move in. Those with a strong vision for a custom estate should expect a longer timeline with meticulous planning and, most importantly, the right builders and architects.
The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau is home to a number of prestigious private communities, each offering its own distinct take on mountain luxury. Whether you’re looking for championship golf, lake access, equestrian amenities, or simply a peaceful retreat with refined neighbors, these enclaves provide a structured, amenity-rich lifestyle that aligns with different priorities.
Reaching the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau is part of what makes the experience so unique—remote enough to feel like a true escape, yet still accessible for weekend getaways or longer seasonal stays.Whether you're flying in from Texas, driving up from Atlanta, or exploring this region for the first time, we’re here to help you plan a visit that reflects the lifestyle you’re after. From private club tours to scenic drives and showings of hand-selected homes, we’ll tailor everything to your goals.Reach out to us early, and we’ll help you make the most of your time on the mountain.
For some buyers, the perfect mountain home doesn’t exist yet—it needs to be built. The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau offers spectacular home sites with long-range views, lake access, or golf frontage, but the building process here is unique and requires thoughtful planning.If you're considering a custom build, we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish:Let us know early if building is on your radar. We can help you weigh the pros and cons, explore available land, and begin assembling the right team before you ever break ground.
Q: What are the best private communities in the Highlands-Cashiers area? A: Some of the most prestigious communities include Wade Hampton Golf Club, Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club, Cullasaja Club, and Lake Toxaway Country Club. Each offers a unique blend of amenities, lifestyle, and scenery, ranging from golf-focused to lakefront to secluded wilderness retreats.Q: Is this area suitable for year-round living? A: While spring through fall is vibrant with outdoor recreation, dining, and club life, winter is quiet. Many restaurants and club amenities scale back or close entirely during colder months. Year-round living is possible, but it's best suited for those who enjoy solitude or travel seasonally.Q: How long does it take to build a custom home here? A: Plan on 18–30 months, depending on the complexity of the design, contractor availability, and site conditions. If you’re building within a private community, architectural review timelines can also add to the process.Q: Are there good options for lakefront homes in this area? A: Yes—Lake Glenville and Lake Toxaway are the two primary lakes with luxury home options. Inventory can be limited, so it’s important to work with an advisor who knows the market and can act quickly when properties become available.Q: What’s the best way to explore the area before buying? A: Many buyers stay at places like Old Edwards Inn or arrange a private tour through us. Let us know your interests and travel plans, and we’ll curate a visit that introduces you to the communities and homes that align with your lifestyle.
Whether you're drawn to sweeping mountain views, cool summers by the lake, or a top-tier golf lifestyle, the Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire region offers something rare: the luxury to slow down. Here, homes are retreats designed to reflect the way you want to live.If you're considering a second home in the mountains, we'd love to help you explore the possibilities. From curated community tours to personalized market insights, we’ll make the process efficient, informed, and tailored to your vision.Tell us what you're looking for—and let us help you find it.
The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau enjoys one of the most temperate summer climates in the eastern United States. Thanks to the high elevations, summer days are refreshingly mild, typically in the 70s and low 80s, with crisp mornings and cool evenings ideal for porch coffee, hiking, or cocktails by the fire pit.Spring and fall offer spectacular colors and slightly cooler air, making the area a three-season destination for most second-home owners.But it’s important to understand the seasonal rhythm here. While summer brings life to the plateau like open-air markets, bustling restaurants, club events, and visiting families, the winter months are much quieter. Many restaurants and shops reduce hours or close entirely, even within private clubs. For buyers primarily seeking vibrant outdoor living and social connection, spring through fall is when the region truly shines.
Set within a temperate rainforest, surrounded by the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, the Highlands-Cashiers area offers a rare blend of rugged beauty and refined outdoor living.Hiking & Waterfalls Hundreds, if not thousands, of miles of scenic trails weave through the mountains, many leading to dramatic waterfalls or panoramic ridgelines. Trails range from quick family-friendly loops to more challenging climbs, and it's not uncommon to have a popular overlook to yourself, especially on weekday mornings.Lake Life Lake Glenville, the highest lake east of the Mississippi, offers opportunities for boating, skiing, and paddleboarding against a backdrop of forested hills. Public access points and rentals make it easy to enjoy the water without owning a lakefront home, though they do exist and are highly coveted. Lake Toxaway, a private lake closer to Brevard, offers a more serene, owners-only experience.Golf & Club Living For those who prefer the fairway to the forest, there’s no shortage of world-class private clubs. Places like Wade Hampton, Mountaintop, and Cullasaja offer more than just golf; they serve as social hubs with wellness amenities, member events, and dining that reflect the tastes of seasonal residents.Everyday Simplicity Beyond the marquee amenities, much of the lifestyle here is about slowing down. Cool evenings on the porch, long lunches with friends, and quiet mornings on the trail are the unspoken rituals that make the area so appealing.
Luxury real estate in the Highlands-Cashiers area spans everything from lakefront homes and golf estates to secluded mountaintop retreats. With limited inventory and strong seasonal demand, the market tends to favor early preparation and local insight, especially for buyers seeking a specific combination of views, privacy, and proximity to club or town amenities. Explore homes for sale in Highlands & CashiersPrivate Clubs & Gated Communities Many buyers gravitate toward the area’s renowned private communities, each offering its own flavor of mountain living. Whether it’s the timeless design of Wade Hampton, the family-oriented vibrancy of Mountaintop, or the lakeside charm of Trillium or Lake Toxaway Country Club, these neighborhoods combine high-end amenities with a strong sense of belonging. Club memberships often include access to golf, dining, wellness, and social events, but keep in mind that each club has its own membership structure and seasonality. Explore Highlands and Cashiers gated communities.Stand-Alone Homes & Land Not everyone wants or needs the structure of a gated community. For those drawn to a quieter, more independent lifestyle, there are opportunities to purchase homes or homesites outside the clubs. These can range from modest cottages tucked into the woods to massive estates with lots of land and sweeping long-range views.To Build or To Buy? Building a home here can be a rewarding path, but not without its challenges. Labor can be limited, permitting is often slow, and site development costs can be significant, especially on steeper slopes. Buyers who find a home that checks most of the boxes may prefer to renovate or simply move in. Those with a strong vision for a custom estate should expect a longer timeline with meticulous planning and, most importantly, the right builders and architects.
The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau is home to a number of prestigious private communities, each offering its own distinct take on mountain luxury. Whether you’re looking for championship golf, lake access, equestrian amenities, or simply a peaceful retreat with refined neighbors, these enclaves provide a structured, amenity-rich lifestyle that aligns with different priorities.
Wade Hampton Golf Club
Known for its understated elegance and Tom Fazio-designed golf course, Wade Hampton is one of the most highly regarded mountain golf communities in the country. With just over 300 homesites, it emphasizes privacy, architectural harmony, and a close-knit club culture rooted in tradition. Explore Wade Hampton Golf ClubMountaintop Golf & Lake Club
A more family-oriented and activity-driven option, Mountaintop offers luxury amenities in a relaxed, outdoorsy setting. The private lake club on Lake Glenville, a world-class golf course, and programming make it especially appealing to multi-generational families. Explore Mountaintop Golf and Lake ClubCullasaja Club
Just outside of Highlands, Cullasaja offers a mix of golf, tennis, fitness, and social life in a lush mountain setting. The club has a slightly less formal vibe but still delivers a full suite of amenities and well-maintained grounds. Explore Cullasaja Club or view homes for saleLake Toxaway Country Club
Centered around the area’s largest private lake, this community offers a blend of waterfront living and mountain recreation. The historic inn, golf course, and club facilities cater to those who prioritize both nature and tradition. Explore Lake Toxaway Country Club or view homes for saleTrillium Links & Lake Club
Located near Cashiers with access to Lake Glenville, Trillium balances club amenities with outdoor adventure. It’s one of the more versatile communities, offering golf, a marina, tennis, hiking trails, and homes at a range of price points. Explore Trillium Link and Lake ClubChinquapin
A more nature-forward option, Chinquapin emphasizes conservation, outdoor recreation, and a low-density mountain experience. It appeals to buyers who prioritize privacy, trails, and expansive views over club formalities. Explore Chinquapin or view homes for sale| Community | Golf | Lake Access | Club Lifestyle | Vibe / Style | Notes |
| Wade Hampton | ✅ | Nearby | Private, classic | Quiet, traditional, refined | Consistently ranked among the top golf communities in the U.S. |
| Mountaintop | ✅ | ✅ | Active, social | Family-friendly, upscale | Offers lake club, full lifestyle programming |
| Cullasaja Club | ✅ | Nearby | Social, energetic | Relaxed, luxury mountain feel | Includes fitness, tennis, golf, and dining |
| Lake Toxaway Country Club | ✅ | ✅ | Traditional | Historic, nature-meets-elegance | One of NC’s oldest private lake communities |
| Trillium | ✅ | ✅ | Versatile | Club plus outdoor adventure | Offers a mix of home styles and full amenity access |
| Chinquapin | Nearby | Nearby | Minimal | Nature focused, low density | Conservation-minded with extensive trail systems |
Reaching the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau is part of what makes the experience so unique—remote enough to feel like a true escape, yet still accessible for weekend getaways or longer seasonal stays.Whether you're flying in from Texas, driving up from Atlanta, or exploring this region for the first time, we’re here to help you plan a visit that reflects the lifestyle you’re after. From private club tours to scenic drives and showings of hand-selected homes, we’ll tailor everything to your goals.Reach out to us early, and we’ll help you make the most of your time on the mountain.
For some buyers, the perfect mountain home doesn’t exist yet—it needs to be built. The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau offers spectacular home sites with long-range views, lake access, or golf frontage, but the building process here is unique and requires thoughtful planning.If you're considering a custom build, we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish:Let us know early if building is on your radar. We can help you weigh the pros and cons, explore available land, and begin assembling the right team before you ever break ground.
Q: What are the best private communities in the Highlands-Cashiers area? A: Some of the most prestigious communities include Wade Hampton Golf Club, Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club, Cullasaja Club, and Lake Toxaway Country Club. Each offers a unique blend of amenities, lifestyle, and scenery, ranging from golf-focused to lakefront to secluded wilderness retreats.Q: Is this area suitable for year-round living? A: While spring through fall is vibrant with outdoor recreation, dining, and club life, winter is quiet. Many restaurants and club amenities scale back or close entirely during colder months. Year-round living is possible, but it's best suited for those who enjoy solitude or travel seasonally.Q: How long does it take to build a custom home here? A: Plan on 18–30 months, depending on the complexity of the design, contractor availability, and site conditions. If you’re building within a private community, architectural review timelines can also add to the process.Q: Are there good options for lakefront homes in this area? A: Yes—Lake Glenville and Lake Toxaway are the two primary lakes with luxury home options. Inventory can be limited, so it’s important to work with an advisor who knows the market and can act quickly when properties become available.Q: What’s the best way to explore the area before buying? A: Many buyers stay at places like Old Edwards Inn or arrange a private tour through us. Let us know your interests and travel plans, and we’ll curate a visit that introduces you to the communities and homes that align with your lifestyle.
Whether you're drawn to sweeping mountain views, cool summers by the lake, or a top-tier golf lifestyle, the Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire region offers something rare: the luxury to slow down. Here, homes are retreats designed to reflect the way you want to live.If you're considering a second home in the mountains, we'd love to help you explore the possibilities. From curated community tours to personalized market insights, we’ll make the process efficient, informed, and tailored to your vision.Tell us what you're looking for—and let us help you find it.
Article
Luxury Living in Cashiers, North Carolina
A popular destination for luxury living, Cashiers sits among some of the country's most lush and scenic environments. Located in Jackson County in North Carolina, 10 miles from Highlands and about 60 miles from bustling Asheville along the picturesque Highway 64, this prime area sits at around 3,500 ft. elevation above sea level in the center of the Nantahala National Forest, within a distance of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With luxury homes tucked away in a gated community, you'll never go bored living in the Highlands Cashiers Plateau.Known far and wide for its breath-taking natural beauty, including waterfalls, rivers, hiking trails, and plateaus, Cashiers (pronounced "CASH-ERZ") offers countless recreational activities, world-class golfing, shopping, fine dining and so much more –– all in a mountainous, storybook setting that feels like another world.A moderate climate (averaging 75 inches of precipitation a year), mild temperatures, congenial hospitality, Southern culture, and infinite leisure opportunities make this hidden gem a major draw for those looking to unwind and relax, year-round.You never have to search far in order to find great food in the South –– and Cashiers is no exception. Featuring a bevy of superb, fine dining establishments, there are plenty of options available for pairing a great day with an even greater evening. Seasonal fare, extensive wine lists, creative cocktails, and more…it can all be found in or just minutes from Cashiers. Some of the most popular destinations for fine dining in town include:A highly popular venue for quality dining for over 20 years, The Orchard features an extensive menu of American cuisine –– with Southern flavor –– using only the finest available ingredients. Centered in a stunning, 100-year-old farmhouse, and offering diners rustic elegance with mountain charm, dinner can be experienced indoors or out on the patio, overlooking the sumptuous lawns and gardens, including their famed apple orchard. Not only is The Orchard Cashiers' premier destination for fine dining, but the site also doubles as an event space, perfect for parties, wedding receptions, reunions, and more. There is nothing about this Cashiers gem, a favorite among residents for nearly 50 years, that is worth hiding away. In fact, despite the charming ambiance and expressive décor, the mood at this family-owned steakhouse is as inviting and warm as the great seasonal dishes on their menu. Prime rib, escargot, French onion soup, and other savory seafood dishes are the go-to options in this classically contemporary space. Nestled in the resplendent nearby Sapphire Valley sits one of the most colorful places to eat in all of North Carolina. Recently renovated, the Library pairs exceptional, high-quality cuisine with thought-provoking art installations, creating a one-of-a-kind décor that's like dining in an art gallery. The menu is as playful as co-founder and artist Marvin Gralnick, and Michelin-star-trained chef, Johannes, is on-hand to turn wholesome ingredients into mouth-watering courses. Operating only from April through to November, this exquisite restaurant is located within the pristine valley of rolling meadows and lush hills, making it the perfect setting for a cornucopia of seasonal treats and dishes. The open-air dining is accented by the stunning wooden beams of the building, Jennings Barn; meanwhile, the décor is mountain lodge-meets-contemporary bistro, complete with a wide array of meats, seafood, and root vegetables, plus an extensive wine menu.For homebuyers or vacationers looking to remain active, Cashiers offers recreational options like just about no other luxury community in the country. Whatever your skill level, there is plenty to experience, from the foothills of the surrounding mountains to the top of the plateau's highest peaks –– all available from your backyard. Accessible from central Cashiers, Panthertown Valley features an expansive, 6,000-acre tract for hiking enthusiasts looking for scenic vistas along their route. Native flora and fauna, waterfalls, granite cliffs, sparkling streams, rolling hills and rivers, 30+ miles of walking paths for all levels of hikers –– all of these striking landscapes and attractions are located within this one-of-a-kind parcel within the Nantahala National Forest. There are also plenty of immaculate sights to see from within the renowned Cashiers Crossroads –– an intersection of highways 107 and 64 in Jackson County that is home to the Village Green, a lush “park for the people”. This open venue not only hosts pristine vegetation and local wildlife, but also offers open-air concerts, music festivals, and other celebrations.If you prefer a peaceful and meditative stroll after a day of shopping or golf, there are so many options at your disposal. Silver Run Falls, Rainbow Falls, or lovely Lake Glenville offer inviting, picture-perfect scenes for families, couples, or solo explorers. In addition to great picnicking opportunities, the 1,500-acre Lake Glenville also offers fishing, swimming, canoeing, and boating from its many docking and beach areas. Brookings Anglers is also a hot spot for fly fishing which, if you've got the skills, you simply must experience by booking one of their guided trips. And for horticulture enthusiasts, the sumptuous Village Green is like a little slice of paradise. A 13-acre park nestled in the heart of Cashiers, this tranquil space is brimming with azaleas, dahlias, and other floral gems, creating a quiet oasis to be experienced from the meandering boardwalk. Bring a picnic basket or a book and park along the banks. Best of all, the Green becomes an open-air venue for live music on Friday nights in the summer. For history buffs, the Cashiers Historical Society has many sites to check out, including the Zachary-Tolbert House, a pre-Civil War mansion-turned-museum built between 1850 and 1852 that houses a curious collection of handcrafted furnishings and architectural flourishes. There are ample opportunities for golfing in Cashiers, thanks to many public and private courses within the city limits and just outside in Highlands. Some of the best examples of private club courses in Cashiers include:A golfing fixture in Cashiers for more than twenty years, Trillium is more than just a premier golf and country club, it also boasts the widest array of amenities on the Cashiers/Highland plateau. Included on this expansive site are two private restaurants, five tennis courts, and, of course, 18 holes of pristine, championship golf available. Founded in 1982, Wade Hampton offers golfers unparalleled courses and scenic vistas as far as the eye can see. Located at the base of the mountains in Cashiers, the unique layout and terrain offer challenging play for golfers of all skill levels. Membership in this private community is highly sought-after, but so, too, are the amenities and lifestyle that come with it. Built in 1999, and designed by architect Tom Fazio, Headwaters sits just across the way from Wade Hampton and boasts 9-hole golfing in a private-like setting. Conveniently located along Highway 107 S, there is an in-house golf pro, driving range, and rental carts available. Public courses like Sapphire National Golf Course in nearby Sapphire, NC, and Red Bird Links are perfect public and/or resort clubs to try out for those who aren’t yet ready to commit. And for those who might not be open to hitting the links every day, there are plenty of exhilarating experiences to be had within the city’s vibrant shopping area. Victoria’s Closet, billed as one of the best consignment stores in the southeast is nearby, and so too is the popular Canyon Spa, available for massages, facials, saunas, and uninterrupted relaxation. Situated serenely atop a unique triangle of southern regions––with Tamassee, South Carolina only 25 minutes away, and Pine Mountain, Georgia a 40-minute drive past Highlands–Cashiers is a perfectly charming luxury hideaway that never feels isolated. In fact, despite its incredible local destinations for fine dining, shopping, golf, and other activities and amenities, it remains conveniently connected, in all directions, to other unique areas of interest. The capital city of Charlotte is a mostly direct, 3-hour drive east along the I-26 and US-74 corridor, while the equally cosmopolitan Asheville lies 1.5 hours to the northeast via US-64. Alternatively, Chattanooga, Tennessee is nearly an equal distance from Charlotte in the opposite direction. For all its charm, Cashiers truly has some wildly exciting neighboring towns and cities. You will never be at a loss for places to go and things to see. The Cashiers-Highland Plateau truly has everything you could ask for in a luxury gated community. In addition to the beautiful scenery that makes it a must-see destination, there are so many different options for remaining active throughout the year, not to mention world-class golfing, recreation, dining, and historical culture to be experienced. And as if that wasn’t enough, the Cashiers-Highland area’s convenient location to other neighboring cities and destinations helps maintain its oasis-in-the-mountains mystique and charm.If luxury living in and among the surroundings and amenities featured above, then the Cashiers-Highland Plateau is where you need to be. If you are looking to call this piece of paradise and luxury home, contact us today! You can also send us your contact details and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Our experienced team will guide you through the options available and answer any of the questions you may have.