Articles regarding luxury real estate in Highlands Cashiers

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.

The Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire area of the North Carolina mountains is very popular amongst those who have the means and want a place to escape the summer heat.High up in the blue ridge mountains a little under a 3-hour drive from Atlanta, the Highlands and Cashiers area is the perfect spot to own a summer home. The excellent weather and natural beauty create the perfect contrast for those still competing with busy professional lives in the city. It's the perfect place to disconnect.Spring and fall are beautiful, but summers in Highlands and Cashiers are absolutely perfect, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the low 80s. Nestled in the southern Appalachian Mountains, the area enjoys a milder climate characterized by cool temperatures, low humidity, and refreshing mountain breezes.However, it's important to note that the area experiences a significant seasonal change. Outside of Holiday gatherings at home, you won't find much to do as the whole area essentially shuts down in the winter. People may say it's great for year-round living, but the reality is: most of the restaurants and shops are closed this time of year even inside the private clubs.If, like most, you're primarily interested in the region's vibrant outdoor activities, it's best to plan your visits during the spring, summer, or fall when the weather is more accommodating.If all of this sounds nice but a little too far away from civilization there are several options depending on which direction you go, meaning north toward Waynesville, east toward Hendersonville.Where to begin? The area sits in the midst of 2 national parks in a temperate rainforest. Has thousands of miles of hiking and biking trails, lakes, and several fantastic golf courses. Brevard with its plethora of waterfalls is just a short trip towards Hendersonville which is another excellent place for day trips although slightly warmer due to the lower elevation.The area is surrounded by the Nantahala and Pisgah national parks; you could hike for the rest of your life and never hit all the trails. Hundreds of spectacular waterfalls and swimming holes are within a 1hrs drive.

Lake Glenville

The lake itself is the highest lake east of the Mississippi at 3,494 feet. Just 8 miles outside of Cashiers, it's not a very large lake with only 26 miles of shoreline but still plenty large enough for skiing, tubing, and kneeboarding.Homes for sale on Lake Glenville can range from just under 1 million to 10 million+ and are hard to come by. Another reason it's best to talk with our buyer expert now is so that they can understand precisely what you're looking for and be ready to pounce when something comes up.If the lake isn't your main draw but still interests you periodically, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the lake without having a home on the lake. There are boat rental options, a really nice public beach area, as well as areas to launch your kayak or paddle board.

Lake Toxaway

Lake Toxaway is a smaller, with 14 miles of shoreline, privately owned lake a little further down the mountain between Cashiers and Brevard. Only homeowners may use the lake so it's nice and quiet.Homes for sale on Lake Toxaway range from just under 1 million to 7 million.For dining, there are several options in terms of small "mom and pop" restaurants and private clubs with restaurants, but again these places shut down during the winter. These are very small towns so you obviously won't have all the fine dining options as a larger city, but the restaurants cater to a higher-end clientele and do a nice job of keeping the menus delicious.There are plenty of world-renowned private golf communities in the area, like Wade Hampton, Mountaintop, Cullasaja Club and others but if you're only looking for the occasional round Sapphire National is nice place to spend a few hours.Driving from Atlanta should take you under 3 hours. The last hour or so are pretty curvy and take some getting used to but feeling the air get colder as you go up makes it all worth it.

Private

If you have a smaller prop plane, you can pop in and out of Jackson County Airport, but if you have a larger plane or jet, you will want to use the Asheville Airport.

Commercial

Asheville, Knoxville, and Greenville all have direct flights into and out of various places across the country, but each come with an over 1 hr drive. When we chat we'll talk about where you're coming from so we can help you find the best route, and knowing how you plan to travel in, length of stay, are valuable components to helping you find the optimal property.

Places to stay

Old Edwards Inn is a great place to stay if you want to check out the area, but we can also help you find a rental in one of the communities if you want to experience it before you buy.Owning a second home in the area will be a little different lifestyle than what you are likely used to at home. Large, comfortable outdoor spaces are a must because most of your time will want to be outside. Beginning with the crisp morning cup of coffee on the porch, a round of golf or hike, dinner at the outdoor kitchen, and ending with a cocktail by the firepit. How you and your family, plan to spend your time should be considered when finding the perfect spot.Another important consideration is where in the area is best. Do you want to be in a private community or is it best to find a stand-alone property? Do you want a lake home or is a spectacular long-range mountain view and hiking trails at your doorstep more your style?Keep in mind most private communities have their own dedicated sales staff who have the pitch perfected to emphasize the good and minimize the downsides of their community and are often heavily incentivized to sell specific properties.There are tons of spectacular gated communities in Highlands and Cashiers but a few of the best-known would be:It's best to connect with our community expert so they can find exactly what you're looking for. They'll do all the work. After a better understanding of what you are looking for they can curate a tour so that you can experience the clubs without the sales pressure and find the perfect home for you.If you're looking for cash flow from your new luxury home, rentals are always in demand during the season with people willing to pay what a luxury property should demand. If this is an essential part of your decision-making process, let's discuss it first so that we can loop our luxury rental expert in so that they give you an idea of what property features are the most marketable.Building in the area can be very time-consuming and expensive. The area is small and many of the craftsmen that are needed to build a large home often have to travel in from Asheville or Greenville areas. If you can find a home that fills most of your needs, and don't want to wait 2 plus years for a home, it might be best to jump on it. If you have the perfect home envisioned and want to custom-build, we'll help you find the perfect homesite in the perfect community and connect you with the best builder that fits your style.