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.

Table of Contents

• Climate and Seasonality

• Outdoor Recreation & Lifestyle

• Real Estate Overview

• Notable Communities

  • Wade Hampton Golf Club

  • Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club

  • Cullasaja Club

  • Lake Toxaway Country Club

  • Trillium Links & Lake Club

  • Chinquapin

• Community Comparison Table

• Getting Here & Planning Your Visit

• Building a Custom Home

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Climate & Seasonality

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.

Outdoor Recreation & Lifestyle

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.

Real Estate & Communities

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 & Cashiers

Private 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.

Notable Communities

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 Club

Mountaintop 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 Club

Cullasaja 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 sale

Lake 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 sale

Trillium 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 Club

Chinquapin

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 Comparison Table

Getting Here & Planning Your Visit

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.

By Car

• From Atlanta: The most common route, just under 3 hours, winds through scenic mountain highways with cooler air greeting you the higher you climb.

• From Greenville or Asheville: Both are a little over 1.5 hours away, making them convenient options for weekend travelers or seasonal homeowners.

By Air

• Private Aviation: Jackson County Airport (24A) is just minutes from Cashiers and accepts small private aircraft. Asheville Regional (AVL) supports larger jets and is about a 1.5-hour drive.

• Commercial Flights: Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP), Asheville (AVL), and even Atlanta (ATL) all offer regional access, depending on your travel preferences and flight availability.

Planning Your Trip

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.

Building a Custom Home in the Highlands-Cashiers Area

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.

What to Know Before You Build

• Skilled Labor is Limited: While the craftsmanship in the region is exceptional, many of the top tradespeople commute in from Asheville, Greenville, or beyond. Scheduling can be tight, and timelines tend to be longer than in more urban areas.

• Timeline Expectations: For high-end custom homes, it's not uncommon for the process to take 18–30 months from homesite selection to move-in, especially if you're building within a gated community with design review boards.

• Topography Matters: Building on a mountain or near a lake often means dealing with elevation changes, rock excavation, and custom engineering—all of which can affect cost and construction time.

• Community Guidelines: Most private communities have architectural standards and design restrictions. Some are highly flexible, while others have strict review committees that must approve your plans.

How We Can Help

If you're considering a custom build, we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish:

• Help you identify homesites in communities that match your lifestyle

• Recommend builders who align with your aesthetic and expectations

• Advise on resale value, location constraints, and long-term maintenance

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Discover Your Place in the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau

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.