Welcome to Maison Rouge! This is a proper mid-century lake house with a smart layout, real privacy, and a tranquil vibe. It’s tucked into the trees on the shores of Mirror Lake with a wraparound deck, fire pit, and plenty of room for everyone to breathe. When you want to venture into town, we're only a three-minute drive to downtown Highlands. Or if you prefer to walk, a trail through the woods passes the Bascom art museum and leads to downtown Highlands - only about a one mile walk.
The Space: Reminiscent of a quaint Swiss chalet, “Maison Rouge” has been in the same family since the residence was built in 1965. Situated on a private lakefront wooded acre of lush rhododendrons, dogwoods, azaleas, and pine trees, this waterfront home has enviable unobstructed views of Mirror Lake.
The Home: The cottage features 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. There are a total of 7 beds: 1 King and 1 Queen on the 1st floor, and 4 Twin beds on the 2nd floor—plus a single sleeper sofa on the lower level. Both second floor bedrooms have charming balconies, one of which overlooks Mirror Lake. Each bedroom has its own look and feel, but all of them are quiet, comfortable, and well-lit.
Bed/Bath Configuration: There are two bedrooms on the main level. The "Egyptian" master bedroom has a king-sized pillow-top mattress and the "Oriental" guest bedroom has a queen-sized medium-firm mattress bed. There is one full bath shared by the two bedrooms.
The upper level has two bedrooms, "The Lakeview" and "The Cullasaja". with one full bath in between the two bedrooms. Each upper level bedroom has two twin beds and access to a small balcony-one overlooking Cullasaja Drive, and the other overlooking the lake. There is one full bath shared by the two bedrooms.
The Main Floor Galley Kitchen: The main galley kitchen is fully equipped with under-cabinet lighting, oven/range, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker, toaster oven, glassware, mixer blender, a complete set of fine china, cutlery, as well as bake-ware, pots, pans, a stock pot, and a few pieces of great-grandmother's 100 year-old seasoned cast iron cookware--including a cornbread pan.
The Living Room: The living room has a gas-fired stacked-stone fireplace and opens to a wrap-around deck--perfect for morning coffee, lounging, or sunbathing on a clear day. There's speedy Internet, and the house is wired for cable throughout. The living room also features a flat-screen TV, DVD/VHS player, and a CD player with AM/FM radio.
The Lower Level: The lower level has an open family room with fully-applianced entertainment kitchen, gas fireplace, flat-screen TV, and laundry facilities. The powder room has an adjoining walk-in shower with resting bench and hand-held rainforest shower head. A terrace with Weber "sear" gas grill, and dining table (seats 6) is also on the lower level. Two rocking chairs and alto wind chimes enhance the experience of peaceful lake breezes.
Yard: There’s a nice grassy lakeside area that's great for play or lawn games, and there is also a flat bottomed boat, gas grill, fire pit, and plenty of Adirondack style chairs. Chairs are stacked under the deck, so use them as you need them.
The Boat: There is a flat-bottom boat (life jackets and paddles are located in the storage room). Fishing is catch and release. Fishing licenses can be purchased at Reeve's Ace Hardware on Main Street.
Parking: The gravel driveway has a gentle slope and has room for four to five cars. Parking is single-file, back-to-back.
Neighborhood Amenities: A wonderful in-ground swimming pool (open year-round) is located at the Highlands Recreation Park and Civic Center, 600 North 4th Street. Family swimming, water aerobics, and lap swimming are available. Tennis and pickle ball courts, weight lifting, fitness room, and indoor basketball courts are also available. Individual and family day passes are a small fee. The recreation center is within walking distance following the Greenway trail maps.
Walk to Town: The "Highlands Plateau Greenway" maintains a network of beautiful and continuous walking paths that connect the natural settings and historic sites of Highlands. The trail starts right at Mirror Lake and connects through downtown Highlands without needing to walk on busy roads.
The forests offer refreshing alternatives to the town streets for foot travel between points of interest, What sets the Highlands Greenway apart from other trails is the unique environmental features. The trail system is superimposed, with opportunities for recreation, education on natural history, art, and conservation. The Greenway connects established trail systems within the Town, allowing users to visit sites of special interest without the use of motorized vehicles. [Donated land tracts are owned by the Greenway Partners: The Town of Highlands, Highlands Biological Station, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, and the Bascom Center for the Visual Arts.]
You're going to love the magic here. A truly private and special find!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Pets allowed: dogs less than 50 lbs per pet (limit one pet total)
default
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking allowed whatsoever. Fines will apply.
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds
Remove leftover food and drinks and take out the trash
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
BATHROOMS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: Only flush toilet paper.Property has a septic tank.NO feminine products.If tank rules are not followed and result in a backup,guest will be held responsible for repairs.
WASHER AND DRYER: Do NOT use bleach. The septic tank will NOT not work if bleach is used. Be sure to clean the dryer filter after each use to prevent the possibility of a fire.
NO LATE CHECKOUTS: There is a $100 late charge if you're in the property 20 minutes after check-out.
LOST ITEMS:A $35 admin fee to return lost items. Shipping costs are an additional charge.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
NEVER leave garbage out overnight.Black bears will break bungee cords and scatter garbage everywhere! See House Manual upon arrival for pick-up times.
Absolutely no bleach of any kind is allowed. The use of bleach will cause the septic system to not function properly.
Always put the boat back and lock it around the tree. Never leave the boat too close to the water’s edge. It will float away in heavy rain.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 1372917
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the neighborhood
Highlands
Located on the waterfront, this vacation home is in Mirror Lake, a neighborhood in Highlands. Highlands Country Club and Old Edwards Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Chattahoochee National Forest and Highlands Biological Station. Cashiers Farmers Market and Andy's Trout Farm are also worth visiting.
The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts - 1 min drive - 1.4 km
Cullasaja River Gorge - 2 min drive - 1.7 km
Highlands Playhouse - 2 min drive - 2.1 km
Bridal Veil Falls - 3 min drive - 3.0 km
Dry Falls - 4 min drive - 5.0 km
Getting around
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 88 min drive
Restaurants
Oak Steakhouse - 8 min drive
Los Vaqueros - 2 min drive
Highlander Mountain House & The Ruffed Grouse Tavern - 2 min drive
The Klapdohr - 2 min drive
Shell - 2 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Mirror Lake Retreat - Walk to Town! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Mirror Lake Retreat - Walk to Town!?
As of Jul 9, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Mirror Lake Retreat - Walk to Town! on Aug 9, 2026 start from $560, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Mirror Lake Retreat - Walk to Town!?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Mirror Lake Retreat - Walk to Town!?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Mirror Lake Retreat - Walk to Town! located?
Located in Mirror Lake, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Nantahala National Forest, The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts, and Highlands Dog Park. Cullasaja River Gorge and Highlands Playhouse are also within 2 mi (3 km).
About the host
Hosted by Janet S Sanchez
Built in 1965, Maison Rouge has been in the same family for four generations. We are writers and preservationists and hope you enjoy your stay in our house as much as we have.
Why they chose this property
A recent visitor to Maison Rouge summed it up best. They simply asked us, "How could you EVER leave this place?!"
What makes this property unique
There's nothing like living on the water surrounded by the sweet aroma of Mountain Laurels, White Pines and Hemlocks. You'll remember the heavenly rainforest scent in the air long after you've departed.