You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Discover nearby landmarks
Near Cullasaja River Gorge
2 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Patio
Barbecue grill
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Internet
Explore the area
Highlands, NC
The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts
Place, The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts
8 min walk
Cullasaja River Gorge
Place, Cullasaja River Gorge
12 min walk
Highlands Playhouse
Place, Highlands Playhouse
18 min walk
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Common Space
1 Double Sofa Bed
Guest
1 King Bed
Master
1 Queen Bed
2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom
Guest
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Half Bathroom 3
Toilet
Master en-suite
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area
About this property
The Owlery, Walk to Town
Please help us help you to have the best stay. Carefully read the description for this home and look through the pictures. This is a lovely, well appointed home with stunning views that is well suited to fit and active guests! (Please see photos of the stairs) There is a steep driveway (please see photos of driveway) You can park and turn around at the top. Charming, dog friendly, conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Highlands.( One mile, 17 minutes along quiet, paved, neighborhood streets) The home features new decking on two sides, allowing you to savor the stunning mountain views from the comfort of high Adirondack chairs. The gated deck adds an extra layer of safety for small children and dogs. Newly added fire-pit! Native stone stairs and lit path for a short walk with your fur-baby or just an easier path into the home! Inside, you'll find two bedrooms: one with a king bed and the other with a queen, each equipped with en-suite bathrooms and large flat-screen TVs. Gather in the living area for movie nights, cozy up by the gas log fireplace, or enjoy a variety of board games available for your entertainment. The lovely open floor plan ensures that cooking doesn't take you away from the fun, with a spacious kitchen fully equipped for all your culinary needs and an island with bar seating. Need accommodations for extra guests? There's a comfortable queen pullout sofa in the living room, along with the convenience of a half bath for their use.
* Dog friendly ONLY up to 2 dogs with pet fee ** This property has a non-refundable 5% Credit Card fee regardless of cancellation policy
Walk to town along safe paved streets. It is about 1 mile and there aren't sidewalks until you reach the main road and cross. This road is walked safely by many tourists and locals alike. (Please see walking map in photo gallery)
Parking tip: Two cars can be parked at top. One should drive up and back to the spot by the front deck and park. Then second car can drive up and park in front of stairs.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
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The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please leave the thermostat on:
in Winter; Heat: 55,
or
in Summer; A/C: 80
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 20110899ha
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, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
About the neighborhood
Highlands
Located in Highlands, this vacation home is in the city center and in the mountains. 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 Highlands Biological Station and Nantahala National Forest. Cashiers Farmers Market and Andy's Trout Farm are also worth visiting. Water tubing, fishing, and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking nearby.
The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
Cullasaja River Gorge - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
Highlands Playhouse - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
Highlands Art Gallery - 2 min drive - 2.4 km
Highlands Dog Park - 2 min drive - 2.7 km
Restaurants
Los Vaqueros - 12 min walk
Shell - 3 min drive
Oak Steakhouse - 10 min drive
Highlander Mountain House & The Ruffed Grouse Tavern - 18 min walk
Calders Coffee Cafe - 19 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is The Owlery, Walk to Town pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Owlery, Walk to Town?
As of Jun 9, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Owlery, Walk to Town on Sep 13, 2026 start from $510, 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 The Owlery, Walk to Town?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Owlery, Walk to Town?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Owlery, Walk to Town located?
Located in the heart of Highlands, this vacation home is within a 15-minute walk of The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts and Cullasaja River Gorge. Nantahala National Forest and Highlands Playhouse are also within 1 mi (2 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Place was great. Just 2 caveats they should maybe mention prior to booking: 1) the driveway is quite steep and could be dicey in the winter, and 2) the stairs to the house were a lot and folks who can’t do that should pass on this one. Otherwise it’s a nice place for 2 couples and great location.
Ed L.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 2, 2026
Hi there. I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed your stay. I do want to mention that all of that information has been included in both the description and the photos from the very start of this rental. I do want to also mention that there is another way into the home without even going up those stairs by walking the path around the side of the home. In our clearly outlined guide sent out to each guest it explains how to access the house in this easier way. I strive for 100% guest happiness and awareness by being clear and honest in all descriptions and photos. If there is ever a concern I welcome questions at anytime. Thank you for your review and you are welcome back anytime.
The house is more beautiful and comfortable than expected - pictures don’t do it justice! Truly one of the best (if not the best) short term rentals we’ve stayed in. Really appreciated the easy communication with the hosts - and that they let us have a late check out.
Kitchen was amazing and decks were great! We had an issue with the gas logs and really missed having the fire place logs with a glass of wine on our 25th wedding anniversary. It was colder than usual for August but we both definitely recommend the cottage and the views!
The property is very nicely appointed; you will have everything you need during your stay! The wrap around porch boasts some beautiful views and the hosts provided lovely tall Adirondack chairs so your views aren’t interrupted. The main living space is lovely and spacious. The pictures don’t actually do it justice.While the property is technically walkable to downtown, it’s about a mile and we ended up driving because of the hills and narrow roads.Parking was a bit dicey. As you can see in the photos, the grade of the property is extreme. There are 2 spots at the top of the driveway; however, the vehicle that we came in (Nissan Armada) is very large and heavy. The parking spaces are covered in pea gravel and we didn’t feel comfortable parking at the top of the driveway. We parked at the bottom by the trash can instead. When the description mentions “good for active people”, the hike from the bottom of the driveway to the front door will definitely get your heart pumping!
Erin D.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
About the host
Hosted by Holly Henry
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests