The owner, Maxie Wright Duke, was born and raised in Highlands in a home located in Wright Square, Her mother, Helen Cabe Wright Wilson, owned and operated Helen's Barn which still stands on Helen's Barn Avenue, Wright Square. The dance hall was the favorite of local and summer folks and provided a means to feed, clothe, house and educate her children. After marring Albert A. Duke, Maxie moved to Walhalla, SC The family has a Log Cabin on Turtle Pond Road where many memories have been made. Lisa Gunter, Maxie's daughter, manages the property.

Lisa Gunter purchased this house in 1993

We feel that the Wright Cottage is a great place to relax & enjoy nature. It is close enough to Highlands(3.7 miles) & Cashiers (8 miles) to enjoy everything both towns has to offer. It is big enough to sleep 7 but affordable for a smaller group. The screened porch is an absolute haven for relaxing with a drink, reading or just visiting. The fire pit offers seating and warmth to enjoy the outdoors and view of Shortoff Mountain. The front yard is great for children playing or running with your dogs. The gas log fireplace inside will knock the chill off on the fall & winter days.

The cottage was built in the early 1930's on one acre of land that was given to the First Presbyterian Church to be used as a manse for their preacher. The land surrounding it was owned by Maxie's uncle, Henry R. Wright & inherited. She purchased the house in 1993. It has been renovated several times but still has the original hardwood floors. The timbers were cut from the land including the wormy chestnut in the living room & dining areas. The dining table is a hand crafted solid cherry wood table made by a local craftsman and given to Helen's people on Turtle Pond. We are continually making improvements to keep the house up-to-date including new windows, interior & exterior paint, new washer & dryer, new stove, new heating & cooling system & new tin roof. The house was renamed The Wright Cottage and became a seasonal rental in 2003.