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Top of Big Bear Pen Mountain, Highlands, North Carolina

Photo gallery for Top of Big Bear Pen Mountain, Highlands, North Carolina

front yard
Great room fireplace
front yard
front yard
Master suite on left

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 123000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Bathroom 4

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Top of Big Bear Pen Mountain, Highlands, North Carolina

This beautiful house is located on the top of Big Bear Pen Mountain inside the city limits of Highlands, North Carolina. A walk around the top of the mountain provides five spectacular views. The house is exactly 1.6 miles down to Main Street in Highlands. Please call for more pictures or any questions.
Thanks,
Ben

The house was completed in 1993. The floor plan won the House Beautiful award. A wrap-around porch surrounds the house. There is a 25 foot stacked stone fireplace in the family room. All hardwood floors. Entire front of house is floor to ceiling glass. The house has four bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. Eight guests can sleep in beds. The Master suite and bath is located on the main floor. Master bedroom has a king size bed. Master bathroom has a jacuzzi and walk-in steam shower with his and her sinks. Two bedrooms and a full bath are located upstairs. One of the bedrooms has a queen size bed and the other has a king bed. There is an attached garage apartment that has a bedroom and a bath. This bedroom has a king bed.

The house has a large kitchen with a breakfast nook and an adjacent dining room. The kitchen is fully equipped. A large television is located in the family room which has a large sectional sofa. There is a sitting area on the second level with a table and four chairs.

We only book 2 night stays during peak season when the rental requested is less than 21 days out.


Keywords: Mountain House
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 27
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Please email with description of pet for approval
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Cleaning charges an extra $75 for pet if approved

Important information

You need to know

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 deadbolt lock

About the neighborhood

Highlands

Located in Highlands, this vacation home is in the city center. Highlands Art Gallery and Highlands Playhouse are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Highlands Country Club and Old Edwards Club. Highlands Biological Station and Cashiers Farmers Market are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Vacation Homes in HighlandsOpens in a new window
Map
Highlands, NC

What's nearby

  • Highlands Biological Station - 2 min drive - 1.4 km
  • Dry Falls - 8 min drive - 8.0 km
  • Lake Jocassee - 42 min drive - 45.2 km
  • Western Carolina University - 46 min drive - 52.0 km
  • Lake Keowee - 48 min drive - 60.7 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 96 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shell - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Wildcat Cliffs Country Club - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Calders Coffee Cafe - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Oak Steakhouse - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Los Vaqueros - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Top of Big Bear Pen Mountain, Highlands, North Carolina pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Top of Big Bear Pen Mountain, Highlands, North Carolina?

As of Mar 26, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Top of Big Bear Pen Mountain, Highlands, North Carolina on Mar 29, 2026 start from $515, 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 Top of Big Bear Pen Mountain, Highlands, North Carolina?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Top of Big Bear Pen Mountain, Highlands, North Carolina?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Top of Big Bear Pen Mountain, Highlands, North Carolina located?

Located in the heart of Highlands, this vacation home is steps from Nantahala National Forest, and within 3 mi (5 km) of Highlands Biological Station and Highlands Art Gallery. Highlands Dog Park and Highlands Playhouse are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 42 out of 45 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 45 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 45 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 45 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 45 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jayne C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful mountain home

The house is clean, lovely, and well maintained. It was a quiet area with beautiful views of the mountains easily accessible.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anne G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Highlands

The property is clean and has a wonderful porch. It is an easy drive or nice long walk to town. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beth B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Views

We had a wonderful stay at this beautiful mountain house! The views were absolutely stunning—peaceful and breathtaking. The location was perfect—tucked away just enough to feel like a true getaway, yet only minutes from downtown with great shopping and fantastic restaurants. The best of both worlds! We loved every minute and would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tina W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing Trip/Great Trip

Loved the house! Traveling with friends. The house was accommodating for three couples. Will definitely look to book when traveling to Highland again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hannah M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful mountain oasis!

This house was a wonderful spot for my friends and I New Years Eve getaway! The neighborhood and houses around were absolutely beautiful. It was well stocked for cooking a dinner in one night, and is a short 10 minute drive down the mountain to the town of Highlands. The host was lovely making sure we were all situated. Thanks for the lovely stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Time

Worked out great as we had our adult children and their spouses as well as 16 month old grandchild. The parents and little one used the two bedrooms upstairs and the other couple used the room over garage, giving them the latitude to come and as they pleased without disturbing others. The large deck with ample furniture was a late afternoon gathering place to enjoy the high 70’s temps in July!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janet R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Mountain House!!

Our family has been visiting Highlands for many years and this lovely house is now our favorite. It's spacious, ridiculously well supplied, and so comfortable. Everything from beds, linens, kitchen equipment, dishes, glassware, cookware, are all top-notch! We were 3 generations, including a couple of in-laws. We had such a good time. We cooked, ate, shopped, hiked, played board games, watched football and enjoyed the gorgeous Fall colors. Ben was the perfect host and couldn't have been kinder to us. We'll definitely plan our return to Highlands and hope to stay in his beautiful Big Bear Pen Mountain house again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

4/10 Poor

Amanda N.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Garage apartment/fourth bedroom needs work

The fourth bedroom is in the garage apartment without central ac. It has an ac unit you plug into the wall and it vents outside. When we arrived the vent was blowing extremely hot air into the garage apartment. Once we figured out how to reconnect the vent hose, it took over 30 hours to cool the garage apartment for someone to use the fourth bedroom. The garage apartment bathroom does not have any ac, so it makes it extremely warm as well. There were also several dirty dishes in the cabinets and no dishwashing detergent when we arrived.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Thanksgiving

Perfect location for a family needing four bedrooms. Close to town with spectacular mountain views. Hosts were great.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Gathering Spot

Very easy to work with owners. Although advertised as sleeps 12, only beds for 8 but they notified us before we finalized the rental to be sure we knew this. Also had additional fees added to advertised rent because we did have 12 people. That was surprising but guess it keeps smaller groups from passing on it. They had premium inflatable mattresses on site to accommodate our late comers which were comfortable. The kitchen was well stocked and the house spacious. Great location. We would definitely go back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Weaver B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

New Years in Highlands

The home is spacious and has all the amenities that anyone would expect. It is located on top of a mountain just outside of Highlands. The road up the mountain isn't paved and could be a little challenging for some vehicles especially in inclement weather. We, however, had no problems. My family particularly enjoyed the ping pong table in the garage. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

thomas m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Family Retreat

The house was perfect for a family retreat; four bedrooms spread across 3 wings. With the leaves down in November, the views from the porch were outstanding. Both sunsets and sunrises were spectacular (Southern View). The house is situated on the top of Big Bear Pen Mountain which has a circular road around the top, so 360 degree panoramic views were enjoyed by all during a short walk. Highlands is at the bottom of the mountain, so a quick drive into town was quite easy. We were very satisfied with the owners customer service. Definitely on our radar for a return visit.
Stayed 14 nights in Nov 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mountain getaway

We came for a weekend getaway from Florida with our kids. Ben was great and met us at check-in. The home was beautiful and had more than enough room for our family. The deck in front of the home is massive and a great place to enjoy the cool mountain air! Shops and restaurants are only a quick drive down the mountain away. There were lots of fun things to do and see close by, like hiking trails and waterfalls.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Randy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secluded Retreat

Spacious house which allowed the family to have their own space. Very scenic views of the highlands. With the cool nights it was great to be able to have an evening fire. It is convenient to town even though it was on top of the mountain. The owners were very accommodating with the arrangements.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kurt A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great home and location.

Great, comfortable, and quiet home.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exactly What We Needed

This vacation spot is centrally located for our family members to road trip in from various states for a summer reunion. It was absolutely perfect. The location was relaxing and picturesque. The house had all the comforts of home and had a great layout so that we could both easily come together and have our own space. We had a group of nine from ages 1 to 72, and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The town of Highlands was very quaint and friendly, and we had easy access to many sites and things to do in the area. This trip was exactly what we all needed in this crazy summer of 2020. Thank you to the owners.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

holly g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice and quiet

Ben was very helpful and responsive! The house has a fabulous deck where we spent 90% of our time! So quiet and peaceful.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lots of space

Clean, comfortable, convenient location with plenty of space. Good communication from owners. Would rent again.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great House!

We thoroughly enjoyed every part of our stay at this house. Very convenient to downtown Highlands, but just far enough away to feel secluded. The deck was amazing and the fireplace was perfect during the cold nights. We were even able to see a bear with her 2 cubs while traveling in to town! This was a wonderful house, and we plan to visit again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Catherine B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girls Get Away

Great rental..beautiful home..clean.. Owners were wonderful making checkin process easy and so helpful with everything! Thanks!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely mountain home experience

We recently stayed at this property while attending a wedding at the Highlands Country Club. The property was beautiful, the street was perfect for walking with beautiful views. Everyone enjoyed the large porch and the bedrooms were very comfortable (we had 5 adults but could have easily fit a few more). Excellent home and we hope to be back one day.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dianne G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The home was lovely and very accommodating.

We had to change our dates several times and Ben was so helpful in getting a reservation scheduled.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vicki B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great home at the tp of mountain!

This house worked out great for our group! Very clean and layout was perfect! We will definitely rent again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Montie M.

Christmas Bliss at Big Bear Pen

My whole family arrived at this wonderful home on Big Bear Pen to celebrate a first Christmas for our little girl. The owner, Ben Murray, was amazing, making sure we had everything we needed and answering any questions before we arrived. The house itself could not have been more perfect. It was nice and cozy and exactly what we needed. We cannot wait to come back!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anna G.

Thanksgiving weekend visit

We enjoyed our stay at this home. The views are some of the best in Highlands, and the space easily accommodated our extended family. The ping pong table was especially a hit. The owners are very helpful and responsive, including returning some items that were left behind.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2018

About the host

Hosted by Ben

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Why they chose this property

What makes this property unique

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