Entire home

Highlands, NC - Cozy fireplace 3 min to posh Main Street, or majestic Dry Falls!

Lakefront cottage with kitchen and patio

Upstairs bedroom - king bed and matching landscape wall art

Downstairs bedroom - king bed and oil painting

Upstairs bedroom additional bed accommodations

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location

Exceptional

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61180 sq ft

Popular amenities

Parking available
Dryer
Washer
Fireplace
Barbecue grill

Place, Bridal Veil Falls
Place, Dry Falls
Place, Highlands Country Club

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Dining area

About this property

Highlands, NC - Cozy fireplace 3 min to posh Main Street, or majestic Dry Falls!

Escape to this charming cabin, where art and comfort come together in a warm, inviting space. Nestled just 3 minutes from Main Street, you'll have easy access to Highlands’ best shops and restaurants—yet you're also just 3 minutes from Dry Falls, one of North Carolina’s most breathtaking waterfalls.

This two-bedroom retreat accommodates 4 to 6 guests, making it perfect for families or groups of friends. Plus, we welcome dogs, so your furry companion can enjoy the mountain getaway too! Why You’ll Love It:

Thoughtfully designed with unique wall art and paintings
Cozy living area with a fireplace, perfect for chilly mountain evenings
Located across the street from "On the Verandah", one of Highlands’ top restaurants, perfect for scenic dining on Lake Sequoia
A warm, inviting atmosphere to unwind after a day of exploring

Space: The cottage features two charming bedrooms and two bathrooms. The downstairs bedroom offers a King bed, smart TV, and a detached full bathroom. Upstairs, the spacious suite includes a King bed, two Twin beds, a smart TV, and an en suite full bathroom. This layout is perfect for small groups, two couples, or families seeking comfort and privacy.

Amenities: Our cozy cottage is designed for you to rest, relax, and recharge. Enjoy all the comforts of home, including 3 Smart TVs, Nest thermostats, a gas stove, full-size fridge, dishwasher, and fully stocked kitchen tools. Stay cozy with a one-button gas fireplace and take advantage of the full-size washer and dryer. Outside, unwind at the patio table with a 3-burner gas grill, perfect for outdoor dining.

Location: We’re just 1.5 miles from town, meaning you can reach Main Street in under 5 minutes. Explore dozens of high-quality shops and restaurants, and enjoy seasonal festivals and concerts, all just moments from your doorstep!

Safety: We have a circle driveway—please pull forward onto the street rather than backing out, as Highlands’ curved roads can create blind spots. To keep wildlife away, do not leave trash or food outside overnight. We’ve provided two bear-proof trash cans for your convenience.

Pets: we welcome dogs, so your furry companion can enjoy the mountain getaway too!

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washing machine

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

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Similar properties

Highlands, NC on Secluded Ridge in Mirror Lake Neighborhood - Yet In Town

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 23

Check out before 10:30 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:

Load and start the dishwasher

Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish

Turn off the lights and lock the doors

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

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

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Highlands

Located in Mirror Lake, a neighbourhood in Highlands, this cottage is in the mountains and on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Highlands Biological Station and Nantahala National Forest, while The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts and Highlands Playhouse are cultural highlights. Cashiers Farmers Market and Highlands Aerial Park are also worth visiting.

View more Cottages in Highlands

Highlands, NC

What's nearby

Bridal Veil Falls - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts - 2 min drive - 2.7 km
Dry Falls - 3 min drive - 3.0 km
Highlands Country Club - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
Glen Falls - 11 min drive - 5.1 km

Getting around

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 84 min drive

Restaurants

‪Shell - ‬3 min drive
‪Oak Steakhouse - ‬9 min drive
‪Madison's Restaurant - ‬3 min drive
‪The Ugly Dog Public House - ‬3 min drive
‪Calders Coffee Cafe - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Highlands, NC - Cozy fireplace 3 min to posh Main Street, or majestic Dry Falls! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Highlands, NC - Cozy fireplace 3 min to posh Main Street, or majestic Dry Falls!?

As of 4 Nov, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Highlands, NC - Cozy fireplace 3 min to posh Main Street, or majestic Dry Falls! on 5 Nov, 2025 start from S$546.39, 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.

What time is check-in at Highlands, NC - Cozy fireplace 3 min to posh Main Street, or majestic Dry Falls!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Highlands, NC - Cozy fireplace 3 min to posh Main Street, or majestic Dry Falls!?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Highlands, NC - Cozy fireplace 3 min to posh Main Street, or majestic Dry Falls! located?

Located in Mirror Lake, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Nantahala National Forest, Bridal Veil Falls and The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts. Cullasaja River Gorge and Dry Falls are also within 2 miles (3 km).

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.2/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

8/10 Good

Sherri B.

13 Oct, 2025

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

Home was clean and well stocked. Would recommend for two couples.

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas M.

27 Jul, 2025

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

The house is clean and comfortable and great proximity to Main Street! Thank you

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roddy T.

7 Jan, 2023

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

Excellent Get-Away Home

Very nice for our family of 4...close to many natural attractions and downtown Highlands!

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

sherry B.

9 Apr, 2023

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

Great weekend

Great cabin, everything you need.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thomas J.

23 Apr, 2023

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

Great stay love highlands and the home worked great

Everything was great and host was very helpful

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott C.

30 Nov, 2023

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

Cozy Retreat

Great location to waterfalls and downtown Highland. Very cozy cabin with a view of Lake Sequoyah. Has all the amenities that you would ever need for a great stay. Extremely easy check in and check out.

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Nancy C.

19 Jul, 2023

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

Highland’s escape

Nice place, very clean and well appointed. Perfect for our getaway with family.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

steven p.

12 Jul, 2024

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

just right

this is a very good place to stay. Convenient to all the things in downtown Highlands, nice furnished home, good kitchen, comfortable beds, and 2 modern bathrooms.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gale P.

5 Sept, 2024

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

Highland getaway

This property was perfect for our two day jaunt. For two adults, who didn't want to drive far at night for dinners, the location was perfect. It is close to town, Bridal Fall, Dry Falls, and not too far from Secret Falls.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

12 Jan, 2025

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

Disliked: Location

Great 4 nights in Highlands

My sister, nephew and I had a very enjoyable time in the Author’s Cabin. The only drawback is that we were on a main road and traffic in the am was a distraction. The fireplace is very cozy and really heats the entire cabin. I would recommend it to anyone!

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steve R.

2 Mar, 2023

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

A Perfect Getaway

Very clean and comfortable cottage close to downtown Highlands, hiking and other area attractions. Hiked two days and afterwards enjoyed the Highlands Wine Shoppe and fire pit to wind down before dinner. Highly recommend the Writer’s Cottage.

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pat C.

18 Sept, 2024

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

Summer Break

We enjoyed our stay very much. The cottage was everything advertised. The downstairs bedroom is cooler than upstairs but probable only applies in the peak summer months. The only downside is there is really nowhere to walk your dog. And you have to be on your game when exiting the driveway. But overall we would stay there again.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen B. B.

7 Dec, 2022

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

5 Star Visit to the Author's Cottage

My husband, daughter, son-in-law, miniature dachshund and I had a 5 Star experience at the Author's cottage for the Christmas parade weekend. The cottage was very clean, beds were comfortable, water was still hot after 4 showers, kitchen fully stocked, fluffy towels and it was beautifully decorated for the holidays. We love traveling with our fur baby but prefer accommodations where you can't tell a pet has visited. That was the case with the Author's Cottage.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Linda T.

11 Nov, 2023

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

Exactly As Described

We stayed two nights and enjoyed every moment. It was close to downtown Highlands ( as well as Cashiers and other points of interest). The home was clean and well maintained. The backyard light bulbs were not working, but we had flashlights so we could take our pups outside. We would definitely stay here again (and we were not bothered by restaurant or road noise).

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Mylinda P., White House, Tennessee

29 Jun, 2023

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Disliked: Cleanliness

Great location.

The place was very dusty, spider webs in kitchen light fixture. Upstairs shower door off hinge. Other than that great location, a little dangerous to get in and out of but set up of house was great.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dr. Chris P.

30 Oct, 2025

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

Charming cabin with a cozy atmosphere. We especially enjoyed the gas fireplace, which we used each morning and evening. Our friends stayed in the downstairs bedroom while we had the spacious upstairs room; both were exceptionally clean and comfortable. The kitchen is small but very well equipped, with a wide variety of coffee-making options. Conveniently located near shops and great restaurants, making it an excellent place to stay.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie Z.

26 Oct, 2025

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

Very clean home, host is very responsive, and close to downtown.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Regina B.

23 Oct, 2025

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

We loved the cozy cabin, close to great restaurants, shopping, spas, and hiking trails.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian J.

6 Oct, 2025

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

Great location and very clean!

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katy M.

9 Sept, 2025

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

We enjoyed staying here and the location was convenient.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel R.

20 Aug, 2025

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

Great house for a weekend away. Right around the corner from downtown Highlands. Would be happy to stay here again.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vicky D.

7 Aug, 2025

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

Beautiful property in a perfect location. Very clean, everything two couples needed for a wonder get away to Highlands. Highly recommend.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

David S.

4 Aug, 2025

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

Wifi could be better

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Wendy M.

23 Jul, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, listing accuracy

Disliked: Location

House is very small and in a busy road. You could hear the traffic. That being said the property is very clean and well equipped

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

19 Jul, 2025

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

Just what we needed. Perfect size. Family 5. Great weekend in Highlands

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

About the host

Hosted by Andreea Geanta

She is a hired-gun CFO specialized in M&A’s, he teaches business strategy and writes post-apocalyptic fiction. What is interesting about them is that they got married in college, split after 2 years, then remarried after 13, and happily ever after. After raising 3 children, now empty nesters “parenting” a stubborn Akita puppy.

Why they chose this property

Why the "Author's Cottage"?
Attracted by the picturesque surroundings, the published author Edmond Geanta came here to finish one of his books. He and his wife, Andreea fell in love with the house and decided to buy it. That’s how the house got its name. They hope you’ll find it as charming as they did, and wish you a pleasant stay and a glorious escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.

What makes this property unique

Close to the Main Street but also hiking and majestic waterfalls.
Right across the street from one of the best restaurants in town.
Charming and refined interior.