Charming cottage near Mirror Lake and downtown Highlands!
Nestled on 1 acre in hemlocks, pines, rhododendrons and oaks, our comfortable cottage in the Mirror Lake neighborhood has the best of all that Highlands has to offer. We’re a five minute walk through small neighborhood roads from the lake, a five minute walk to the mill creek greenway, a trail through the woods that passes the Bascom art center and leads to downtown. We’re a three minute drive to all of the stores and restaurants in downtown Highlands. Our home has an open floor plan with vaulted ceilings and a wood burning fireplace. The house is comfortably furnished and thoughtfully decorated, and includes our own art work; architectural drawings, paintings, and hand-made porcelain dinnerware. The house comfortably sleeps 5 and offers all the expected comforts like cable TV, wifi and a well-appointed kitchen. Sit on a rocking chair on the front porch and listen to the creek that passes through the property, or hang out down by the outdoor stone fireplace located next to a small waterfall. Go for a walk to the lake or downtown, hike one of Highlands many beautiful trails, or lounge around and relax in this ideal vacation setting. Enjoy your stay knowing that the cottage is being cleaned and disinfected per expert guidelines, including a 48 hour waiting period between guests.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Charming 2-bedroom renovated townhome in Highlands. One mile from Main Street.
Highlands
Charming 2-bedroom renovated townhome in Highlands. One mile from Main Street.
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Please leave trash inside the house unless you're leaving on a Monday or Thursday morning, in which case, place trash inside the bear-proof can by the street and leave the can outside its fencing.
Please make sure any fires in the fireplace are extinguished, the flu is closed and the heat is set to 55 in the winter and the A/C to 75 in the summer
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 and a deadlock
About the area
Highlands
Located in Highlands, this cottage is in the city centre. 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. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and rafting nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and cycling.
The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
Cullasaja River Gorge - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
Highlands Playhouse - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
Highlands Art Gallery - 2 min drive - 2.4 km
Highlands Dog Park - 2 min drive - 2.7 km
Getting around
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 83 min drive
Restaurants
Shell - 2 min drive
Calders Coffee Cafe - 2 min drive
Oak Steakhouse - 8 min drive
Los Vaqueros - 17 min walk
Highlander Mountain House & The Ruffed Grouse Tavern - 20 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Charming cottage near Mirror Lake and downtown Highlands! pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Charming cottage near Mirror Lake and downtown Highlands! ?
As of 13 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming cottage near Mirror Lake and downtown Highlands! on 19 Apr 2026 start from AU$425, 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 at Charming cottage near Mirror Lake and downtown Highlands! ?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Charming cottage near Mirror Lake and downtown Highlands! ?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Charming cottage near Mirror Lake and downtown Highlands! ?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Charming cottage near Mirror Lake and downtown Highlands! located?
Located in the heart of Highlands, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts and Cullasaja River Gorge. Nantahala National Forest and Highlands Dog Park are also within 1 mile (2 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
My Mother, two sisters, and I had a wonderful week in this lovely cottage in a beautiful setting. The location was perfect for the day trips we took, and we had everything we needed!
We loved our stay at the 3 Bears. The location is ideal. Easy walk or drive into town for lunch/shopping. Neighborhood also great for walking. House is very comfortable for two couples or a family hanging out. Love all the special touches including the homemade pottery made by the homeowner. Would definitely stay again.
3 bears cabin far exceeded our expectations. It was better than the pictures (which normally is not the case). The cabin was so charming, well decorated and immaculately clean. It was stocked with everything one could need in a home away from home. The cabin is located close to center of town but feels like it is secluded. Highly recommend this property!!
We spent a week at The 3 Bears and loved it all. We felt very secluded, even though we were right off Route 64 and very close to downtown Highlands. As seniors, we were unprepared for the short hike from the parking area down to the cabin and, unfortunately got soaked while carrying in our supplies and luggage during a downpour. BUT, that aside, we give highest marks to this top-notch mountain cabin. A+
Sonia F.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Georgia G.
18 Aug 2018
Hidden gem in Highlands!
I couldn’t have been happier with our stay at this cottage. I felt like I was living in a magazine. The outside landscaping was as well designed as the inside. Aesthetically, it’s just beautiful. The owners even paid attention to little details like super soft towels and high quality toiletries. We decided to book here for more affordable stay than the downtown hotel and had extra room to invite our close friends to come along with us. I would love to visit again.
Georgia G.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Apr 2020
Thanks for the kind words, Georgia!
So glad you guys enjoyed your stay and hope you will come back again!
The cottage is in a lovely setting and is really close to downtown Highlands. It has an open floor plan that was perfect for our party of 3. Hope was readily available for questions prior to arrival and throughout our stay. It has great air conditioning - which is a plus in Highlands as many properties don’t have it. Everything is as pictured on the VRBO website. However, I didn’t realize that we could not park right at the house. Therefore, the walk from where the cars are parked is a little precarious for the elderly or those with ambulatory issues.
Cathy G.
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 8 July 2020
It was a pleasure to host you during your stay in Highlands! Thank you for your feedback regarding the path to the house. I have updated our rental page to assure guests are aware of the stone stairs and gravel path to the house from the driveway. Best, Hope
Our family was in Highlands for a wedding at Old Edward’s Farm and we chose the 3 Bears for our stay. I booked with Hope and she was immediately responsive. This cottage is beautifully done with ceramics made by the owners. Every morning I got a lot of joy out of choosing which creature I was going to drink coffee with. I loved the Rabbit cup the best! Comfy beds with soft high end thread count sheets. Well appointed all the way around. Nice body wash products in the main bathroom and other toiletries were a really nice touch. Plenty of laundry supplies if you need them. My favorite place in the house was the sitting room with the day bed on the front of the house. I took a nap in there one afternoon and slept like a dream! There were sweet touches everywhere you looked. One morning we took a walk down to the outdoor fire place while sipping our coffee and took in all the green lush surroundings. Just beautiful! Other mornings we sat in the rockers on the front porch in the wonderful cool mountain air. It was dreamy and we will return. You won’t be disappointed if you choose the 3 Bears cottage! Thanks for sharing your wonderful place with us Hope, Blythe and Danna!
We loved our stay at 3 Bears cabin in Highlands. The home feels very secluded and private. You are surrounded by lush nature but, you’re right down the street from town. This wonderful illusion is accomplished by the home’s location in a shallow valley right off the road. There is convenient access via a gravel circular drive. A few steps down a gravel pathway and over a cute little bridge puts you on the front porch. So easy. The main living room is open-concept with pine flooring, vaulted ceilings, comfy sofa and stone wood-burning fireplace. The interior is clean, neat, well-appointed and cozy. Artwork is everywhere making it feel like a home-away-from-home. As others have mentioned, we loved the home-made artistic pottery including dishes, bowls and cups. There is a huge master bedroom with a comfy king bed. The master bath had a marvelous recently-renovated shower and double sinks. Our 15-year-old daughter stayed in the second, smaller but, equally adorable bedroom which had its own bathroom. We enjoyed drinking tea and playing games on the big wooden table in the evening. There are lots of games. One night, we walked down the street and enjoyed some delicious barbeque at the Highlands Smokehouse Barbeque. As you can tell, we had a wonderful time and we highly recommend this wonderful home when visiting Highlands.
Our family of 5 had a delightful stay at this location. It was truly a home-away-from-home as it had all the comforts of home: fully equipped kitchen, comfy beds and seating areas, large dinning table, wifi, smart TV, porch with rocking chairs, a large cabinet full of games, shampoo, soap and even a few cooking items we forgot to bring (salt, pepper, cooking spray, etc). It was clean and convenient to downtown and surrounding areas. We did not get to enjoy the outdoor fire pit. But, it looked like there was plenty of wood for a cozy fire. The cottage was decorated in a nice combination of rustic and modern. Loved it and would stay there again if we have a chance to come back!
The perfect stay in the perfect little Red House. ❤️❤️
Wonderful stay with my daughter , my sister and her daughter -in-law. Shopping , hiking and eating. Absolutely wonderful 5 nights. House was just GREAT. THANKS FOR SHARING.
BETH YODER
We had a lovely time at 3 Bears. The property is well located and we wanted for nothing. The house is beautiful and well-furnished. It was a pleasure dealing with the owners.
The 3 Bears Cottage is just a great getaway. The home is well appointed with everything you could need, a fully stocked kitchen, beautiful ceramic plates and cups made by the owner, and very comfortable beds and linens. We used the canoe to paddle around Mirror Lake, built a fire in the fireplace, and were close enough to walk into the center of Highlands for shopping and dinners. We will definitely return.
Cristy C.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019
About the host
Hosted by John Blythe Bailey
We are Danna, Hope, and Blythe. A marketer, an artist, and an architect. We, along with our individual and combined families, love this place and are sure you will too.