Kick back and relax in this calm, tasteful Highlands gem. Nestled in the Mirror Lake neighborhood among hemlocks, pines, rhododendrons and oaks, our cozy rental cottage has the best of all that Highlands, North Carolina has to offer. Newly renovated in 2022 with a screened-in porch and fire pit, this luxury cottage is the perfect spot for a getaway. Just a four minute drive to Main Street in downtown Highlands or walking distance through neighborhood streets and trails.
Highlands Hytte is a beautifully renovated mountain cottage that has been transformed into a cozy, luxurious getaway. With spaces for indoor and outdoor living, this cottage is the perfect spot to pause, unplug and restore.
// THE LOCATION //
Highlands Hytte is perfectly situated in a central location—just a four minute drive from Main Street in downtown Highlands. There's also a trail to walk downtown! The cottage is nestled in Mirror Lake, a charming historic neighborhood. Take a short walk down to the lake, find a spot on a bench and unwind.
// THE AREA //
Highlands, North Carolina is one of best mountain destinations in the Southeast. Lined with fantastic shopping and dining, Main Street in downtown Highlands is purely quintessential. Previously just a summer and fall vacation spot, Highlands is quickly becoming a year-round destination. At 4118' elevation, Highlands is consistently 15-20 degrees cooler than many of the surrounding large cities. It's also one of the few temperate rain forests in North America, drawing nature lovers from all over the world. A mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Highlands offers an abundance of opportunities for hiking, biking, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding and ziplining—all with a beautiful backdrop of waterfalls, mountains and nature.
// THE PROPERTY //
The cottage is nestled within a grove of other quaint cabins in an easily accessible neighborhood in Highlands. Tucked among hemlocks, pines, rhododendrons and oaks, a private yard features a fire pit with four adirondack chairs. The screened-in porch off the back of the house also offers the opportunity to breathe in fresh mountain air. The side patio offers al-fresco dining and a grill.
// THE COTTAGE //
Highlands Hytte was recently renovated in 2022, still maintaining authentic, rustic charm with lush amenities:
- Living room with Samsung Frame TV and wood-burning stove (perfect for game nights, wine nights, movies by the fire or just taking a few deep breaths). - High-speed WiFi. - Open-concept floor plan with natural light flooding in throughout. - Fully stocked kitchen with farmhouse sink and paneled fridge. - Eat-in dining area with counter seating and hidden table option. - Wet bar stocked with wine glasses and a beverage cooler. - Multiple grills available for use, including Komado Joe Jr. - Variety of board games, puzzles and books provided. - Two bedrooms designed for your comfort. - Primary bedroom with queen bed, screened-in porch access and en suite bathroom with double vanities, as well as a tub and shower combo. - Second bedroom with queen bed, closet and single-vanity bathroom with shower. - Cozy loft with twin beds to fit two additional guests. - Both bathrooms equipped with shampoo, conditioner, body wash and Weezie makeup towels. - Travel crib and portable high chair available for families. - S'mores ingredients and plenty of wood provided to make a fire.
With large outdoor living spaces and cozy, comfortable indoor living spaces, you'll quickly find Highlands Hytte to be a home away from home.
// THE DETAILS //
Parking is available for two cars directly next to and across the street from the cottage. Additionally, while each entrance requires a 2-5 step climb, the home is entirely one level with the exception of the loft space accessible by ladder.
We've fallen in love with Highlands and know you will too. For each of our guests, we are happy to provide some of our favorite local recommendations, so you can make the most of your stay.
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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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 first aid kit
About the area
Highlands
Mirror Lake, a neighbourhood in Highlands, is home to this cottage. The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts and Highlands Playhouse are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Highlands Biological Station and Cashiers Farmers Market.
The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts - 2 min drive - 2.1 km
Highlands Dog Park - 2 min drive - 2.1 km
Cullasaja River Gorge - 2 min drive - 2.4 km
Highlands Playhouse - 2 min drive - 2.7 km
Highlands Art Gallery - 2 min drive - 2.4 km
Restaurants
Shell - 3 min drive
Wildcat Cliffs Country Club - 10 min drive
Calders Coffee Cafe - 3 min drive
Oak Steakhouse - 7 min drive
Los Vaqueros - 2 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Newly Renovated Cozy Cottage in Highlands pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much does it cost to stay at Newly Renovated Cozy Cottage in Highlands?
As of 2 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Newly Renovated Cozy Cottage in Highlands on 28 May 2026 start from AU$455, 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 Newly Renovated Cozy Cottage in Highlands?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Newly Renovated Cozy Cottage in Highlands?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Newly Renovated Cozy Cottage in Highlands?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Newly Renovated Cozy Cottage in Highlands located?
Located in Mirror Lake, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Nantahala National Forest and The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts. Highlands Dog Park and Cullasaja River Gorge are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Very close to downtown, great fire pit area and screened-in porch, nice cottage but definitely cozy (smallish), well stocked kitchen, very beautiful area.
The cottage is exactly how it appears in the pictures. It is adorable. Very close to everything, downtown Highlands, water fall trails, zip lining. Great food and shopping. Would definitely stay here again.
The cottage was perfect. Very clean and everything is updated. The two grills were a very nice touch. It's very rare to have a Kamado available at a VRBO. The place is nestled in the woods with other houses nearby, but amazingly quiet and very private because of the way its all landscaped. Its just 2-3 minutes from downtown Highlands. We will definitely stay here again.
Everything was great. Place is not very big at all but great location comfortable and really really enjoyed it. Would be incredible for any couple - a little more beyond is cramped but place is awesome
This cabin is so cute and cozy. The beds were very comfortable with nice bedding. The back porch was perfect, we spent both evenings out there chatting. Location is just minutes to downtown Highland.
This cottage was absolutely perfect for a getaway with my hubby after the busy holiday season. The bed was comfortable, and Shannon thought of everything to make the space feel like home. We left feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the new year. Can’t wait to go back!
We visited Highlands for a wedding and really enjoyed staying here! The location was convenient to travel to town and the wedding venue as well. The cottage is thoughtfully decorated and even includes books, games, and a s’mores kit! We can’t wait to visit again!
Very cozy for my family of four. Great, quiet location 1 close to shops and restaurants. Our host really thought of everything - the cottage was stocked, we had everything we needed and had a great time.
This was just perfect for a quick business trip. There was plenty of room for two and it was a relaxing retreat to come back to. Thanks for a lovely stay.
Amazing cottage in Mirror Lake neighborhood. The house had a lot of amenities with easy to access the town of Highlands and the surrounding areas. We will definitely be going back.
We loved this property! Beautiful space with everything we needed. Close to town. So cozy!
Elizabeth M.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified
4/10 Poor
Laurie L.
19 Sept 2025
Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness
Cabin and owners have good intentions, cute place very rustic. For cooking the stove could use some type of ventilation. Cleaning was not very good.... but the owners sent the cleaning person back to address missed areas. The owners communicated well and addressed our concerns, they purchased a gift card to Madison's for us. Our favorite part of the cabin was the back screened in porch. Cute place to stay for younger couples. We had a few exciting days of a mama bear and her 3 cubs visiting the cabin next door.
Laurie L.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Sept 2025
We are sincerely sorry that your experience led you to give this unfavorable rating. As we shared with you previously, we have always received rave reviews about the cleanliness of our home and were surprised to receive this feedback. As you mentioned, we worked to mitigate the concerns as quickly as possible during your stay. Aside from the issues mentioned, it was our understanding that you had a wonderful stay.
We recently stayed at this Cozy Cottage. It was perfect for our mother daughter trip. Everything was exactly as it was described. We loved being close to town and the area is very quiet and safe. The cottage had everything we need and the beds were comfy. I would definitely stay there again in the future.
My husband and I absolutely loved Highlands Hytte. Mirror lake is such a perfect location, and this cottage fits right in. Adorable decor with really smart design choices that elevate and maximize the space.
This house is adorable! Perfectly beautiful in every way -Great location to downtown Highlands. Very quiet neighborhood with great walking to mirror lake. Shannon is a great host and made our stay so enjoyable- highly recommend this cottage for a wonderful vacation!
Stroud C.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
About the host
Hosted by Shannon Powell
Hi there! We're Shannon and Barin, and we are excited to share this special space with you. Local to Atlanta, we love opening up our home to others and are always hosting.
Throughout most of our marriage we've been coming to Highlands annually. Shannon grew up spending her summers about 45 minutes away, and we just love all that this little part of the world has to offer. As we are now growing our family (one two-year-old boy and one three-month-old girl), it continues to be an important rhythm for us to reset, get away and unplug in nature. We are hopeful it will be a place of rest and restoration for you as well.
Why they chose this property
We love this gem of a cottage nestled in centrally-located Mirror Lake. It's quiet and peaceful, yet close to all downtown Highlands has to offer.
What makes this property unique
From a hammock on the screened-in porch to a rustic paneled fridge and s'mores fixings, we care about the details in this cozy, luxurious getaway. We've put our hearts into making this the perfect mountain vacation home, and we're confident you'll love it as much as we do. If you have any questions or concerns during your stay, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Thank you for choosing The Haven in Highlands as your home away from home. We can't wait for you to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests