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Cardinal Cottage | Delightful Walk to Town Cottage in the Harris Lake Area

Photo gallery for Cardinal Cottage | Delightful Walk to Town Cottage in the Harris Lake Area

Living Room, Main Level
Kitchen, Main Level
Living Room, Main Level
Living Room/ Kitchen, Main Level
Dining Room, Main Level

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8156.8 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1 Main Level

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2 Main Level

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3 Lower Level

2 Single Bunk Beds

Common Space

1 Double Sofa Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Cardinal Cottage | Delightful Walk to Town Cottage in the Harris Lake Area

WE DO NOT ACCEPT AMEX

This Rent In Highlands vacation rental home has a strict NO PET policy.

Only adults (25 years old and older) may reserve this property and an adult must occupy the property at all times.

Less than a mile from Main St. Highlands, Cardinal Cottage is an easy walk to town past scenic Harris Lake. Feed the ducks or do a little fishing on your way!  Within minutes you'll be close to shopping, dining and all that the quaint town of Highlands has to offer.

Main Level:
The open living room features a cozy fireplace and a large flat-screen TV, ideal for relaxing nights in. The recently renovated kitchen is equipped with brand-new appliances and connects to a bright dining area that leads out to the deck. The spacious primary bedroom offers a king-size bed, a convertible loveseat, a large flat-screen TV, and a beautifully updated ensuite bath—perfect for late-night movie marathons or slow, restful mornings. Across the hall, the guest bedroom includes a queen-size bed, with a full bath conveniently located just down the hall. A brand-new washer and dryer are tucked neatly into a hallway utility cabinet for easy access.

Lower Level:
Downstairs, you'll find a fun and functional playroom/den—perfect for kids or family movie nights. Outfitted with a large flat-screen TV, DVD player, and a sofa that converts to a queen-size bed, it’s a great space for unwinding. The lower level also includes a third bedroom with a twin bed and an additional full bath, offering flexibility and privacy for guests.

Outdoor Spaces:
The home features a sunny open deck just off the main level dining area, complete with rocking chairs, a new propane grill, and a second dining table for enjoying meals outdoors. Below, a newly built deck spans the length of the home—half covered for all-weather lounging. Unwind on the chaise lounges or sway gently in the hammock while soaking in the peace and quiet of your surroundings.

Just a short and scenic walk from town past Harris Lake, you can feed the ducks, cast a fishing line, or explore all the shopping, dining, and charm that Highlands has to offer—right from your front door.

What our guests are saying…

"Cozy Christmas in Highlands. We had a wonderful family Christmas stay at Cardinal Cottage. Loved the open floor plan, the view from the deck, and roasting marshmallows in the fireplace. The location was excellent - a nice walk to Harris Lake and even Main Street, otherwise, a 3 minute drive. Beds were comfortable and Wi-Fi worked like a charm. Can't wait to stay again!" - Rent In Highlands Vacation Rental Guest, Sandra

Special Amenities:

Wood Burning Fireplace

This home is professionally managed by Rent in Highlands, a division of Country Club Properties. Your premier source for Vacation Rentals in Highlands NC.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
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

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Highlands

Located in Highlands, this cabin is in the city centre and in the mountains. Highlands Playhouse and Highlands Art Gallery 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. Discover the area's water adventures with fishing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and hiking.
View more Cabin rentals in HighlandsOpens in a new window
Map
Highlands, NC

What's nearby

  • Highlands Biological Station - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Highlands Playhouse - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Highlands Art Gallery - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Cullasaja River Gorge - 2 min drive - 1.7 km
  • The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts - 3 min drive - 2.1 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 90 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shell - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Wildcat Cliffs Country Club - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Calders Coffee Cafe - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Oak Steakhouse - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Los Vaqueros - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Cardinal Cottage | Delightful Walk to Town Cottage in the Harris Lake Area have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Cardinal Cottage | Delightful Walk to Town Cottage in the Harris Lake Area?

As of 5 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Cardinal Cottage | Delightful Walk to Town Cottage in the Harris Lake Area on 4 May 2026 start from AU$563, 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.

Is Cardinal Cottage | Delightful Walk to Town Cottage in the Harris Lake Area pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Cardinal Cottage | Delightful Walk to Town Cottage in the Harris Lake Area?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Cardinal Cottage | Delightful Walk to Town Cottage in the Harris Lake Area?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cardinal Cottage | Delightful Walk to Town Cottage in the Harris Lake Area?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Cardinal Cottage | Delightful Walk to Town Cottage in the Harris Lake Area located?

Located in the heart of Highlands, this cabin is within 1 mile (2 km) of Nantahala National Forest, Highlands Biological Station and Highlands Playhouse. Highlands Art Gallery and Cullasaja River Gorge are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 33 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 46 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nestor V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My husband and I decided on a last-minute New Year getaway to Highlands, NC, and this charming cottage was the perfect choice. The home was well equipped, comfortable, and very conveniently located close to town. Everything we needed was thoughtfully provided, making our stay relaxing and enjoyable. While the water pressure was a bit low, it did not take away from our overall experience. We will gladly stay here again. Thank you for a lovely stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jan 2026
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re delighted to hear the cottage was the perfect choice for your last-minute New Year getaway and that you found it comfortable, well equipped, and conveniently located near town. We’re so glad everything you needed was thoughtfully provided and helped make your stay relaxing and enjoyable. We also appreciate your note about the water pressure and are grateful for the feedback. Thank you for choosing to stay with us—we’d love to welcome you back again for another lovely visit to Highlands!
Verified

8/10 Good

Danielle W.

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

Great Cottage in-town

Second time staying at this location. Close to town and convenient.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jan 2025
Thank you for choosing to stay with us again! We’re so glad you enjoyed the convenient location and found it close to town. We truly appreciate your loyalty and look forward to welcoming you back for a third visit!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bryan S.

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

nice house great location

We enjoyed our stay. Nice house in a great location
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 July 2023
Thanks for the review Bryan!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alyson G.

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

Cozy stay

We had an amazing visit!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Apr 2023
Thanks for leaving a review Alyson!
Verified

8/10 Good

Nadene H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute house but the bunk room is really made for small kids.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2025
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad you enjoyed the house and appreciate your note about the bunk room being best suited for younger kids. This will be helpful for future guests. We’d love to host you again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brooke R.

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

Great location!

Very clean property in a great location. So many nice touches including a well stocked kitchen with spices and some food items. We will definitely look to come back and stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Oct 2022
Thanks for the review Brooke! We're so happy you enjoyed this home!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard W.

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

Perfect Cottage

Great location. Close to downtown. Very clean and roomy! We have stayed here twice and will be coming back!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2024
Thank you so much for being a repeat guest! We appreciate the great review and are looking forward to your next visit!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve G.

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

Enjoyed the walk to breakfast and lunch! Great little town.

Very easy to find and enter. Very private deck area.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Dec 2021
Thanks for the review Steve! Glad you enjoyed this home that is so convenient to town!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lucas R.

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

Very nice stay

The cardinal cottage was perfect for our weekend stay. Very close to town and just enough room for 6 adults to stay comfortably. House has lots of extras in the kitchen. Definitely would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Nov 2021
Hi Lucas! Thanks so much for leaving us a review! Happy to hear you'd stay at this house again. We're looking forward to seeing you soon!
Verified

8/10 Good

Janet B.

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

Nice stay

The house was comfortable. The water pressure was a little low otherwise nice stay and convenient to town.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 May 2023
Thanks for the review Janet!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Judy F.

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

Will definitely stay here again!

Cardinal Cottage is tastefully decorated, very clean and comfortable. All essentials are provided including a Keurig. Property management was excellent. Great location near town.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 20 June 2022
Thanks for the review Judy! Glad you enjoyed your stay!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Morgan M.

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

Great location!

Great location, property is exactly as pictured. Well stocked kitchen. Worked great for our family of 4!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2023
Thanks for the review Morgan!
Verified

8/10 Good

Edward B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great stay at the cardinal cottage. It’s located 0.9 miles to town. The cottage looked like the pictures, and the Vrbo team did a great job communicating with us. Overall the cottage was clean, but could have been cleaner. The master bathroom had some mold in the primary shower. We had 6 family members staying at the cottage. Everyone was comfortable and enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Oct 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re so glad you and your family enjoyed your stay at Cardinal Cottage and found the home comfortable, accurately represented, and conveniently located near town. We also appreciate your kind words about our communication. Thank you for noting the issue in the master shower—we sincerely apologize for that and have passed it along to our cleaning team to ensure it’s addressed immediately. We’re happy to hear you had a great stay overall and would love to welcome you back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephen M.

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

Great Stay, Great Location

The property was exactly as advertised - clean, recently updated, and delightful. It is close enough to town to walk (about 1 mile), but far enough away to feel like "you're in the woods". I highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 19 July 2021
Thanks for the review Stephen!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

nikki s.

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

Cardinal Cottage

Great location! Walking distance to shops and restaurants. Very Clean! Beautiful property!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Sept 2023
Thanks for the review! Glad you enjoyed your stay.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Fran B.

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

Lovely house , lovely location

No fuss, easy to conduct business, satisfied customers
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Apr 2021
Thanks for the review Fran!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dana C.

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

Fun time in the Highlands

We spent a cozy week at the cardinal cottage. The house has everything you need for a week in the mountains. Close to town and easy access to hiking etc.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2021
Thanks for the review Dana!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sandra m.

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

Cozy Christmas in Highlands

We had a wonderful family Christmas stay at Cardinal Cottage. Loved the open floor plan, the view from the deck, and roasting marshmallows in the fireplace. The location was excellent - a nice walk to Harris Lake and even Main Street, otherwise, a 3 minute drive. Beds were comfortable and wifi worked like a charm. Can't wait to stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Jan 2022
Thanks for the review Sandra! Happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay and looking forward to your next visit!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Denise U.

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

Great spot to explore Highlands

Grandkids caught their first fish- bring your own rods, grab bait at gas station lower end of town. Went to the towns market on Saturday morning and a great night if music and fun at the same park in the evening- bring soccer chairs or a blanket. We only used upstairs- kids slept on couches closer to parents.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 31 July 2025
Thank you for sharing such a fun and thoughtful review! We're so glad your grandkids got to experience the joy of catching their first fish—what a great memory! It sounds like you made the most of your visit, from the town market to the evening music at the park. We’re happy the setup worked well for your family, and we love the tips for future guests. We’d be delighted to host you again for more Highlands adventures!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Kathy Boutwel

Nice home, very cozy.

Nice home, very cozy. Liked that the kitchen had a variety of supplies as we planned on cooking a meal while there. Excellent response.
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Sept 2022
Thanks for the review!
Verified

8/10 Good

Chris C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Nice spot for first Highlands visit

Well-kept home about a mile from downtown Highlands (although not conducive to walking). Plenty of room for a family, smart TVs galore, lots of DVDs and a player on hand. Home was clean and beds were comfortable. Limited necessities in kitchen, i.e., salt & pepper, spices, wraps, etc., so be sure and bring your own. VRBO mentioned a pool, note that it is a couple miles away and costs a few bucks. Rental agency was responsive and easy to deal with; provided some welcoming treats and plenty of info, maps about area. Will definitely stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 July 2025
Thank you for your kind and detailed review! We’re so glad the home was a comfortable and welcoming place for your first visit to Highlands. It’s great to hear the space, smart TVs, and DVD selection were a hit with your family, and that you found everything clean and easy to enjoy. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we’d love to welcome you back anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Theresa P.

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

Chasing Water Falls

Perfect
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Sept 2023
Thanks for the review Theresa!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul K.

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

Well located, well equipped, and well stocked mountain cottage

Cardinal Cottage is one of a very few vacation homes we’ve rented that is actually nicer than the photos on Vrbo. It is attractively furnished for adults yet comfortable for children. We can vouch that the cottage is indeed walking distance to downtown Highlands—we did it 3 times in 3 days with 4 grandchildren aged 3-9 to feed the ducks at Harris Lake, have breakfast at Mountain Fresh Grocery, and have dinner al fresco at Lakeside.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 20 June 2022
Thanks so much for the great review Paul! Glad you loved this home.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Clayton Burrous

Clean, refurbished, well equipped, 5 star for cost.

Clean, refurbished, well equipped, 5 star for cost. Only suggestion is if water pressure can be increased and understand in mountains, may not be possible and upgrade of window screens. We had a great time and thank you! Enjoyed our entire experience from working with Country Club Properties Vacation Rentals and Lori Blantin to the property itself.
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2022
Thanks for the review!
Verified

8/10 Good

dave k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Neat, clean inside; nice layout, great Master BR.Upper deck nasty; green mold on wrought iron table, same with grill cover. didn't even want to touch it. Lower deck looked like cleaning crew didn't know it existed.
Stayed 22 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug 2025
Thank you for your honest feedback. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the home’s layout and master bedroom, but we sincerely apologize for the condition of the outdoor spaces. Your comments about the decks and furniture are very helpful, and we’ll be sure to address these issues promptly with our cleaning team to ensure they don’t happen again. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention and hope we’ll have the chance to welcome you back for a much-improved experience.

About the host

Hosted by Rent In Highlands

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