Entire home

Wooded Retreat Near Downtown Highlands | Fireplace | Starlink | Dog Friendly

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A modern kitchen with white cabinetry, a central island with stools, a refrigerator, and a hanging light fixture.
A modern kitchen with white cabinetry, a central island with stools, a dining table with chairs, and framed artwork on the wall.
A spacious living room with a wooden coffee table, two patterned armchairs, a staircase, and a bookshelf.
A spacious loft with a high ceiling, a kitchen with white cabinets, a dining area with a table and chairs, and a living room with a sofa and coffee table.
A white kitchen with a tall cabinet containing dishes and a framed picture on the wall.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms3 bathrooms232 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View in a map
Highlands, NC
  • Place, Bridal Veil Falls
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Dry Falls
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Highlands Country Club
    ‪6 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Wooded Retreat Near Downtown Highlands | Fireplace | Starlink | Dog Friendly

Escape to the mountains at Rural Felicity, a beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 3-bath cottage tucked among towering rhododendrons in one of Highlands' most charming and walkable neighborhoods. Just minutes from Main Street, this peaceful woodland retreat combines timeless mountain charm with modern comforts, making it the perfect home base for couples, families, and friends exploring the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.

Whether you're sipping coffee on the deck as birds sing through the trees, gathering around the fireplace after a day of hiking waterfalls, or watching the kids disappear into the cozy bunk room, Rural Felicity was designed for making mountain memories.

🐾 Dog-Friendly: Well-behaved dogs are welcome with prior approval and a nominal pet fee.

Why Guests Love Rural Felicity

✔ Less than 5 minutes to Downtown Highlands

✔ Walk to Lake Sequoia

✔ Walk to On The Verandah Restaurant

✔ Private wooded setting

✔ Gas fireplace

✔ Starlink high-speed internet & Wi-Fi calling

✔ Three full bathrooms

✔ Kids' bunk room

✔ Two separate living spaces

✔ Fully renovated

✔ Easy, flat access (No steep mountain roads!)

✔ No 4WD required

✔ Dog friendly with approval

The Space

Completely renovated while preserving its classic mountain cottage character, Rural Felicity feels warm, inviting, and effortlessly comfortable.

Natural wood walls, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and shiplap create an authentic Highlands cabin atmosphere, while thoughtful updates provide everything today's travelers expect.

Large windows bring the outdoors inside, filling the home with natural light and peaceful forest views.

Designed for Families & Friends

With three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and multiple gathering spaces, everyone has room to spread out.

Main Level

• Spacious living room with comfortable seating

• Cozy gas fireplace

• Fully equipped kitchen

• Large island with seating for four

• Dining area seating 6–8

• King primary suite with ensuite bath

• Queen guest suite with private bath

Upstairs

Kids (and kids at heart) love the charming bunk room tucked beneath the vaulted ceilings.

Perfect for:

• Family vacations

• Grandparents traveling together

• Cousins' weekends

• Multi-generational getaways

Outdoor Living

One of the best parts of staying here is simply slowing down.

Enjoy:

• Morning coffee surrounded by rhododendrons

• Quiet afternoons reading on the porch

• Evening cocktails beneath the trees

• Crisp mountain mornings in Adirondack chairs

Despite being only minutes from downtown, the property feels wonderfully secluded and peaceful.

Fast Starlink Internet

Need to work remotely—or simply stream your favorite movie?

Rural Felicity features:

✔ Starlink high-speed internet

✔ Reliable Wi-Fi calling

✔ Smart TVs

Perfect for remote work, homeschooling, or longer mountain stays.

Prime Highlands Location

Located in the highly desirable Webbmont neighborhood, guests love being able to enjoy quiet walks through one of Highlands' prettiest residential areas.

Nearby:

• Main Street Highlands (less than 5 minutes)

• Lake Sequoia (walking distance)

• On The Verandah Restaurant (walking distance)

• Dry Falls

• Bridal Veil Falls

• Whiteside Mountain

• Sunset Rock

• Highlands Biological Gardens

• Boutique shopping

• Award-winning restaurants

• Art galleries

• Scenic drives

• Fly fishing

• Golf

• Hiking trails

• Seasonal festivals

Sleeping Arrangements

Primary Suite

• King bed

• Ensuite bathroom

• Smart TV

Guest Suite

• Queen bed

• Private bathroom

• Smart TV

Bunk Room

• Sleeps up to 4

• Private full bathroom

• Favorite room for kids

Maximum occupancy follows local regulations.

Included Amenities

• Starlink Wi-Fi

• Wi-Fi calling

• Gas fireplace

• Smart TVs

• Fully stocked kitchen

• Coffee maker

• Dishwasher

• Washer & dryer

• Multiple outdoor seating areas

• Adirondack chairs

• Central heating & air conditioning

• Parking for up to four vehicles

• Easy year-round access

• Dog friendly with prior approval

Good to Know
Well-behaved dogs are welcome with prior approval and a nominal pet fee. Sorry, no cats or other animals.
Flat driveway with easy parking for up to four vehicles.
No steep roads and no four-wheel drive required.
Fast Starlink internet makes the home ideal for remote work and streaming.
Pricing includes all standard fees—no hidden surprises at checkout.
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance, as we cannot be responsible for weather-related travel interruptions or personal emergencies.
During your stay at this cottage, you're just a quick walk from Nantahala National Forest. Enjoy features like an indoor pool and laundry facilities. Enjoy your stay with amenities like free WiFi and a kitchen in the cottage.
  • Air-conditioned cottage with kitchen, washing machine, and 3 bathrooms
  • Free WiFi
  • Take a swim in the indoor pool
  • Amenities include laundry facilities
  • Onsite recreation includes tennis courts
  • Steps from Nantahala National Forest and a 3-minute drive from Bridal Veil Falls
This cottage offers its guests an indoor pool, barbecue grills, and laundry facilities. The front desk is open around the clock.

This Highlands cottage is smoke free.


Property amenities

Ski

  • Close to skiing

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool
  • Heated pool
  • Indoor pool

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the mountains
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Heated pool
  • Tennis
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 2,500 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

Guests are required to sign rental agreement.
A $250 refundable damage deposit and a $30 damage insurance fee will be held in case of damage.

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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 fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

Property is also known as

orp5b68cadx

Wooded Retreat Near Downtown Highlands | Fireplace | Starlink | Dog Friendly Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 21 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Samantha K.

A perfect stay in the mountains!!

Rural Felicity was a beautiful home for our family trip. The house is decorated gorgeous and has everything you’d ever need. We typically stay at Elevate properties and like all the other properties this one didn’t disappoint. Just a short drive to Main Street, this house was convenient, yet totally private. I can’t stress how comfortable we were in this house. The kids loved the upstairs bedroom and it was nice that we each had our own bathroom. We can’t wait for our next visit!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Tripps M.

Way better than advertised!

The pictures are great, and the actual house is much better. Very good location and updated appliances, shiplap everywhere, nice furniture, and a huge TV for watching sports. 10 out of 10!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

James (.

Fabulous home; fabulous owners; perfect experience

We have been staying with these owners for the past 10 years. They are the absolute best. their properties are impeccable, clean, comfortable and make you feel like you are in someone's home, not a rental. You can't go wrong and I highly recommend this house, or any others owned by Elevate.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Jim P.

Excellent Stay!

House was beautiful and as advertised! Easy access to Highlands downtown and other activities!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Andrea T.

Perfect mountain getaway with space!

Rural Felicity is the perfect mountain getaway. Its secluded surroundings offer serine atmosphere with a short drive to downtown shopping, food, and hiking. There is a 5-10 minute drive to numerous scenic hikes featuring waterfalls and panoramic views with sunrise and sunset! The house has lots of room for multiple people to stay comfortably and is also one of the cleanest spaces I've rented with updated amenities and spectacular decor! We had a wonderful stay!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Greg G.

Absolute luxury and well equipped!

We just had the most wonderful stay at Rural Felicity! Everything we needed was available. The house is nestled in a quiet area near mirror lake perfect for a morning coffee and stroll. Just minutes from town for shopping and a lovely meal. I highly recommend a week here to reset and unwind.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Jeanne C.

Love this cottage!

A well appointed cottage, nestled in the woods provided a perfect stay in Highlands. The kitchen was stocked with everything we needed and the large TV in the living area was great for watching the Masters! We will definitely be returning to this rental.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

James W.

Best rentals in all of NC!

We have been renting from these fine folks for 8 years - their homes are beautiful and always perfect. I cannot say enough good things about these renters, and their properties.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey W.

Amazing getaway

This wonderfully appointed mountain home offered everything we wanted. The house is private and quiet in a beautiful wooded setting but close enough to Highlands that we could enjoy the local restaurants and shopping. Large windows bring in plenty of natural light despite the wooded setting so the indoors feels open and welcoming. We will definitely come back to Rural Felicity on our next trip to Highlands.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Wes M.

Fantastic Stay

My wife and I have rented many places over the years, from the mountains to the beaches, and this is definitely at the top of our list. The renovation design is perfection. The home is immaculately decorated and well stocked with everything you need. The location is very convenient to town, yet feels so secluded and private tucked away in the woods. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there, and highly recommend it.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

J D.

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

Fantastic Stay in Highlands

This was our family's first trip to North Carolina and we absolutely loved our stay in Highlands at this property. We have stayed in many VRBO properties and this was easily one of the best properties, if not the best. The house is secluded but still close to town. It is beautifully decorated, maintained, and well stocked with all you need for your stay. The patio is lovely with the privacy, the grill, and the chairs for morning coffee. Our hosts were perfectly communicative. Highly recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Pualani G.

Priceless

Love dwelling like being at my childhood summer home.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Tami M.

Perfect, peaceful getaway in a lovely, comfortable mountain home!

Perfect place for a mountain getaway! Kristy offers a wonderful home with extra comforts! Tremendously clean also! We thoroughly enjoyed the fireplace and great appliances! Top notch and highly recommend this rental to others! Thank you Kristy for all your help and for making great family memories!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

San a.

Perfect place to stay in Highlands.

A "must stay at" charming cottage with a quiet country-feel but only minutes to downtown Highlands. It has all of the comforts and amenities of home set in an area where people are walking, watching the horses at play or admiring the small food gardens planted nearby. Kristy was a quick phone response to the smallest of questions. We definitely plan to return here in the near future.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth P.

Sensational Family Escape

Absolutely magical weekend in Highlands! The cabin was impeccable, stylish, and perfectly tucked into the trees. Mornings on the porch with coffee, afternoons hiking nearby waterfalls, and evenings grilling out under a sky full of stars—it was pure bliss. Every detail was thoughtfully curated for comfort and charm. When I say every detail is thought of you for you, it truly is. Can’t wait to come back for another dreamy escape!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Tammy F.

The perfect cottage

This cottage was perfection for our mother daughter trip to Highlands. Kitchen is organised and so functional. The only thing you need is to purchase food items to stock the pantry and fridge. Master bedroom mattress was so comfortable and room was cozy. Entire cottage was very well decorated and clean. We so enjoyed staying in this cottage. We will definitely be back to stay.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Marta R.

Luxury Sanctuary in the Trees

We absolutely loved Rural Felicity. We've been clients of Kristy's for over 7 years and historically have stayed at High Hemlock which was perfect due to the proximity to town and the big yard for our dogs. We wanted something a little bigger and Rural Felicity fit the bill. It is so quiet and tranquil and still close to town. Lots of walking on the rural roads with few cars and our two pups loved visiting the horses nearby. As usual, Kristy has thought of everything from cloth napkins to flashlights and little luxuries everywhere. We have already booked for next year.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Paul D.

Wish the world away to come again another day...

This was my third time staying at an Elevate property, and it will not be the last. Each home is exquisite, having its own unique niche, while capturing the primary goal... getting off the grid. Rural Felicity acted as that recharge from the hustle and bustle of the big city my family needed. The cottage is beautiful- the pictures and descriptions on the website, while accurate, do not do it justice. As peaceful a location as one can imagine. The decor is a perfect mixture of "artsy charm" with stunning finishings and just the right pops of color and eclectic touches. The guest bedroom/bathroom rivals the master in terms of comfortability, and the upstairs loft was perfect for our middle schoolers. With four beds up there, this house could easily work for two families. I did need to tend to a bit of work daily, and Rural Felicity offered plenty of space to find my own private nook or be on the periphery of the family watching a movie, cooking in the gorgeous kitchen, or doing puzzles in the dining room. Finally, the property was spotless. Our daughter has pet allergies, yet we trusted the cleanliness having stayed at Elevate properties without her in the past. Dander was a non-issue, and I don't recall seeing any pet hair throughout the property. My family would highly recommend staying at Rural Felicity for your mountain getaway. The host left no stone unturned in regards to "gots-to-dos" in the area, and we took full advantage during our 4-day stay. Hated to come back to reality~
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mary Kay D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Stayed 20 nights in Aug 2025