Big 180-degree Mtn View. Secluded, yet walk to Mainstreet
![Property grounds](https://vr-thumbs.vacationrenter.com/480/vrbo/33481981/2a6e71.jpg)
![4 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, WiFi, bed sheets](https://vr-thumbs.vacationrenter.com/480/vrbo/33481981/55e754.jpg)
![TV, fireplace, DVD player, books](https://vr-thumbs.vacationrenter.com/480/vrbo/33481981/950596.jpg)
![Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop](https://vr-thumbs.vacationrenter.com/480/vrbo/33481981/3b4adc.jpg)
![Combined shower/tub, hair dryer, towels, soap](https://vr-thumbs.vacationrenter.com/480/vrbo/33481981/5984f5.jpg)
About this house rental
Starting Jan 1, 2022, the town of Highlands has declared the operations of STR (short term rental. 90 days or less) to be illegal in R1 (residential) zones. Which is where all the rentals are located. So all the VRBO listings for places inside the town, including ours, will not be available to rent (or be illegal). The rental owners are fighting this, and lawyers are being hired. But at that moment, that is the news. And PLEASE feel free to call the mayor ( 828 526 9380 ), and share your feelings. A 4 Bedroom/ 4 bath house, completely renovated and expanded, with all new furniture. Situated on the prestigious Big Bearpen Mountain for view and cool summer breezes. Yet only a simple one-and-a-half mile walk to downtown Highlands. Family room includes a wood-burning fireplace, two swivel-recliner-rockers that can reverse to enjoy the view, or participate in conversations. With a 52' TV with Roku and Blu-Ray DVD, surround sound system. All new hardwood floors and wood ceilings are throughout the first floor, for the warm mountain feeling. Dining room seats 8 (with provided leaf) and can open onto the rear covered porch for the spacious feeling. Kitchen includes new granite counters and ALL new appliances. Rear covered deck includes a sitting area with new comfy chairs/couch, and has a dining table for 6.An adjoining open rear deck includes a hammock and recliners for working on your tan. Front porch is covered, where you can relax in the rocking chairs while overlooking the garden, and fire-pit. Dogs welcome. And we have a fenced in area at the side of the house accessible from the back deck and front should you not want to let them roam free. (low to no traffic in our area, so roaming is safe) Master Bedroom 1, first floor – Has a Cathedral ceiling, floor to ceiling windows, massive King bed. There is a sitting area in front of gas log stove, 46” TV and spacious bathroom with custom tile shower, and large walk-in closet. 2nd bedroom downstairs – has a Queen Bed with bathroom tub/shower. Master Bedroom2 - 2nd floor - King Bed, with picture windows overlooking view, large bathroom, with a shower and a Garden Tub (room for two, & candles and wine), picture window to view and watch the sunset as well as a large walk-in closet. Kid’s room - 2nd floor – Bunk Beds, full bed, and a bathroom with tub/shower.
Amenities
Pool
Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Highlands, NC
House in Highlands, NC
Reasons to book
People love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Great for pets
$$$$
Reviews
5.0/5.0
Outstanding(144 Reviews)
5.0
A Cozy New Year
We had an AMAZING stay at Ray’s Roost ringing in 2021. We loved everything about the property- stunning views, cozy fireplace, comfortable sitting area, and beautiful porches. The entire house is well stocked (and labeled!) with everything you could need for your trip- from games and puzzles to champagne glasses for a New Year’s toast. Communication with Jim was fast & easy. We loved being close to town and enjoyed nearby hikes and walking around adorable Highlands. We will definitely be back :)
5.0
Wonderful and relaxing stay!
Unbelievable views!
5.0
Holiday Getaway
We had amazing time exploring the Highlands! The house was clean organized and honestly just perfect! We enjoyed every minute of our stay!
5.0
Perfect and Relaxing Thanksgiving Weekend
Everything about Ray's Roost, from start to finish, was perfect for our relaxing holiday week. The cabin itself is stocked and planned to accommodate our every need: comfortable beds, a well-stocked kitchen to feed our whole family, games, books, tv's, beautiful spaces inside and out, and a view that is mesmerizing regardless of the season. We enjoyed the fire pit and family time together, we ate and napped and visited on the back deck and front porch, and for the second year in a row, we left Ray's Roost feeling like it was our home as well. Every care has been taken to make sure their guests are happy and relaxed, and we can't wait to go back.
5.0
Beautiful Home With Gorgeous Views!
Ray’s Roost is a beautiful mountain home with fabulous views! We were more than pleased with our stay here. It suited our family perfectly as we were in Highlands for my son’s small wedding at the Old Edwards Inn. The home was very clean and the bedrooms were spaced far apart for plenty of privacy. The beds were super comfortable and even had electric blankets on them! We enjoyed the fire pit out front as well as the fireplace inside. The back deck has nice comfortable furniture, a hammock, a nice gas grill, and the most gorgeous views of the mountains, sunsets, and stars! The kitchen is well equipped with granite countertops, a nice gas cooktop stove, toaster oven, coffee maker, etc and never ending views! The front porch has a nice porch swing and rocking chairs. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home. We thoroughly enjoyed it as our home away from home for 3 nights! And we do hope to return for another visit sometime! Highly recommended!!!
5.0
Great mountain house
Rays Roost is a lovely mountain house! The views are for miles. The pictures online don’t do it justice. Super comfy beds and they’ve thought of everything! The drive up the dirt road is creepy the first time but gets much easier. Get there before dark!
5.0
Perfect setting!
We needed a break and some time together. This was the perfect spot! We enjoyed every amenity. The nearby hike was exhilarating. It was great for adults and the 2 year old granddaughter.
5.0
Rays roost is wonderful home with spectacular views. It’s location is perfect to downtown
Wonderful and very relaxing
5.0
Ray’s Roost gets an A++ for comfort, location, and especially the view! Six of us from ages 82 to 24 thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Ray’s Roost. The home is well appointed inside with a huge deck and comfortable furniture outside. Do not hesitate to rent this property - it’s fabulous!
5.0
Spectacular view!
Ray’s Roost gets an A++ for comfort, location, and especially the view! Six of us from ages 82 to 24 thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Ray’s Roost. The home is well appointed inside with a huge deck and comfortable furniture outside. Do not hesitate to rent this property - it’s fabulous!
5.0
Ray's Roost is a spacious home with beautiful views. The home is cozy and welcoming.
5.0
Intergenerational Long Weekend
Ray's Roost is a spacious home with beautiful views. The home is cozy and welcoming.
5.0
Just perfect!
What a wonderful home! The porch is amazing - very comfy furniture and a gorgeous view. Lots of birds to keep you entertained. :) We used the fire pit out front, cooked all of our meals in a well-appointed kitchen, had wonderful sleep in comfy beds, etc. Very clean and not a single issue. We would like to thank the owners for sharing their home - we had a great time!
5.0
Perfect
This is my second stay at Ray’s Roost, and it AGAIN exceeded expectations. Perfect location, heavenly view, and it’s so well-appointed. I can’t wait to return. This morning it felt like the first day of Fall. A welcome change from the oppressive Atlanta heat and humidity. Thank you for a delightful place to recharge and relax!
5.0
Beautiful, Comfortable, Peaceful
This is our 3rd stay at Ray's Roost. It always feels like we're coming "home". We love the location, the house, the landscaping and the awesome covered deck with gorgeous sunsets and long range mountain views! Jim, the owner, is so easy to work with and always very responsive.
5.0
A great cabin
We have stayed in many cabins in the Smokies and this is our favorite. The cabin, view from the back porch, fire pit, and proximity to Highlands are tough to beat.
5.0
Ray's Roost Is Delightful
Escaped the Georgia heat for the blessed coolness of Highlands. This was our second visit to Ray's Roost and it felt like "home". This is not some sterile rental, it's a family home. It's extremely comfortable, the kitchen is well equipped, with lots of spices for cooking, and beautiful landscaping. The covered deck is wonderful for watching afternoon rain showers, the river of mist afterwards, and the spectacular evening sunsets. We had a peaceful, relaxing time. Trails are nearby (without driving) for our daily walks. Though our cell phone doesn't get a signal for calls, text works just fine. Jim was very responsive to a weird landline snafu when hubby's family's surprise birthday calls to him somehow got forwarded to Jim. He maintained great good humor and quickly resolved the problem.
5.0
Always the besy
This was our 6th visit and we love it each time. The best location in Highlands
5.0
Highlands Vacation
Great house with amazing views and a beautiful yard with fire pit! Close to town, with easy access to downtown Highlands. The owner was a pleasure to deal with. We would not hesitate to stay here again!
5.0
Much needed break during Covid 19
This is our second stay. The first time was grandparents, children and grandchildren and it was perfect. This time we had three older adults who needed to see something different from the isolation in our homes. It was perfect! We cooked all of our meals, drank wine, took naps and enjoyed the lovely view. We will be back.
5.0
Perfect mountain retreat
This beautiful home manages to be close to town and also feel remote. The views are incredible, and the surrounding landscape is lush and so well-maintained. The owner couldn’t have been more helpful and quick to respond with questions. The house is well-stocked, comfortable, cozy and in the perfect spot. I took my dog who loved exploring the surrounding areas, and even more so, he loved sitting on the back porch scouting the woods for critters. We had a lovely visit from a hummingbird during our evening cocktails on the porch one evening, and that very same porch was the best nap spot after a long day of hiking and wandering around town. I loved my stay so much that I booked another one later this summer before I left!
5.0
Mountain View’s
Great views and location
5.0
Great
This Home was just like the listing and we enjoyed it very much. Great for big families. So close to town yet up in the woods.
5.0
A perfect spot in every way
We could not have asked for a better house or overall rental experience. From the start, Jim was responsive and totally inviting. All of the information we needed was available and accurate. And once we walked in the house - wow! The pictures don't actually do it justice. The view is STUNNING, and the house has a wonderful cabin vibe that is cozy and comfortable. You're minutes from downtown Highlands, but also far and away enough to feel like you've really escaped into the mountains. Plus, we were able to bring our two dogs and felt TOTALLY welcomed to do so. The fenced in yard was a huge help, and they loved the local hikes too. We felt so lucky to have chosen this perfect spot. You will too.
5.0
Wonderful home!
Great home for two families and dogs!
5.0
Excellent
We had a perfect experience and hope to stay again.
5.0
Lovely place for a fall weekend
Ray’s Roost was the perfect place to spend a long fall weekend. The views are amazing, and it is very close to town. We ordered a load of firewood from the person the owner recommended, and enjoyed many fires. We will definitely be back!
5.0
Peaceful Vacation
Ray’s Roost surpassed our expectations! The home was very comfortable, and the view was breathtaking. It was the perfect time for the leaves changing colors. We enjoyed hiking on the trails, and our afternoon gatherings on the back deck with the wonderful view! The home is very close to town for shopping and dining. The Owners were very kind. We look forward to returning next year!
5.0
Great stay
Beautiful property. Quiet area. Enjoyed and would stay here again
5.0
Best stay in The Highlands, North Carolina
Amazing, perfect, beautiful views, awesome place to have a family vacation? Ray’s Roost in The Highlands, North Carolina!!!!!
10.0
Our family fell in love with Ray's Roost. Over the last few years, we've rented at least 4 or 5 different places in Highlands, and this is our favorite. I've never seen a vacation rental so well-appointed! I brought my crock pot and my favorite skillet and discovered I could have saved myself the trouble. The kitchen is completely stocked with all the cookware, dishes, serving and prepping tools you'll ever need. We enjoyed cooking and eating our meals on the deck porch. Oh, and the fire pit is great! We had a wonderful time sitting around the fire, making s'mores and drinking wine. The beds are comfortable. I'm a sheet snob (yes, it does exist) and I was very pleased about the sheets. If you're a Costco fan (as I am), you're gonna love this house.
Even through Matthew was hitting the Coast, and we lost power for a short while one day, (very windy) and it rained one whole day, we all had a wonderful time. The view is extraordinary, the entire house comfortable, and our hosts could not have been more accommodating. We will absolutely be back. Thanks for having us!!
8.0
Property was gorgeous, comfortable, inspiring. Only wish we had been able to stay at the property more than we did. Highly recommend this property.
10.0
The whole family loves our time in Highlands and "Ray's Roost" makes our stay even better. Bring the extended family and Grand children, you will be making life long memories for all. The place for the perfect family vacation.
10.0
Wonderful two weeks in Highlands at a beautiful and comfortable home. All the comforts of home with a great view and very convenient to downtown and all attractions. We ate all our meals on the covered back deck and enjoyed the beautiful sunsets. Very helpful hosts.
10.0
Four of us (2 couples) stayed here for a week in August. As others have said, it exceeded expectations. We appreciated how well stocked it was, and loved the decks with the amazing view and cool breezes. We also appreciated the history of the place, and the big book which details the history of Highlands.
Another big plus is plenty of options for walking from the house (to town, on the Greenway, or the loop around Big Bear Pen Mountain). We saw a bear (only one day), as well as a doe and fawn.
In Highlands and surrounding area, we enjoyed many of the restaurants (made reservations in advance for most of them) and also several hiking paths (Dry Falls, Glen Falls, Whiteside Mountain, Sunset Rock). We enjoyed the unique Museum of American Cut and Engraved Glass.
10.0
We had a wonderful week. The property was more than we'd hoped. Our goals were a great view, great location and reasonable accommodations. We were giddy when we walked in an saw the view and how lovely the home was. It had all of the amenities you hope for, even though you don't use half of them, including the fire pit, great blankets for beautifully cool evenings and mornings, multiple televisions, comfortable beds and pillows, good shower etc. The location just up the mountain from downtown is excellent. The back porch faces west, so you're treated with a great sunset most every day. The beds and furniture both inside and outside were comfortable and attractive. We were with friends and have taken to calling it "our" mountain getaway and "our" view. No question we will be back.
10.0
Wonderful property. It is well stocked and so comfortable. Our second trip and will not be our last.
10.0
We were a family of 8 staying at this wonderful home to attend a family wedding. It is just a quick drive to town but when you are there you feel miles away from everything. We especially loved sitting on the deck looking out at the magnificent view. The bedrooms were comfortable and the kitchen was perfect for cooking and serving. I liked the small fenced in area that my 3 year old could play around in. We went on a beautiful hike that started jus a little way down the road. We want to come and stay again.
10.0
We had a wonderful week at Ray's Roost. It was clean and very comfortable. The porch and view were perfect. A wonderful family vacation!
4.0
Very clean, spacious and well maintained home. Owner extremely flexible and easy to work with. Eight adults stayed comfortably for a three night wedding celebration weekend.
Walking to town was not an option for us due to the rain. However, in any weather the walk to main street would be a challenge for kids and elderly. It is an uphill climb back, thus the great views! Easy driving to all activities and venues in the Highlands/Cashiers area. I would rent again.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Highlands?
The average price for a rental in Highlands is $350 per night. This rental is $24 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Big 180-degree Mtn View. Secluded, yet walk to Mainstreet. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at Big 180-degree Mtn View. Secluded, yet walk to Mainstreet. Enjoy the water!
Is Big 180-degree Mtn View. Secluded, yet walk to Mainstreet pet friendly?
Yes! This house is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Big 180-degree Mtn View. Secluded, yet walk to Mainstreet?
We found 13 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen / kitchenette, and internet / wifi.
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