Explore Exclusive Mountain Communities

Uncover distinguished neighborhoods with expert guidance for refined, affluent buyers.

Highlands, North Carolina

Highlands isn’t just a place to live — it’s a place to belong. With its unique blend of natural beauty, elevated lifestyle, and enduring charm, Highlands continues to attract discerning buyers who value privacy, quality, and a true sense of community.

A serene waterfall cascading over mossy rocks in a lush forest.

Outdoor café seating with red umbrellas and people enjoying a sunny day.

A serene waterfall cascading into a calm river surrounded by lush greenery.

Cozy house glowing warmly at dusk with illuminated windows and outdoor lights.

People gathered outdoors in chairs under an American flag.

Evening view of a warmly lit street with storefronts and glowing signs.

Cashiers, North Carolina

Cashiers, NC is an unincorporated village at the crossroads of Highway 64 and Highway 107. Many exclusive gated communities surround Cashiers that enhance tranquil living. At the heart of the village is the Village Green, which comes alive during the summer season with arts and crafts fairs, a locally grown farmers market on Wednesday afternoons, community programs, and free, family-friendly concerts most Friday nights. Boutique shops and restaurants, both fine and casual, make Cashiers a delightful place to live.

Outdoor sculptures in a green park setting under a blue sky.

A charming white house with red chimneys surrounded by green trees and grass.

A person fishing near a waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.

Cyclists racing on a tree-lined street during a bike race.

People enjoying a waterfall in a forested area.

A wooden castle-themed playground with slides in a green park.

Glenville, North Carolina

Lake Glenville, also known as Thorpe Reservoir, sits eight miles north of the Crossroads in Cashiers, NC. The lake and the surrounding area is known for its natural beauty as well as its role as one of the most popular “playgrounds” on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Lake Glenville is ringed by luxury homes, most of which have private docks. On sunny summer days, you will find families enjoying their time on the water with motorboats, jet skis, kayaks, and more.

Large lakeside house surrounded by dense greenery and docked boats.

Scenic lake view with trees and distant hills under a partly cloudy sky.

A serene waterfall cascading into a tranquil lake surrounded by lush greenery.

Sapphire Valley/Lake Toxaway, North Carolina

Sapphire, NC sits just east of Cashiers and stretches across southern Jackson County to Lake Toxaway in Transylvania County. The region is known for its abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. There are two nearby parks, Panthertown Valley and Gorges State Park, that offer access to hiking trails, waterfalls, equestrian trails, and more. Members of Sapphire Valley Master Association in Sapphire Valley will enjoy club-like amenities such as deeded lake access at Fairfield Lake, tennis and pickleball courts, a wintertime ski slope, several swimming pools, and more. Lake Toxaway has a country club with an 18-hole golf course and the Tom Fazio Learning Center, as well as the famous Greystone Inn and Restaurant.

Two Adirondack chairs face a scenic mountain and forest view on a sunny day.

A granite cliff towering above green trees under a clear blue sky.

Two men fishing from a canoe on a calm lake surrounded by trees.

Golf Communities

Before you choose a club, ask yourself: Are you here to entertain and connect, or to retreat and recharge? Do you want a lively social calendar, or quiet, private moments? Are you a golfer first, or is golf simply part of the backdrop? Will this be a legacy home for family, or a personal escape? Because the lifestyle comes first — the home follows.

Scenic golf course surrounded by lush greenery and hills under a blue sky.

Scenic golf course with a waterfall backdrop.

Several golfers walking on a lush, green golf course under a clear sky.

A serene golf course with water and lush greenery.

A beautiful home in the wrong community will never feel quite right. But the right community? It elevates everything. It’s where:

• Your children make lifelong memories

• Your friendships deepen naturally

• Your mornings and evenings feel exactly as they should

This is where experience matters. There are things a brochure can’t tell yu:

• The true social culture of a club

• How welcoming (or private) it really feels

• The subtle differences between neighborhoods within the same club

That’s where we guide you. We don’t just show properties — we help you find your place.

Explore Highlands & Cashiers Club Living

From the relaxed charm of Sapphire Valley to the prestige of Wade Hampton and the legacy of High Hampton, the Plateau offers an extraordinary range of club communities, each with its own personality, pace, and promise. At Pat Allen Realty Group, we offer insight that goes beyond the listing, helping you find not just the right home, but the right lifestyle.

We would be honored to guide you.

Lifestyle

The Highlands Cashiers lifestyle is one of refined relaxation combined with thrilling outdoor adventure. Those who prefer a more cultured lifestyle will enjoy fine dining at local restaurants, fascinating shops, and cultural events such as concerts, theater, and arts & crafts fairs. Outdoor enthusiasts will thrill to hiking, exploring waterfalls, boating, fly fishing, and - of course - golf.

A group of seniors playing croquet on a green lawn.

Indoor swimming pool with wooden beams and natural lighting.

Person relaxing in a bubble-filled bathtub with wet hair.

Large engraved rock marking The Bascom Center in a wooded area.

A white dog standing near a brick wall with flowers on a rainy street.

Dining

There are many diverse dining options across the Plateau. From small lunch spots where the locals show up daily, to family-friendly restaurants, to award-winning destinations for a night out to remember, you will find palate-pleasing options anywhere.

A waiter serving food to a young boy at a candlelit dinner table.

Grilled salmon served with sautéed greens and julienned vegetables.

A bowl of seafood stew with clams and grilled fish, garnished with herbs.

Plate with whole cooked fish, potatoes, and vegetables in creamy sauce.

Plated gourmet meal with steak, roasted vegetables, and sauce.

Seasonal Events

Most people are aware of the many summertime events on the Plateau - the outdoor concerts held most weekends in Highlands and Cashiers, the arts & crafts fairs, etc. But there are plenty of things to do during Fall, Winter, and Spring as well.