Plateau’s Biggest Secret

Written By: Wiley Sloan | Issue: 2018/10 - October

Highland Gap homeowner Jeff Butler succinctly outlines why he and his neighbors love their neighborhood. 

What Makes It So Special

·  Southern exposure to the sun for natural heat and light in the winter;

·   Long-range mountain views with dramatic vistas and sunsets;

· A natural forest legacy of mature trees, flowering shrubs, and native ground cover;

·  Waterfall views;

· Cold, clear spring-fed streams on granite creek beds;

· Considerate, thoughtful neighbors who treasure natural beauty;

· Convenient access to three towns: Highlands, Clayton and Franklin;

· Common sense deed restrictions;

· A 30-minute shorter drive to Atlanta and Florida for part time residents

· Perfect privacy.

Highland Gap is a deed-restricted residential community established in 1988. Located on the western edge of the Highlands Plateau just before the 1,500-foot descent to Dillard Valley, Highland Gap offers breathtaking long-range mountain vistas and dramatic sunsets over Dillard Valley and  the Nantahala Mountain Range.   

The community is spread across 1,200 acres of unspoiled former Nantahala Forest land, which  contains two major headwater tributaries of the Little Tennessee River.   Middle Creek, Shoal Creek, and many spring-fed streams feed multiple waterfalls and countless fast flowing, rock lined, cold clear streams running throughout the community.          

The land encompassing Highland Gap was acquired by the US Forest Service in the 1920’s and was preserved in its natural state until the founding of the Highland Gap Community in the 1980s. This  area of the Southern Appalachian Mountains is recognized for the biodiversity of its native plant and animal existence. 

From early spring to late fall, the roadsides are covered in a beautiful mixture of wild flowers and plants including Native Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, Flame Azalea, Dogwood, Serviceberry, and Wild Magnolia. The mature hardwood tree canopy provides cool shaded roadways and home sites in the summer and vibrant fall colors from Red Oak, Sugar Maple, Hickory, Tulip Poplar, and American Beech trees.                                                                                               

With only 105 property owners in this  community, each owner holds an average of 11.5 acres (the minimum size allowed is three acres, with many including 15 or more acres).  Many owners acquired property for investments and future use, leaving only 55 homes in Highlands Gap. Although residents think of the community as a neighborhood, most homes have more than ample parcel size, vegetation, tree cover, and changes in elevation to provide complete privacy from the nearest neighbor.                                          

Highland Gap is a friendly community where residents care for and about each other. Homeowners get together regularly for parties, meetings, and holiday celebrations. There are approximately ten homes currently on the market, fitting nearly every budget, ranging from the $300,000-range to $2 million.

Wouldn’t you and your family like to join Jeff and his neighbors in this most

unique community?                                                 

For more information about the homes available at Highland Gap, contact  Sotheby’s International Realty Brokers Nancy Plate at (828) 226-0199,  or Bert Mobley at (828) 200-0046 for more information.