A 100-Year-Old Mill. A River That Wraps the House. A Water Wheel Still Turning | The Millhouse

Highlands, North Carolina
$1018 avg/night Minimum Stay 2 Nights
Bed 5

Bed

Bath 4

Bath

Home Cabin

Property Type

Sleep 12

Max Sleeps

Night 2 nights

Min Stay

This Rent In Highlands vacation rental home is pet friendly for one small dog, under 50 pounds. Pets must be pre-approved. An additional non-refundable pet fee is required and is not included in the rental fee. Please call our office for approval and to pay the pet  fee. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in a $1000.00 fine.

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

What is The 100 Collection

The 100 Collection™ imprint on a property indicates it is part of a collaborative effort to set the gold standard for vacation rentals. The professionals caring for these properties must meet the highest hospitality standards. Additionally, properties in this collection must pass specific quality, safety, and cleanliness inspections. Only locally owned and/or operated vacation rental brands are invited to be considered for this stamp of approval, which is issued by a trusted peer-to-peer collective of leading industry owners and managers.

There is no other property like this one.

A century-old mill, completely renovated, sitting where the Cullasaja River curves around it like it was always meant to hold the house in place. Mirror Lake spills over the spillway just beyond the deck. Native rhododendron and mountain laurel press in close on every side. Two canoes wait at the water's edge. A goldfish pond catches the light near the lower porch. And a water wheel — an actual, working water wheel — turns slowly in the current while the river runs underneath the house and the sound of moving water follows you from room to room, level to level, porch to porch.

This is not a vacation rental with water views. This is a home built into the water itself, surrounded by over a century of history and more natural beauty than most people encounter in a lifetime of travel.

History You Can Actually Feel  - The mill has been here since before anyone on your trip was born, and the renovation that brought it into the present was done with the kind of care that preserves what makes old things irreplaceable. The bones are original. The kitchen is modern. The family room and den are generous and comfortable. The primary bedroom on the main level offers its own fireplace and a sitting area with views of the river and the rhododendron beyond — the kind of room you describe to people afterward and watch their expressions change as they realize what you're actually talking about.

Three screened porches across three levels. A large open deck beside the river. A covered upper porch wrapping two sides of the house over the water. A private deck off the main bedroom. A balcony for two upstairs. This house has more ways to be outside — and more reasons to be — than almost any property in the Highlands area.

Room for Everyone, Porches for All of Them Four bedrooms on the upper level — three private rooms with river and nature views, plus a bunk room with four bunk beds for younger travelers who will spend the trip convinced they have the best beds in the house — give large families and groups the space to spread out without anyone losing the sound of the river. The main level primary suite with its fireplace and private deck handles the adults who need something quieter. The lower level adds additional private spaces for reading, relaxing, and sitting beside a goldfish pond that overlooks Mirror Lake as if that's simply a normal thing to have outside your window.

It is not a normal thing. Nothing about this property is normal. That's entirely the point.

The Outdoor Life Here is Unmatched. Start at the open deck just off the dining room — river beside you, outdoor dining set ready, the spillway audible from your chair. Move to the screened main-level porch when the sun shifts, where plush furniture and a direct connection to the den make it the natural afternoon landing spot. Let the evening find its way to the fire pit at the front of the house, where the river sounds carry across the yard and the stars over the Highlands mountains earn their reputation.

Two canoes. A river full of current. Mirror Lake full of fish. A water wheel marking time. The Cullasaja wrapping the house on its way downstream. The rhododendron blooming in season around every corner.

You could go hiking. You could drive to town for dinner. You could do all the things people come to Highlands to do. Or you could simply stay here, where the river is the activity and the water wheel is the entertainment and the sound of rushing water makes every other plan feel slightly less urgent than it did when you arrived.

Downtown Highlands is minutes away when you need it. The river isn't going anywhere.

What our guests are saying…

Great home, minutes from downtown Highlands, but very private with the sound of the spillway and the river flowing around the property. Enjoyed the firepit overlooking the spillway of Mirror Lake and had fun fishing. Very comfortable for adults, teens, and children. - Rent In Highlands Vacation Rental Guest, Carl

Rent In Highlands Vacation Rental Cancellation Policy

Policy (A)  for reservations less than 20 days:
A reservation canceled between 0-45 days prior to arrival is not eligible to receive a refund. If more than 45 days notice is given, the renter shall receive a refund of all payments made, less a cancellation fee of 10% of the Total Cost of the Reservation.

Policy (B) for reservations of 20 days or more and reservations made 6 months in advance:
NO refund is given unless the property is re-rented under the same terms (Trip insurance is available and recommended to help protect your trip).

Special Amenities:

Firepit
1 Wood Burning Fireplace
2 Gas Fireplaces
1 Canoe
Screen Porch
Water View

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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  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Rates & Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • PETS

    Pet Friendly
  • DINING

    Dining Table
  • SAFETY

    Carbon Monoxide Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Carbon Monoxide Detector On The Property) Deadbolt Lock Fire Extinguisher First Aid Kit Smoke Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property)
  • BEDROOM

    5 Bedrooms Bed Sheets Provided
  • KITCHEN

    Coffee/tea Maker Dishwasher Ice Maker Kitchen Island Microwave Oven Refrigerator Stovetop Toaster
  • LAUNDRY

    Laundry Facilities Washing Machine And Dryer
  • PARKING

    Onsite Parking
  • INTERNET

    Free WiFi
  • OUTDOORS

    Balcony Barbecue Grill Firepit
  • POOL/SPA

    Shared/communal Pool
  • BATHROOMS

    4 Bathrooms Hair Dryer Towels Provided
  • LANGS SPOKEN

    English
  • THINGS TO DO

    Basketball Nearby Fishing Nearby Golf Nearby Golfing On Site Hiking Nearby Hiking/biking Trails Nearby Ice Skating Nearby Kayak On Site Kayaking Nearby Mountain Biking Nearby Swimming Nearby Tennis On Site
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    Books Games Smart TV
  • LIVING SPACES

    Fireplace Living Room
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Air Conditioning Heating
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

    In The Mountains On The Lake On The Waterfront
  • SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES

    Iron/ironing Board
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    Smoke-free Property

CheckIn Check-in : 04:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 10:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 12

Map Map

School District Rates & Availability

Review Review

  • Jonas G.

    Submitted Jan 7, 2026

    Stayed Dec 23, 2025

    Was a magical Christmas vacation. It exceeded all of our expectations

  • rachel m.

    Submitted Jan 6, 2026

    Stayed Dec 31, 2025

    This was the perfect mountain retreat. Wonderful location, beautiful site, and a cozy, relaxing stay!

  • Kim M.

    Submitted Dec 27, 2025

    Stayed Dec 19, 2025

    We loved the Mill House! Close to downtown. House was clean and beautifully decorated. Waterfall and water views were amazing! It was perfect for our family Christmas trip!

  • Clare A.

    Submitted Nov 29, 2025

    Stayed Nov 23, 2025

    Great home on a beautiful stream.

  • hank j.

    Submitted Nov 17, 2025

    Stayed Nov 14, 2025

    This is a great house and was perfect for 4 couples. It would also be great for families with kids. The lake and creek, as well as the other outdoor spaces, create a relaxing atmosphere.

  • Mark K.

    Submitted Nov 4, 2025

    Stayed Oct 30, 2025

    The Mill House did not disappoint! It’s one of the most unique, fun, and whimsical places we’ve ever stayed — truly one of a kind. The home was very comfortable and conveniently close to town. We’ll definitely look forward to staying here again in the future.

  • Steven G.

    Submitted Oct 27, 2025

    Stayed Oct 14, 2025

    Excellent stay with our family. The listing with the photos and details was extremely accurate. The home was stunning and appointed with such history in it's furnishings.Space with multiple levels in the home were also excellent.Seating provided inside and out was wonderful.Heat was used and worked fine.Bathrooms were very clean and start up toiletries were as first class touch.Outside deck and firepit used extensively! Beautiful settings all over the property. We fishing both the stream and mirror lake with our family. The fire pit and plenty of seating was used every night, excellent maintained fire pit unit. Quick and easy drive to downtown Highlands and 2 close by hiking trails. This was our favorite home and property in our 6 year travel to the mountains time.Steve Gabrielle ( The service provided by rental company, Rent in Highlands was outstanding. Jennifer was our main contact)

  • Brandon M.

    Submitted Sep 22, 2025

    Stayed Sep 17, 2025

    The house is amazing. Very convenient to town. The fire pit is great and multiple porches with views of the lake/stream are fantastic.

  • Partlow W.

    Submitted Sep 1, 2025

    Stayed Aug 28, 2025

    Perfect family getaway. The property easily housed our family of five, was convenient to Highlands and Cashiers, and is as advertised. Awesome.

  • Brooke H.

    Submitted Jun 9, 2025

    Stayed May 23, 2025

    We love everything that the Mill House has to offer! It was wonderful!

  • Brian R.

    Submitted May 19, 2025

    Stayed May 16, 2025

    Amazing property and location.

  • Donna B.

    Submitted Apr 13, 2025

    Stayed Apr 11, 2025

    This home is a unique and historic property that has been beautifully maintained. It is charming and has several outdoor areas to enjoy the waterfall and running water. Many sleeping areas for a large group and 2 living areas. The house is 3 levels, with narrow stairwells which could be an issue for the elderly or toddlers. It is a short drive to town and the beautiful Dry Falls are just a few miles away as well. We would highly recommend this property if visiting the Highlands!

  • Robin W.

    Submitted Feb 16, 2025

    Stayed Feb 13, 2025

    Amazing weekend, beautiful house.

  • Patty D.

    Submitted Jul 22, 2024

    Stayed Jul 13, 2024

    Was looking for accomodations that had the feel of High Hampton Inn. I found it!

  • john t.

    Submitted Jul 8, 2024

    Stayed Jun 28, 2024

    Fabulous family getaway!

  • Jennifer T.

    Submitted Jun 8, 2024

    Stayed May 31, 2024

    This is an extraordinary property. We were awed by the beauty of the waterfall, river, lush greenery…. The home itself is a well upkept piece of history. And it is just out of town! We had a fabulous time with our family, just being together. Many thanks!

  • Stacey T.

    Submitted Jun 2, 2024

    Stayed May 25, 2024

    This place is absolutely wonderful! The house was perfect for our group of 10 and there was room for the two that were unable to come. The outdoor space is impossible to describe. Listening to the water, whether inside or out was so incredibly soothing. It was a great place to relax, read a book, take a nap or just sit in any number of little spots to enjoy nature. Its proximity to the charming town was perfect without the noise. We never even left for dinner preparing everything right there. We all agree that it has been our favorite spot for our annual family vacation. What a gem!

  • R Lyman O.

    Submitted May 29, 2024

    Stayed May 8, 2024

    It is great to be in the Highlands area with the beautiful scenery, wonderful restaurants,golf courses,and other places to visit.

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Total

Includes taxes and fees
$1,018+
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