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The Kingfisher: Flat Mountain Farm

Photo gallery for The Kingfisher: Flat Mountain Farm

The Kingfisher - Exterior
National Geographic Luxury Traveller
Discovery+ "Bespoke Inns" : Flat Mountain Farm Episode 11
Private Dining Patio
Side Entrance by Private Dining

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10167.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Hot tub
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

Map
Highlands, NC
  • Bridal Veil Falls
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Highlands Country Club
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Dry Falls
    ‪10 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bunk Room

4 Single Beds

Master Suite 1

1 King Bed

Master Suite 2

1 King Bed

Upstairs Living Room

1 Double Sofa Bed

3 bathrooms

Master Suite 1 Bath

Toilet · Shower only

Master Suite 2 Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Upstairs Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Dining area

About this property

The Kingfisher: Flat Mountain Farm

AS SEEN ON The Magnolia Network's "Bespoke Inns," Southern Living Magazine, Country Living Magazine, National Geographic Luxury Collection, Plateau Magazine and more...The sun rises over the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the morning mist of a temperate rainforest hovers over the lake and the sweet songs of a bevy of birds greet you at Flat Mountain Farm. Its 28 acres have been a mountain haven and tranquil escape for more than 40 years and beckons discerning guests who aspire to escape modern-day frenzy for true tranquility.... This luxury cabin boasts a private pond, filled by a year-round stream, private dining for up to 8 guests, covered porch with rocking chairs and porch swing.

Property manager

Paige Scheer
Premier Host

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning

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The Peregrine: Flat Mountain Farm - expansive luxury home on historic 28 acre rhododendron farm

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  • Washer
  • Dryer
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10.0 out of 10, (2 reviews)
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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Please review pet policies BEFORE booking.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please review pet policies BEFORE booking.

Important information

You need to know

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Highlands

Located in Highlands, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Highlands Country Club and Old Edwards Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Highlands Biological Station and Cashiers Farmers Market. Travelling with kids? Consider Highlands Aerial Park and Ruby City Gems & Minerals. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Highlands, NC

What's nearby

  • Bridal Veil Falls - 9 min drive - 5.9 km
  • Highlands Country Club - 9 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Dry Falls - 10 min drive - 7.4 km
  • Whiteside Mountain - 12 min drive - 8.8 km
  • Old Edwards Club - 13 min drive - 10.0 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 84 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Ugly Dog Pub - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Wildcat Cliffs Country Club - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Old Edwards Club - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Rib Shack - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Buck's Coffee Cafe - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Kingfisher: Flat Mountain Farm pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Kingfisher: Flat Mountain Farm?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Kingfisher: Flat Mountain Farm?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Kingfisher: Flat Mountain Farm located?

This family-friendly Highlands holiday home is located on the waterfront, within 3 mi (5 km) of Nantahala National Forest, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital and The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts. Highlands Dog Park and Cullasaja River Gorge are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 41 out of 41 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 41 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kate B.

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

Wonderful Get-away

The house was beautiful and the grounds were delightful, with trails through the woods and a wonderful pond to go fishing and canoeing on! Absolute bliss:)
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Liz T.

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

What an amazing property!!

My family stayed here for Christmas and we rented out the kingfisher and peregrine. It was absolutely amazing and beautiful. Everything was SO clean and decorated perfectly. We were able to have our dog at the kingfisher who loved every minute of the stay as well. Thank you guys for a memorable Christmas.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jefferson B.

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

Exceptional Cabin

Our stay at The Kingfisher exceeded expectations. The cabin was beautifully appointed. The grounds are complete with ponds, a waterfall, and breathtaking views from the front porch. There is no better way to stay in Highlands, NC.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael G.

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

Amazing Property!

The home and surrounding property was beautiful, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The amenities were excellent, and the location was extremely close to Highlands. 10/10 would stay again and recommend to others.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

john c.

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

Exceeds expectations!

Everyone, including 3 teenage grandchildren, were wowed by this great accommodation! All agreed that we should return.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Blake P.

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

Amazing Property!

My family stayed in the Kingfisher for the weekend. It is a beautiful property that is clean and well stocked. I will absolutely be back with my family.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura C., Atlanta

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

Wonderful!

Amazing stay, we will be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Keely B.

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

Perfect holiday getaway!

This cabin was the perfect getaway spot for us! We loved the rustic look, yet very modern design of this cabin. It was equipped with everything we need. We wanted a quick relaxing holiday trip before the craziness begins. We felt cozy from the moment we walked in. His cabin is tucked away but very close to town. The beds were super comfy! We loved porch and the sound of the stream right beside the cabin. We hope to return for a summer visit!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarah H.

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

Wonderful Mountain Cabin

We rented the Kingfisher for a 3-day planning retreat with our team of two couples, one single gal, and a Labrador. We had a couple in their late 60s, and three of us in our mid-thirties. The cabin was perfect! The surrounding landscape is incredibly beautiful - rhododendrons everywhere, a beautiful pond, clear, starry skies, well-lit paths and outdoor spaces all around the cabin, and conveniently located to the amenities of highlands. We didn’t bring children with us this time, but the bunk room would have been great for kids. We enjoyed the rustic feel of a log cabin stay with luxurious linens, incredibly nice bathrooms, and 5-star service from our hosts (the house manual and all the info they share about local spots ahead of your stay is very helpful.) we enjoyed the hot tub and porch - sadly we didn’t get a chance to light the fire pit. Nearby restaurants were delicious - we especially enjoyed the Blue Bike cafe for breakfast/lunch and the Oak steakhouse for a nice dinner. We will definitely recommend d this spot to friends and hope to be back ourselves. Thanks for a great stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dena A.

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

Amazing property

This is such a little slice of heaven in Highlands. Every little detail of this rental is top notch. From the plush robes, fine furnishings, and comfy bedding... to the flowers and Prosecco awaiting us when we arrived. I feel honored to have stayed here! We will come again! Thank you Margaret!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nancy P.

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

Highlands Haven

Beautifully done and well appointed cabin surrounded by lush vegetation and flowering rhododendron. This place is well stocked with everything you need. Very, very clean! Not what you would expect in an 1800's cabin. Sinking into the most comfortable bed after a day of exploration or fishing in the pond out front was just heavenly. Margaret adds personal touches that makes it feel like your own home away from home.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Birthday Celebration

I rented this house for a fun Highlands weekend to celebrate my daughter’s 15th birthday. It was perfect, stylish, clean and close to Main Street!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Erika F.

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

Luxury Cabin

This cabin exceeded our expectations. They thought of everything. It's stylish and cozy. I can't wait to go back! I highly recommend this cabin for families or friends.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jaime A.

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

Great property!

We had a great time and would stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary S.

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

Deserves 6/5 stars!

Perfection in Highlands! I would recommend this stay to anyone, Margaret's attention to detail is unparalleled. Can't wait to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cory R.

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

Great Property

We really enjoyed our stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ashley I.

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

Beautiful Highlands Getaway

We had a wonderful stay at this Highlands property! The home is cozy and very well appointed, and the property is serene and beautiful. We would absolutely love to return! Thank you for a wonderful getaway!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alissa D.

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

Beautiful Property and Cabin

This was a wonderful and relaxing place to stay. We would love to come back. It’s an easy location from downtown Highlands as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

James C., Atlanta

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

Wonderfully decorated and so comfortable and relaxing. would go back in a minute.

The owners were wonderful forgot sandals and they quickly mailed them back.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany H.

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

Fall weekend

The property was a perfect place to relax Abd enjoy time with friends and family. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S.

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

Family & friends getaway to the mountains

Rarely are our expectations exceeded, but our stay at the Kingfisher was beyond extraordinary. We traveled with our grown kids (21&24) and our two year old, along with our friends. The setting is so serene, and the layout & decor were perfect. The big kids took the bunk room & the couples had privacy in each master. Our toddler loved exploring the farm, but I was not anxious about her “messing up” anything in the cabin as it was very kid-friendly. The morning sun Rarely are our expectations exceeded, but our stay at the Kingfisher was beyond extraordinary. We traveled with our grown kids (21&24) and our two year old, along with our friends. The setting is so serene, and the layout & decor were perfect. The big kids took the bunk room & the couples had privacy in each master. Our toddler loved exploring the farm, but I was not anxious about her “messing up” anything in the cabin as it was very kid-friendly. The morning sun on the side patio was magnificent for our al fresco brunch, and we relished s’mores around the fire pit in the evening. The men were perfectly satisfied watching college football in the comfy loft while the ladies chatted around the cozy fireplace downstairs. Margaret & Chris (owners) were so responsive to us, and we appreciated the luxurious touches of linens, bath products, fresh flowers, etc. We also benefitted from their restaurant & activity suggestions, enjoying dinner at On The Veranda & takeout from Highlands Smokehouse & marveling at the glorious views on the nearby Whiteside Mountain trail hike. We cannot wait to come back again next fall! the side patio was magnificent for our al fresco brunch, and we relished s’mores around the fire pit in the evening. The men were perfectly satisfied watching college football in the comfy loft while the ladies chatted around the cozy fireplace downstairs. Margaret & Chris (owners) were so responsive to us, and we appreciated the luxurious touches of linens, bath products, fresh flowers, etc. We also benefitted from their restaurant & activity suggestions, enjoying dinner at On The Veranda & takeout from Highlands Smokehouse & marveling at the glorious views on the nearby Whiteside Mountain trail hike. We cannot wait to come back again next fall!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Frederick

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This cabin was beautifully restored and seemed to be right out of a designer magazine for attention to detail and comfort. The outdoor dining area and porch were spectacular. Even enjoyed the fishing in the ponds next to the cabin! this cabin and property was an ideal setting for our family of 8. We will definitely return for another visit!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

John B., Watkinsville, Ga.

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

Fantastic Stay!

My family and I enjoyed our time here very much. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

patty w., Marion VA

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

Magical stay at Flat Mt Farm

Everything about this property is wonderful . From the moment we arrived, meeting Margaret and her cute son ,Miller, to the extraordinary care taken to meet our every need. The cabin itself is stunning with no small detail overlooked . From luxurious linens and comfortable beds stacked high with down pillows, to special touches everywhere . Fresh flowers and a bottle of wine to greet us , custom bathrobes ,high end toiletries , plush towels ,comfy chairs to snuggle up w a book under beautiful custom throws and everything in the kitchen to cook up a gourmet meal ! New sharp knives,well stocked spices,, pots and pans all top quality .A fabulous Five Star six burner gas range,restaurant quality sink w disposal, lovely soapstone counters, and beautiful dishes and flatware . There are wine glasses and lovely crystal Champagne flutes fit for the finest celebrations . Outside the front porch has a cozy nook with an outdoor swing and sink into chairs nestled in a thick rhododendron forest beside a babbling creek. The rest of the porch looks out onto a pond beside a fire pit . The flagstone patio has a large dining table and grill which we delighted in using several nights.( get your steaks specially cut at Rhodes out on the Dillard road highway ) This little piece of paradise also has a hot tub surrounded by rhododendron . There are trails to walk on the property one to a small waterfall. Another coup , even though Margaret and her family were near by, was the feeling of total seclusion and quietness . A grand respite from a busy life .Our only disappointment t was that we skipped a night in to dine at On the Veranda.. to find it has gone way down in quality and service .. The saving Grace was getting back to the cabin popping a bottle of champagne , pouring it into those beautiful tall stemmed flutes for a toast to a wonderful magical birthday week ! We will be back .
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Davis P.

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

Highlands Wedding

We booked this property for a wedding in the area, and stayed here for 3 nights with a party of 3 adults and 3 young children. The house was well laid out for what we needed, and had more amenities than we had time to enjoy! I would highly recommend staying here if looking for somewhere to call home for a few nights in this area.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

About the host

Hosted by Paige Scheer

Host profile image
Welcome to Flat Mountain Farm, a historic rhododendron farm located 2 miles from the charming hamlet of Highlands, NC. Chris & Margaret Shutze moved to Highlands with their two young boys in December of 2019. They purchased the property from an eighth generation Highlander who had created a magical, rustic paradise over 40 years. Even though it was run down and in need of repair, they saw huge potential in the antique log cabins & barns.

This newly renovated 28-acre haven houses up to 27 between the three homes and hosts up to 200 guests for events. Margaret worked for international hospitality firms, Wilson Associates and RTKL, working on prestigious projects such as the Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada, Boca Raton Resort and Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort and Four Seasons Vail, while Chris has been creating specialty homes and custom furniture with award-winning architects for 20 years, including McApline, Travis & Travis and Wilson Associates.

Keep in touch! We are on Instagram @flatmountainfarm and for the behind the scenes renovation @creatingflatmountainfarm. We are also on Facebook @flatmountainfarm.

Why they chose this property

Flat Mountain Farm is owned by Christopher and Margaret Shutze, the husband and wife duo of Shutze Studio, who moved to Highlands with their two young boys in December of 2019. They purchased the property from an eighth generation Highlander who had created a magical, rustic paradise over the last 40 years. Even though it was run down and in need of repair, Margaret and Chris saw huge potential in the antique log cabins & barns.

This newly renovated 28-acre haven will house up to 16 and host between 100-125 guests for events when it opens in the summer of 2021. Margaret worked for international hospitality firms, Wilson Associates and RTKL, working on prestigious projects such as the Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada, Boca Raton Resort and Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort and Four Seasons Vail, while Chris has been creating specialty homes and custom furniture with award-winning architects for 20 years, including McApline, Travis & Travis and Wilson Associates.

Their work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Interior Design magazine, Boutique Design Magazine, Hospitality Design Magazine, Country Living Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings and more. Visit Shutze Studio for their extended portfolio.

“With this all-star duo at the helm, a retreat property complete with two cabins, barn, private lake and lawn has never felt so luxurious.”

- Plateau Magazine

What makes this property unique

Flat Mountain Farm is located 2.2 miles from town, about an 8 minute drive from Main Street in Highlands. The farm is 9 miles from Cashiers, about a 15 minute drive. It is a quick stroll down the street to local swimming hole, Pinky Falls and a quick drive up the street to Ranger Falls, a beautiful hike by a waterfall that ends at a large lake.

The Kingfisher cabin is nestled into the woods, next to a year round stream with rhododendrons, mountain laurel and has its own private pond, stocked with mountain trout. We provide fishing poles and you are welcome to eat any fish you catch.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests