The Season Begins Across the Plateau
May marks the true beginning of the season across Highlands and Cashiers. Gardens begin to bloom, clubs reopen for the summer months, and the Plateau welcomes the return of homeowners, visitors, and a renewed pace of activity throughout the community.
In real estate, May often serves as a turning point. Buyers who have been watching the market begin making decisions, while sellers look to position their homes ahead of the busy summer season. Inventory remains selective across many segments of the market, particularly for well located homes offering views, privacy, updated interiors, and strong outdoor living spaces.
Shared Insight from Owner/Broker Jody Lovell
Recently, Jody Lovell shared the following market perspective with our team as we move into the height of the spring season across the Plateau:
“Inventory across the Highlands Cashiers market continues to remain selective, particularly for homes that are updated, well positioned, and offer the lifestyle today’s buyers are seeking. While activity has become more balanced compared to the extraordinary pace of 2020 and 2021, demand for exceptional mountain properties remains strong.
Buyers continue to prioritize move in ready homes, outdoor living, privacy, and proximity to community amenities. Properties that are thoughtfully prepared and strategically introduced to the market are continuing to stand out.
As we move further into the season, we expect activity to continue building leading into summer, particularly surrounding Memorial Day and the months ahead when the Plateau is at its most active.”
This reflects much of what our brokers are experiencing firsthand throughout Highlands and Cashiers as the season continues to unfold.
Art & Community on Main Street
On Friday, May 1, Highlands-Cashiers Sotheby’s International Realty welcomed guests to our downtown Highlands office for the first artist reception of the season in partnership with The Bascom. The evening featured the work of artist Louise Pond and brought together clients, friends, brokers, and members of the community for a wonderful evening celebrating art and the start of the season.
Our partnership with The Bascom is ongoing throughout the year, with rotating exhibits featuring regional artists displayed in our downtown Highlands office. During the summer months, we also host public artist receptions from 4:30pm to 6:00pm on the first Friday of each month from May through August, with the exception of July, which will take place on Friday, July 10. We are grateful to support the local arts community and help showcase the incredible talent found across the Plateau.
We invite everyone to join us for our next reception on Friday, June 5, featuring artist Christie Taylor.
Christie Taylor’s work is a study in meraki, the Greek concept of leaving a piece of one’s soul and love within a creation. With a degree in psychology and a life spent raising six children, Christie’s expressive style is rooted in deep observation and a lifelong love of nature. Her journey into painting began in 2018 as a way to connect with her mother during her battle with Alzheimer’s. Though her mother could no longer paint, she became Christie’s “art whisperer,” passing down a creative legacy that continues to influence every canvas today.
Featured Listing: 120 Split Rail Row, Highlands, NC
Listed by Jody Lovell
Welcome to 120 Split Rail Row, a thoughtfully reimagined residence in one of Highlands’ most sought after in town locations. Designed to balance elevated style with everyday livability, the home features a light filled open floor plan anchored by a dramatic stacked stone fireplace, a newly remodeled chef’s kitchen with La Cornue, Sub Zero, and Wolf appliances, and a unique primary retreat offering separate bedrooms and individual luxury baths connected by a serene sunroom overlooking the gardens. Outdoor living spaces are equally inviting, with a covered porch featuring IPE hardwood flooring and a second stone fireplace, while Tennessee fieldstone pathways, native landscaping, and extensive rockwork create a timeless mountain setting just minutes from downtown Highlands.
May on the Plateau
May is one of the busiest months of the year across the Plateau, with events, concerts, outdoor gatherings, and holiday traditions returning for the season.
Highlights this month include:
• High Style on May 16, celebrating fashion, art, music, and culinary experiences throughout Highlands
• The return of Groovin’ on The Green in Cashiers beginning May 22
• The Bear Shadow Music Festival, May 29 through 31, bringing nationally recognized artists to the Plateau
• Seasonal exhibits, workshops, and programming at The Bascom
• Live performances from the Highlands-Cashiers Players and concerts at the Highlands Performing Arts Center
Memorial Day Weekend also marks the unofficial start of summer across Highlands and Cashiers, with restaurants, clubs, shops, and community spaces coming fully to life for the season. Visitors and residents alike gather for outdoor dining, live music, shopping, hiking, and lake activities, while many local communities host opening weekend celebrations and seasonal events throughout the holiday weekend.
Let’s Connect
Whether you are considering a purchase, preparing to sell, or simply staying informed on the market, May is an ideal time to evaluate opportunities across the Plateau.
Our team is always available to provide local insight, market guidance, and a tailored strategy to help you navigate the season ahead.
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