See all properties
Entire home

The Millhouse | The historic Mill House on Mirror Lake and Cullasaja River

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Millhouse | The historic Mill House on Mirror Lake and Cullasaja River

Interior
5 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Terrace/patio
Smart TV, fireplace, books
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 120 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Highlands, NC
  • Bridal Veil Falls
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Dry Falls
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Highlands Country Club
    ‪4 min drive‬

Room options

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Millhouse | The historic Mill House on Mirror Lake and Cullasaja River

The Millhouse

WE DO NOT ACCEPT AMEX

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.

The Mill House is located on one of the most beautiful and tranquil settings you will ever see. Overlooking the lake spillway on beautiful Mirror Lake, the Cullasaja River wraps the house surrounded by Native Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel. Outside, enjoy the beauty of the property, with a water wheel, rushing water, two canoes, a river, and Mirror Lake full of fish, all available for your enjoyment. With over 100 years of history, this completely renovated mill offers a unique, peaceful retreat. The large deck is great for outdoor dining, and the big kitchen table is perfect for indoor meals.

Main Level:
The recently renovated kitchen offers all the modern amenities, perfect for preparing meals for both small and large groups. The spacious family room and den provide plenty of room for relaxation. A comfortable sitting area in the primary bedroom offers a fireplace and beautiful views of the surrounding nature. This level also includes a large deck, a screened porch with a water view, and easy access to the kitchen and den.

Upper Level:
The upper level features a covered porch overlooking the river on two sides of the house. There are three bedrooms on this level, plus a bunk room with two sets of bunk beds (four bunk beds in total), making it ideal for larger groups or families. Each bedroom offers a peaceful retreat with views of the river and surrounding nature.

Lower Level:
The lower level offers another screened porch by the river, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sound of rushing water. The sitting area next to a goldfish pond overlooks the river and Mirror Lake, providing a peaceful setting. This level also has easy access to the family fire pit and offers plenty of private spaces to relax, read, or enjoy the cool mountain air.

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 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.
During your stay at this holiday home, you're just a quick walk from Nantahala National Forest. Free WiFi and a kitchen are available in the holiday home.
  • Air-conditioned home with kitchen, washing machine and 4 bathrooms
  • Free WiFi
  • Steps from Nantahala National Forest and a 1-minute drive from The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts
The Millhouse | The historic Mill House on Mirror Lake and Cullasaja River offers its guests barbecue grills. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property manager

Rent In Highlands

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 4 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Kayaking nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 1 square foot

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.
  • Note from host: One dog, under 50 pounds

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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 fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, which will enable you to manage your booking.

Property is also known as

3b1e52d9-6595-4aec-b85b-9c45a37f7a20

The Millhouse | The historic Mill House on Mirror Lake and Cullasaja River Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 70 out of 77 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 77 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 77 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 77 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 77 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Robin W., Norcross, GA

Liked: Cleanliness
Birthday celebration
Amazing weekend, beautiful house.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patty D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful respite!
Was looking for accomodations that had the feel of High Hampton Inn. I found it!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

john t.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great spot!
Fabulous family getaway!
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family celebration
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!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stacey T., United States

Liked: Cleanliness
Ultimate Tranquility
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!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

R Lyman O.

We had a wonderful time with our family over Mother's Day Weekend
It is great to be in the Highlands area with the beautiful scenery, wonderful restaurants,golf courses,and other places to visit.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carl S., Birmingham, AL

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing home in the heart of Highlands
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. Owner was very responsive. Very close to a number of great waterfalls. Kids mentioned they wanted to return.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susanne D.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Family Christmas in Highkands
The Mill House was a perfect place for my family and young grandsons. Enough room to spread out. Comfortable beds. Great outdoor area with big fire pit. And right on the dam and the river ran under our deck. We decorated it for Christmas. Many family memories made! Would definitely go back!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeff K., Atlanta, GA

Liked: Cleanliness
Yet Another Perfect Vacation!
We were fortunate enough to get to spend our second Thanksgiving in your wonderful cabin. The Mill House is just charming, from the first time you drive onto the property, to the late-evening family fire-pit time outside listening to the beautiful falls, and everything else in between. We had plenty of spacious bedrooms and bathrooms for our large extended family, we spent as much time outdoors as we did indoors, and we loved every minute of our trip. Thank you so much for creating such a warm, comfortable, and beautiful place to create new family memories.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rox P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Mountain Respite!
We recently had a fabulous stay at the Mill House. The house has so much character and charm. We call it "rustic mountain chic". There are a variety of spaces inside and out to enjoy the refreshing mountain weather and beauty. The house is at the Mirror Lake dam and Cullasaja River. The water noise from the dam and stream is like a beautiful constant white noise. The home has plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms and a well appointed kitchen. Initially we were concerned about possible road noise but the background of the rushing water completely masks any minimal road noise. Our biggest daily dilemma was which space inside and outside to sit and enjoy! This is a lovely home and well suited for small or large groups. We highly recommend Mill House!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol R., Bonita Springs, Florida

Liked: Cleanliness
Pure Mountain Paradise
We checked in and were thrilled that it was even better than we expected. We were directly on a mountain stream with a dam which provided both beauty and the tranquil sound of rushing water. Because of the age of Mill House we were treated to a true mountain retreat. There was more than enough room for our friends to rest in comfort and privacy. The deck over the water was extra special. A local hawk calls the area home which provided additional entertainment. The house had everything needed for our long stay which was great. The location of Mill House is perfect. You are a mile from downtown Highlands and close to the water falls heading towards Franklin. Jackson Hole Gem Mine is 8 miles from the house which is always an adventure. We took first-timers and they loved mining for stones and had several pieces if beautiful jewelry made to take back with them. We do this EVERY time we’re in the mountains and are never disappointed. There are many fabulous restaurants in town for the evenings you might not want to cook and don’t miss Dusty’s Rhodes Superette for the best surprise of all! The Thrashers were wonderful hosts and made our vacation the most special ever.
Stayed 30 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

ashley c.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great restful vacation
Thank you for a wonderful relaxing trip! This was just what we needed.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

John P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great house.
Mill House has tons of character, great views, flexible sleeping. My family loves staying there.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Evette S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Historic, Unique House in a Beautiful Setting
Our entire family— three adult children and their spouses plus our two grandchildren had a delightful Christmas at the Mill House! It’s a charming property and extremely well kept. A fast flowing stream borders two sides of the house which makes for lovely scenery out most every window. The extreme cold of this holiday season kept us indoors a lot enjoying the 3 fireplaces and the cozy surroundings, but in warmer seasons there are multiple outdoor activities to enjoy right on the property—canoeing, fishing, large lawn for games, a fire pit…. This is a magical place, and we all hope to return!!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mamie R., Mount Pleasant, SC

Liked: Cleanliness
Nothing compares
We’ve been vacationing in Highlands and Cashiers for over 30 years. The Mill House beats every other accommodation we’ve ever had.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Pamela K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical Holiday Getaway!
I cannot say enough about this charming property. The Mill House delivered in each and every category, and our Thanksgiving holiday week was spent in charm and beauty. With an extended family of eight, it was wonderful that everybody had a beautiful bedroom, a convenient and sparkling bathroom, and plenty of outdoor spaces in which to sit, read, visit, or just take in the gorgeous sights. The large fire pit which fit our entire family, the cozy and beautiful screened porches, the riverside raised deck... there were so many wonderful ways to be out of doors and enjoying this beautiful acre. The constant music of water running over the dam and the soothing sounds of the river curling around the property made it all that much more calming and peaceful. The décor and furnishings feel so perfect that I often commented that I felt like I woke up inside a movie; every room was comfortable, casual, and welcoming, yet every room also had amazing mountain and cabin style and accessories. The fireplaces were a welcome relief from chilly afternoons in downtown Highlands or windy hikes on Whiteside. Thank you, Thrashers, for creating and curating such an incredible Highlands escape. Five stars all around! We cannot wait to return.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Becky B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Girls trip 2022
The property is really beautiful and the home is one of the loveliest I’ve ever stayed in. . The decor was as charming as the exterior. You won’t want to leave!
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stuart G., Hoover AL

Liked: Cleanliness
Mirror lake dam waterfall is outstanding
Grandparents with two adult families and 3 grandsons (and two dogs) fit the property perfectly. Bedrooms were ideal. Many porches and fireplaces to hang out. Weather was cool so we burned lots of firewood. Would have loved to had a third shower setup - one shower was in a footed tub, which did not work due to shower curtains not containing the water. So, we shared the two walk-in showers with everyone. Kitchen is downstairs, as noted, but it was inconvenient to our main floor living spaces. Two issues noted to Ken that can be easily fixed - ice maker on the fritz and the Nest front door lock did not work. The yard, waterfalls and canoe’s allowed us plenty of activity for our families.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lynn G.

Liked: Cleanliness
The perfect mountain cabin for 3 generations
The Old Mill house is one of our favorite Highlands cabins of all time! Easily 5 stars!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robin C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Mill House
Visit to the Mill House with family. Grandkids enjoyed the wonderful home with all the different areas to play, creek for swimming and exploring, fishing in Mirror Lake and nearby waterfalls. Many memories made.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joey V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Why rent anywhere else?
I had high expectations for this property and it far exceeded them. This will easily be my go to rental for Highlands.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Irene S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming and rustic
Mirror Lake is a charming cottage, located next to a dam, the river and a windmill. If you love sitting out on the many porches to listen to flowing water, you are at the right place. I would love to be there in June when the rhododendrons are in full. Loom We thoroughly enjoyed our week at Mirror Lake
Stayed 6 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Phillip S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great experience
We loved this place and created amazing memories here. Thanks for hosting us.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Erin S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Spring Break!
We had a wonderful, relaxing trip! Views from the home are amazing!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

John P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful property.
We love The Mill House. A very comfortable, unique home with loads of character. Great communication with owners.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021