Chestnut Cottage is situated on "Lot 325" as illustrated on Samuel T. Kelsey's Highlands map dated 1881, which can be viewed at Highlands Town Hall. Lot 325 is one of the larger lots in Kelsey's original plan for Highlands. It was very convenient to Fifth Street, the Town end of the Kelsey Trail, which extended four and a half miles to Whiteside Mountain. Kelsey sold Lot 325 to Mary Jacobs in 1883, recorded as Deed R-413. The Rideout/Munger/Potts/ Whittle house, viewed just to the east of Chestnut Cotage was built in 1883. This area of Highlands is in the final approval stages for designation as a Hisoric District.
During the excavation for the foundation for Chestnut Cottage, it was discovered that there had once been a structure on the property that had apparently burned. We are unable to determine when it was built or destroyed. Having only changed hands twice, in 1980, Lot 325 was purchased by Lucian Harris III and Mary Jane Harris. The Harris' had purchased a home just around the corner on Fifth Street in the 70's after many years vacationing in Highlands and eventually located full time to Highlands. Both Lucien and Mary Jane were successful artists. Mr. Harris was the great grandson of William Chandler Harris, the well known author of the Uncle Remus stores.
Lot 325 was purchased in 2007 from the Lucien Harris III Trust, and the design and planning for Chestnut Cottage began. Demand for "in town" properties is significant, and one can walk to Main Street from this location in a matter of minutes. The home itself is designed in the "shingle style" and features state of the art technology, energy efficiency and utmost quality. Chestnut Cottage is offered for Sale. Contact Doug Helms, Owner/Broker at 828-526-0000
Many thanks to Dr. Ran Schaffner, Historian and Author of "Heart of the Blue Ridge, Highlands, NC" for his assistance in gathering this information.