By: Deb Bushall
For a mountain town with fewer than 1,000 full-time residents, Highlands, North Carolina, has attracted an extraordinary list of high-profile homeowners over the years.
Hollywood legends, bestselling authors, business leaders, and ultra-high-net-worth families have all been drawn to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau for the same reason: privacy. Unlike many luxury destinations where wealth is meant to be seen, Highlands has built its reputation on something entirely different, quiet sophistication. Celebrities, including Burt Reynolds, Steve Martin, Stephen King, and Nicole Kidman, have all been associated with the area, which remains one of the Southeast’s most coveted mountain retreats.
But according to Chris Braswell, founder of Braswell Construction Group, one of the most interesting lessons from Highlands’ luxury real estate market has nothing to do with celebrity ownership.
“It’s not the celebrity factor that makes these homes special,” Braswell says. “It’s the fact that the best homes here are designed to belong to the mountains rather than compete with them.”
That philosophy is increasingly shaping luxury residential design throughout Highlands.
The Era of Quiet Luxury
For years, luxury architecture has often centered around making a statement. Bigger homes, grander entrances, and more dramatic features dominated the conversation.
Today, Highlands is experiencing something different.
Many of the region’s most admired homes embrace what designers now call “quiet luxury,” a focus on craftsmanship, natural materials, and timeless architecture instead of visual excess.
A perfect example can be seen in the former Highlands home owned by Burt Reynolds. Designed by architect Jim Fox, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, the residence was intentionally created to blend into the surrounding landscape through extensive use of wood, stone, glass, and organic architectural forms. Rather than dominating the mountainside, the home became part of it.
That same design philosophy continues to influence many luxury homes being built and renovated throughout Highlands today.
Why Rooflines Matter More Than Ever
One design feature receiving renewed attention among luxury homeowners is the roof.
While kitchens and outdoor living spaces often receive the most attention, Braswell believes rooflines have become one of the defining characteristics of exceptional mountain architecture.
“In Highlands, people see homes from ridges, valleys, golf courses, and neighboring mountainsides,” he explains. “The roof becomes one of the most visible architectural features on the property.”
As a result, more homeowners are moving away from flat, uniform roofing materials and embracing systems that provide texture, shadow, and visual depth.
Many homeowners begin their research by consulting a trusted Highlands NC roofing contractor to understand how roofing materials can enhance both the beauty and longevity of mountain homes.
The Return of Slate-Inspired Design
One of the strongest trends Braswell sees throughout Highlands is the growing popularity of slate-inspired architecture.
Natural slate has long been associated with luxury homes because of its longevity and timeless appearance. Today, advanced roofing technologies allow homeowners to achieve that same aesthetic while benefiting from modern engineering and durability.
Premium systems such as BRAVA composite slate roofing have become increasingly popular among homeowners seeking authentic mountain architecture without sacrificing long-term performance.
The appeal extends beyond appearance.
Luxury homeowners increasingly view roofing decisions as part of the home’s overall investment strategy. Materials that provide durability, architectural integrity, and long service lives often align more closely with how affluent homeowners think about preserving value over time.
Celebrity Homes Share One Common Trait
When people think about celebrity homes, they often imagine excess.
Yet many of the Highlands’ most celebrated properties reveal a different story.
Whether it was Burt Reynolds’ mountain retreat, the estates tucked behind private gates, or the homes hidden within the region’s exclusive club communities, the most admired properties tend to prioritize authenticity over extravagance.
They embrace natural stone. They incorporate timber. They use materials that age gracefully. And increasingly, they feature slate and shake-inspired rooflines that complement the surrounding environment rather than distract from it.
Homeowners researching these architectural trends often begin with resources covering Highlands slate roofing and mountain home design.
The Future of Highlands Luxury Real Estate
As Highlands continues attracting successful entrepreneurs, executives, and high-profile residents seeking privacy, the defining characteristics of luxury are likely to remain remarkably consistent.
Timeless design.
Natural materials.
Architectural authenticity.
And homes that feel as though they were built specifically for the mountains they inhabit.
“The homes that continue to stand out twenty years later are rarely the flashiest,” Braswell says. “They’re the ones that respect their surroundings and were designed with permanence in mind.”
In Highlands, that may be the ultimate luxury.
