The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
Highlands Biological Station - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles
Restaurants
The Pizza Place - 3 min walk
Wildcat Cliffs Country Club - 10 min drive
Oak Steakhouse - 9 min drive
The Ugly Dog Public House - 4 min walk
Highlander Mountain House & The Ruffed Grouse Tavern - 4 min walk
About this property
The Shakespeare - Three Bedroom Luxury Retreat Steps from Main Street Highlands
Welcome to The Shakespeare, one of Highlands' most distinctive luxury accommodations. Located adjacent to Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park and just one block from Main Street, this beautifully designed three-bedroom, three-bathroom retreat pays homage to the beloved Shakespeare bookstore that occupied this location for more than 25 years. Walk to award-winning restaurants, charming boutiques, galleries, parks, and seasonal events. Wedding venues, rehearsal dinners, and celebrations are all easily accessible, making The Shakespeare an ideal home base for wedding weekends and special occasions.
Whether you're visiting for a romantic getaway, mountain adventure, family gathering, or wedding celebration, The Shakespeare offers a truly unique Highlands’s experience where luxury accommodations and local history come together beautifully.
More than simply a place to stay, The Shakespeare is an experience. Original books used in creative ways, curated artwork, and thoughtful touches are woven throughout the space, creating a warm and sophisticated atmosphere that celebrates the history of this cherished Highlands landmark. Shelves of carefully selected volumes, original bookstore-inspired elements, and literary details throughout the property create a sense of place unlike any other vacation rental in Highlands. Guests often find themselves lingering over coffee with a favorite novel, discovering unexpected titles tucked throughout the space. Every detail has been carefully considered to honor the bookstore's legacy while providing the elevated comforts of a luxury mountain getaway.
The Space Designed with both luxury and comfort in mind, The Shakespeare features an open-concept, vaulted ceiling living space perfect for gathering after a day exploring town. The inviting living room offers ample seating, an electric fireplace, and plenty of space to unwind with a good book or enjoy an evening together.
The fully equipped kitchen features a 12-foot island with 7 bar stools, quartz countertops, wine refrigerator, generous workspace, and everything needed to prepare meals at home. Adjacent dining and gathering spaces make entertaining effortless, whether you're hosting family breakfast before a wedding or enjoying wine and conversation after dinner downtown.
Step outside to the small porch off the kitchen and dining area, where you can enjoy Highlands' cool mountain air and peaceful surroundings.
Sleeping Arrangements The Shakespeare comfortably accommodates up to 8 guests: • Primary Suite – King bed with en-suite bathroom • Guest Suite – King bed with en-suite bathroom • Third Bedroom – King bed with access to a full bathroom with an oversized tub/shower • Premium Queen Sleeper Sofa – Ideal for additional guests
Every bedroom is designed as a relaxing retreat, featuring luxury Italian Frette sheets and towels to provide the comfort and quality of a boutique hotel. Every bathroom has hair dryers and mirrored makeup tables.
Luxury Amenities Guests enjoy an elevated hospitality experience with thoughtful touches throughout: • Heated bathroom floors • Heated towel racks • Zweisel stemware • Complimentary bottle of prosecco, dishwasher pods, laundry pods, coffee pods and bath bomb • 4 65-inch TV’s • Molton Brown shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body lotion • Frette Italian luxury sheets and towels • Fully equipped kitchen • Full size washer and dryer • 2 work desks • Private porch with seating • High-speed Wi-Fi • Kid-friendly loft game area with board games and activities • Mahjong card table • Safe • Keurig, drip coffee maker and tea kettle
COME WRITE YOUR NEXT CHAPTER AT THE SHAKESPEARE!
ACCEPTANCE OF RENTAL CONSTITUES ACCEPTANCE OF THESE ADDITIONAL TERMS: The unit contains a ladder to a loft area. You agree to use the ladder and loft at your own risk. Take extra care if you use the ladder to climb up to the loft or climb down from the loft. Do not permit children to use the loft or the ladder without the supervision of an adult. Owner disclaims any liability to the fullest extent of the law for use of the ladder or loft. Guests assume all responsibility for use of the ladder or loft by themselves or by their guests, including any children.
Check out our sister property, The Fifth. Located less than a block from The Shakespeare this stunning luxury 2 bedroom / 2 bath apartment is perfect for a trip to Highlands with family or friends. https://www.vrbo.com/3112240?dateless=true
The apartment is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and 3 bathrooms, and there's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine and an ironing board.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
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)
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
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
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 25
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
There are no elevators.
Frequently asked questions
What's there to do near this apartment?
This apartment is located in Highlands, just steps from Nantahala National Forest and Highlands Playhouse, and within a short walk of Cullasaja River Gorge. You'll also find The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts and Highlands Art Gallery less than a mile away.
Is there parking available at The Shakespeare - Three Bedroom Luxury Retreat Steps from Main Street Highlands?
No, there isn't parking available at the apartment.
Is this apartment adjacent to a casino?
No, this apartment is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this apartment?
No, there is no indoor pool at this apartment.
Is The Shakespeare - Three Bedroom Luxury Retreat Steps from Main Street Highlands good for couples?
Amenities at this apartment that appeal to couples include a kitchen in each apartment with free WiFi in some.
Are there hot tubs at The Shakespeare - Three Bedroom Luxury Retreat Steps from Main Street Highlands?
No, this apartment doesn't have a spa tub.
Does this apartment include breakfast service?
No, this apartment doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this apartment allow pets to stay for free?
No, pets aren't allowed at this apartment.
Are there connecting rooms at The Shakespeare - Three Bedroom Luxury Retreat Steps from Main Street Highlands?
No, this apartment doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
Are there rooms with balconies at The Shakespeare - Three Bedroom Luxury Retreat Steps from Main Street Highlands?
No, there aren't any apartments at The Shakespeare - Three Bedroom Luxury Retreat Steps from Main Street Highlands that offer a balcony.
The Shakespeare - Three Bedroom Luxury Retreat Steps from Main Street Highlands Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
What a gem! This place was absolute perfection for our girls’ weekend! The location couldn’t be better—right downtown and within walking distance of everything. We loved all the thoughtful touches, from the beautiful wine glasses and cozy robes to the incredibly comfortable beds. And I have to mention the pull-out sofa—hands down the most comfortable one I’ve ever slept on! The heated floors, towel warmer, and amazing showers made everything feel extra luxurious. Additional parking was also super easy and convenient, which was a huge plus for our group. Every detail was so well thought out, and the entire place was charming, cozy, and comfortable. Truly, no notes—just perfection! We would stay here again in a heartbeat!