The Kingfisher: Flat Mountain Farm

Welcome to Flat Mountain Farm, a historic rhododendron farm located 2 miles from the charming hamlet of Highlands, NC. Chris & Margaret Shutze moved to Highlands with their two young boys in December of 2019. They purchased the property from an eighth generation Highlander who had created a magical, rustic paradise over 40 years. Even though it was run down and in need of repair, they saw huge potential in the antique log cabins & barns.

This newly renovated 28-acre haven houses up to 27 between the three homes and hosts up to 200 guests for events. Margaret worked for international hospitality firms, Wilson Associates and RTKL, working on prestigious projects such as the Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada, Boca Raton Resort and Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort and Four Seasons Vail, while Chris has been creating specialty homes and custom furniture with award-winning architects for 20 years, including McApline, Travis & Travis and Wilson Associates.

Keep in touch! We are on Instagram @flatmountainfarm and for the behind the scenes renovation @creatingflatmountainfarm. We are also on Facebook @flatmountainfarm.

Flat Mountain Farm is owned by Christopher and Margaret Shutze, the husband and wife duo of Shutze Studio, who moved to Highlands with their two young boys in December of 2019. They purchased the property from an eighth generation Highlander who had created a magical, rustic paradise over the last 40 years. Even though it was run down and in need of repair, Margaret and Chris saw huge potential in the antique log cabins & barns.

This newly renovated 28-acre haven will house up to 16 and host between 100-125 guests for events when it opens in the summer of 2021. Margaret worked for international hospitality firms, Wilson Associates and RTKL, working on prestigious projects such as the Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada, Boca Raton Resort and Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort and Four Seasons Vail, while Chris has been creating specialty homes and custom furniture with award-winning architects for 20 years, including McApline, Travis & Travis and Wilson Associates.

Their work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Interior Design magazine, Boutique Design Magazine, Hospitality Design Magazine, Country Living Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings and more. Visit Shutze Studio for their extended portfolio.

“With this all-star duo at the helm, a retreat property complete with two cabins, barn, private lake and lawn has never felt so luxurious.”

- Plateau Magazine

Flat Mountain Farm is located 2.2 miles from town, about an 8 minute drive from Main Street in Highlands. The farm is 9 miles from Cashiers, about a 15 minute drive. It is a quick stroll down the street to local swimming hole, Pinky Falls and a quick drive up the street to Ranger Falls, a beautiful hike by a waterfall that ends at a large lake.

The Kingfisher cabin is nestled into the woods, next to a year round stream with rhododendrons, mountain laurel and has its own private pond, stocked with mountain trout. We provide fishing poles and you are welcome to eat any fish you catch.