Delightful beach cottage on nearly a half-acre lot in the highly sought-after community of Middlesex, just steps from the private, lifeguarded beach and minutes to the Bethany Beach Boardwalk. This single-story coastal retreat has been fully renovated with modern updates throughout while preserving its timeless charm, including exposed beam ceilings and wide-plank wood floors. The inviting main living area features an open layout that seamlessly connects the kitchen and living room, flowing onto a large screened porch—perfect for expanded living and dining space. Just off the living area, the primary bedroom offers private access to a rear deck with a hot tub, along with a beautifully updated ensuite bath. A breezeway off the screened porch connects the main house to an additional wing, providing flexible guest space with two spacious bedrooms and another full bathroom. Outside, a front deck and patio with an outdoor fireplace create yet another welcoming spot to relax. An outdoor shower makes rinsing off after a day at the beach effortless. Offered furnished, this home is move-in ready and also presents an excellent investment opportunity. A hidden bonus: a cleared path at the back of the lot provides convenient access to the restaurants and shops at Sea Colony’s Marketplace. Walk just a few short blocks to the beach, or take advantage of private beach parking available to Middlesex Beach residents. Nestled among mature pine trees on a beautifully landscaped lot, this cottage offers the perfect blend of privacy and convenience—tucked away from summer crowds yet close to the beach, boardwalk, dining, and entertainment.
Pending
$1,395,000
23 Short Rd, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
3beds
1,008sqft
Est.:
Single Family Residence
Built in 1960
0.45 Acres Lot
$1,430,200 Zestimate®
$1,384/sqft
$277/mo HOA
What's special
- 10 days |
- 589 |
- 21 |
Zillow last checked: 8 hours ago
Listing updated: February 12, 2026 at 06:51am
Listed by:
LESLIE KOPP 302-541-5207,
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. (302) 539-9040,
Co-Listing Agent: Christi Arndt 302-245-5223,
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Source: Bright MLS,MLS#: DESU2104622
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2
- Full bathrooms: 2
- Main level bathrooms: 2
- Main level bedrooms: 3
Basement
- Area: 0
Heating
- Forced Air, Electric
Cooling
- Central Air, Electric
Appliances
- Included: Microwave, Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Oven/Range - Electric, Refrigerator, Stainless Steel Appliance(s), Washer, Water Heater, Electric Water Heater
Features
- Ceiling Fan(s), Combination Dining/Living, Combination Kitchen/Dining, Combination Kitchen/Living, Entry Level Bedroom, Open Floorplan, Primary Bath(s), Upgraded Countertops, Beamed Ceilings, Vaulted Ceiling(s), Wood Ceilings
- Flooring: Wood
- Has basement: No
- Has fireplace: No
- Fireplace features: Wood Burning Stove
Interior area
- Total structure area: 1,008
- Total interior livable area: 1,008 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 1,008
- Finished area below ground: 0
Video & virtual tour
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 6
- Parking features: Driveway
- Uncovered spaces: 6
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: No Stairs
Features
- Levels: One
- Stories: 1
- Patio & porch: Deck, Porch, Screened, Patio
- Exterior features: Outdoor Shower, Storage
- Pool features: None
Lot
- Size: 0.45 Acres
- Dimensions: 140.00 x 140.00
Details
- Additional structures: Above Grade, Below Grade
- Parcel number: 13417.161.01
- Zoning: RESIDENTIAL
- Special conditions: Standard
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Coastal
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Frame, Stick Built
- Foundation: Block
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1960
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Public
Community & HOA
Community
- Subdivision: Middlesex Beach
HOA
- Has HOA: Yes
- Amenities included: Beach Access
- Services included: Common Area Maintenance, Management, Reserve Funds, Trash
- HOA fee: $3,325 annually
- HOA name: MIDDLESEX BEACH ASSOCIATION
Location
- Region: Bethany Beach
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $1,384/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $41,500
- Annual tax amount: $1,971
- Date on market: 2/10/2026
- Listing agreement: Exclusive Right To Sell
- Listing terms: Cash,Conventional
- Ownership: Fee Simple
Estimated market value
$1,430,200
$1.36M - $1.50M
$2,549/mo
Price history
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2/12/2026 | Pending sale | $1,395,000$1,384/sqft |
Source:  Bright MLS #DESU2104622 Report a problem | ||
| 2/11/2026 | Listed for sale | $1,395,000-39.3%$1,384/sqft |
Source: Bright MLS #DESU2104622 Report a problem | ||
| 5/24/2018 | Sold | $2,300,000$2,282/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $858 +0.1% | $20,750 |
| 2023 | $857 +1.6% | $20,750 |
| 2022 | $843 +3.1% | $20,750 |
| 2021 | $818 +4.8% | $20,750 |
| 2020 | $781 | $20,750 +5.9% |
| 2019 | $781 +15.6% | $19,600 |
| 2018 | $675 -9.7% | $19,600 |
| 2017 | $747 +13.5% | $19,600 |
| 2016 | $658 -3% | $19,600 |
| 2015 | $679 +1.5% | $19,600 |
| 2014 | $669 -1.1% | $19,600 |
| 2013 | $676 -6% | $19,600 |
| 2012 | $719 +0.1% | $19,600 |
| 2011 | $718 | $19,600 |
| 2010 | $718 +0.4% | $19,600 |
| 2009 | $715 | $19,600 |
| 2008 | -- | -- |
| 2007 | -- | -- |
| 2006 | -- | -- |
| 2005 | -- | -- |
| 2004 | -- | -- |
| 2003 | -- | -- |
| 2002 | -- | -- |
| 2001 | -- | -- |
Find assessor info on the county website
BuyAbility℠ payment
Est. payment
$7,855/mo
Principal & interest
$7194
Property taxes
$384
HOA Fees
$277
Climate risks
Neighborhood: 19930
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 7/10Lord Baltimore Elementary SchoolGrades: K-5Distance: 2.7 mi
- 7/10Selbyville Middle SchoolGrades: 6-8Distance: 9.3 mi
- 6/10Indian River High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 9.4 mi
Schools provided by the listing agent
- District: Indian River
Source: Bright MLS. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.
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