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.
Single-familyProperty Type
1960Year Built
0.45 acresLot Size
$1,384Price/Sq.Ft.
$277/moHOA Dues
6 spacesParking
Listed by LESLIE KOPP• Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
•302-539-9040 (broker)
Listed by CHRISTI ARNDT• Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
•302-539-9040 (broker)
Bought with TREVOR A. CLARK• 1ST CHOICE PROPERTIES LLC
Est. $2,524 per month, based on comparable rentals
Sale and tax history for 23 Short Rd
Sale History
Tax History
Date
Event
Price
BRIGHT MLS #DESU2104622
Jun 15, 2026
Sold
$1,395,000
$1,384/sq ft
Feb 12, 2026
Pending
—
Feb 10, 2026
Listed
$1,395,000
$1,384/sq ft
BRIGHT MLS #1001360974
May 6, 2005
Sold
$675,000
$670/sq ft
Feb 26, 2005
Listing Removed
—
Jan 11, 2005
Listed
$697,500
$692/sq ft
Fun beach house- only short distance to beach. large screened porch on a large lot. Free Standing Fireplace
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2026
$1,964 (−0.4%)
$253,000 + $208,350
$461,350
2025
$1,971 (+129.7%)
$253,000 + $208,350
$461,350
2024
$858 (+0.1%)
$253,000 + $208,350
$461,350
2023
$857 (+1.6%)
$8,750 + $12,000
$20,750
2022
$843 (+3.1%)
$8,750 + $12,000
$20,750
2021
$818 (+4.8%)
$8,750 + $12,000
$20,750
2020
$781 (+15.6%)
$8,750 + $12,000
$20,750
2019
$675 (−8.9%)
$8,750 + $12,000
$20,750
2018
$741 (−0.8%)
$8,750 + $10,850
$19,600
2017
$747 (+13.6%)
$8,750 + $10,850
$19,600
2016
$658 (−1.5%)
$8,750 + $10,850
$19,600
2014
$668
$8,750 + $10,850
$19,600
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Beds
—
Baths
—
Stories
—
Lot width
140 ft.
Lot depth
140 ft.
Lot size
0.45 Acres
Year renovated
—
Sq. Ft.
—
Year built
—
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Sussex County
APN
134-17.16-1.01
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Aug 24, 2026.
MR
Medium-Density Residential
The purpose of this district is to provide for medium-density residential development in areas which are or which are expected to become generally urban in character, but where sanitary sewers and public water supplies may or may not be available at the time of construction, together with such churches, recreational facilities and accessory uses as may be necessary or are normally compatible with residential surroundings. The district is located to protect existing development of this character and contains vacant land considered appropriate for such development in the future.
Outdoor Living Structures: Deck(s), Porch(es), Screened, Patio(s)
Structure Type: Detached
Exterior Information
Outside Shower, Secure Storage
Lot Information
Lot Size Dimensions: 140.00 x 140.00
Lot Dimensions Source: Assessor
Tidal Water: No
Above Grade Information
Finished Sq.Ft.: 1,008
Finished Sq.Ft. Source: Estimated
Below Grade Information
Unfinished Sq.Ft. Source: Assessor
Finished Sq.Ft. Source: Assessor
Financial
Tax Information
County Tax: $197
School Tax: $1,773
Tax Year: 2025
Tax Annual Amount: $1,971
Utilities
Utilities Information
Central Air
Cooling Type: Central A/C
Cooling Fuel: Electric
Forced Air
Heating Fuel: Electric
Hot Water: Electric
Sewer Septic: Public Sewer
Water Source: Public
Location
Homeowners Association Information
HOA/Condo/Coop Fee Includes: Common Area Maintenance, Management, Reserve Funds, Trash
HOA/Condo/Coop Amenities: Beach
HOA Fee: $3,325
HOA Fee Frequency: Annually
School Information
School District Name: INDIAN RIVER
School District Source: Listing Agent
Location Information
Outside City Limits
Sussex DE Quadrants: Between Rt 1 & 113
Directions: From downtown Bethany turn South onto Route One just past Sea Colony turn Right on Short Rd, Home will be on Right
Public facts
Beds: —
Baths: —
Sq. Ft.: —
Stories: —
Lot Size: 0.45 acres
Style: Single Family Residential
Year Built: —
Year Renovated: —
County: Sussex County
APN: 134-17.16-1.01
Home facts updated by county records on Aug 24, 2026
Around this home
Schools
Lord Baltimore Elementary School
Public K-5 • Assigned • 2.7mi
8/10
Selbyville Middle School
Public 6-8 • Assigned • 9.3mi
7/10
Indian River High School
Public 9-12 • Assigned • 9.4mi
6/10
Provided by GreatSchools
Climate risks
6/10 Flood Factor
Estimated 68-76% chance of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
8/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 99° expected this year, 17 days in 30 years
8/10 Wind Factor
80% chance of strong winds in next 30 years
2/10 Air Factor
0 unhealthy days expected this year, 1 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Bethany Beach, DE • 19930
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
40
27
44
30
56
41
64
49
70
57
80
67
84
72
77
67
74
66
66
54
59
44
47
33
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
93/ 100
Exceptional sunlight
Sunscore
This home receives average direct sun exposure in Bethany Beach. There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
9.7 hrs
6.5 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Estimated sale price
$1.23M – $1.48M
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