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. $2,373 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.