4 Beds
3 Baths
480 SqFt
4 Beds
3 Baths
480 SqFt
Key Details
Property Type Single Family Home
Sub Type Detached
Listing Status Under Contract
Purchase Type For Sale
Square Footage 480 sqft
Price per Sqft $3,541
Subdivision None Available
MLS Listing ID DESU2108494
Style Victorian
Bedrooms 4
Full Baths 3
HOA Y/N N
Abv Grd Liv Area 480
Year Built 1910
Annual Tax Amount $2,437
Tax Year 2025
Lot Size 5,663 Sqft
Acres 0.13
Lot Dimensions 60.00 x 101.00
Property Sub-Type Detached
Source BRIGHT
Property Description
Tucked along one of Lewes' most cherished streets, 118 Jefferson Avenue stands as the oldest home on the block, thoughtfully positioned on the highest ground—chosen generations ago for both practicality and promise. From the very beginning, this home wasn't just built… it was placed with intention. Step inside, and history reveals itself in the quietest, most beautiful ways. In the dining room, original ceiling planks—with their natural live edges—remain, offering a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship of another era. These are the kinds of details that cannot be recreated… only preserved. Long before neighboring homes filled in the street, this property offered open views toward the Delaware Bay. It's said that a Delaware Bay pilot once lived here, watching from the upstairs porch for ships approaching the coast—ready to ride into town and secure the job of guiding vessels safely ashore. Imagine being on that very porch today, with a coffee, where history once unfolded in real time. Over the decades, 118 Jefferson has evolved—yet never lost its soul. In the mid-1900s, the home reflected Lewes' working-class roots. A local mover, George Layton, lived here with his family, leaving behind small but meaningful marks—like the carved initials “GAE” still etched into the front steps. The backyard once held peach trees and even goats, a reminder of simpler times when life here was deeply connected to the land. By the early 2000s, the home was ready for its next chapter. A full renovation—led by a local mayor and contractor—brought new life to the property, blending modern comforts with historic preservation. Later owners continued that vision, expanding the home with a family room, kitchen, laundry, and screened porch, while thoughtfully reusing original materials—like attic floorboards that now grace the dining room. The current owners carried that stewardship forward with care and passion—enhancing the home while honoring its past. From a new roof and irrigation system to custom ironwork gates handcrafted by G. Krug & Sons (est. 1840)—one of the oldest ironworks in the United States—every improvement reflects a respect for quality and legacy. Even the smallest details tell a story: artifacts discovered beneath the home during foundation work, lovingly saved… a rescued beagle who inspired custom fencing… evenings spent under the glow of garden lighting as hummingbirds visit the blooming calla lilies. And then, there is the lifestyle. Here, you're not just buying a home—you're becoming part of a historic coastal community. From your front porch, you can greet neighbors strolling by. From your backyard, you can retreat into privacy beneath mature trees. And not far, life in Lewes unfolds: Explore trails at the end of the block, wander over to Zwaanendael Museum and Stango Park for summer concerts, Enjoy evenings at Canalfront Park, Visit the Lewes Public Library for the annual History Book Festival, Shop fresh, local goods at the Lewes Farmers Market And each Fourth of July, the beloved Doo-Dah Parade passes right by—an experience that captures the heart of Lewes and the spirit of Americana. For years, this home has even hosted visiting authors during the town's literary festival—many of whom fell so in love with its charm that they returned again and again. 118 Jefferson Avenue is more than a historic property—it is a place where stories have been written, preserved, and passed on. Now, it's ready for its next chapter.
Location
State DE
County Sussex
Area Lewes Rehoboth Hundred (31009)
Zoning TN
Rooms
Other Rooms Living Room, Dining Room, Primary Bedroom, Bedroom 2, Bedroom 3, Kitchen, Foyer, Great Room, Laundry, Other, Bathroom 2, Attic, Primary Bathroom, Screened Porch
Main Level Bedrooms 1
Interior
Interior Features Attic, Breakfast Area, Ceiling Fan(s), Combination Kitchen/Living, Entry Level Bedroom, Skylight(s), Window Treatments, Exposed Beams
Hot Water Propane
Heating Forced Air
Cooling Central A/C, Zoned
Flooring Hardwood, Tile/Brick
Equipment Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer - Electric, Icemaker, Microwave, Oven/Range - Gas, Refrigerator, Washer, Water Heater
Furnishings No
Fireplace N
Window Features Screens
Appliance Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer - Electric, Icemaker, Microwave, Oven/Range - Gas, Refrigerator, Washer, Water Heater
Heat Source Propane - Leased
Laundry Has Laundry, Main Floor
Exterior
Exterior Feature Patio(s), Porch(es), Screened
Fence Fully, Rear, Wood
Utilities Available Sewer Available, Water Available, Phone Available, Electric Available, Cable TV Available
Water Access N
Roof Type Architectural Shingle
Street Surface Paved
Accessibility None
Porch Patio(s), Porch(es), Screened
Road Frontage City/County
Garage N
Building
Lot Description Landscaping
Story 2
Foundation Block, Crawl Space
Above Ground Finished SqFt 480
Sewer Public Sewer
Water Public
Architectural Style Victorian
Level or Stories 2
Additional Building Above Grade, Below Grade
Structure Type Vaulted Ceilings
New Construction N
Schools
School District Cape Henlopen
Others
Pets Allowed Y
Senior Community No
Tax ID 335-08.12-58.00
Ownership Fee Simple
SqFt Source 480
Acceptable Financing Cash, Conventional
Listing Terms Cash, Conventional
Financing Cash,Conventional
Special Listing Condition Standard
Pets Allowed Cats OK, Dogs OK
Nearby Locations