Just steps from the Indian River Bay and the VFW, this fully renovated 1950s beach cottage in Ocean View offers a rare blend of vintage charm, thoughtful modern upgrades, income potential, and future development opportunity with a second buildable lot. From the moment you arrive, the character of this home is evident, surrounded by lush landscaping, mature greenery, and a variety of fruit trees that create a peaceful, private coastal retreat. The main house is filled with warmth and personality, featuring hardwood floors, exposed beams, and rich wood paneling that honor its original character, while key updates provide comfort and functionality. The inviting living space is anchored by a brick accented fireplace with a wood burning stove, perfect for cozy evenings year round. Renovated bathrooms, updated wiring throughout, beautiful tile flooring, ceiling fans in every bedroom, and central AC ensure the home lives as comfortably as it looks. The eat in kitchen is both charming and functional, complete with a Viking range and ample space to gather. As an added bonus, you will even enjoy a slight bay peek through the kitchen window while doing dishes, a subtle reminder of just how close you are to the water. Adding to the property’s versatility is the detached 2 car garage, which has been thoughtfully converted into a successful Airbnb suite known as the Surf Shack. This private guest space includes a bedroom, full bath, mini split system, and new roof, and has consistently generated $18,000 to $25,000 annually, making it ideal for supplemental income, guest accommodations, or a private retreat. The outdoor setting is equally impressive. The 20 by 40 ft in ground pool is perfectly positioned on the second buildable lot, offering endless potential, whether you envision building an additional home, expanding outdoor living space, or simply enjoying the extra privacy and flexibility of owning nearly 3 tenths of an acre in this desirable location. With close proximity to the Indian River Bay, local favorites, and just minutes to Bethany Beach, this property truly offers the best of coastal living, whether you are searching for a primary residence, vacation getaway, or investment opportunity. Opportunities like this are few and far between. Do not miss your chance to own a unique piece of Delaware beach history with room to grow.
For sale
$865,000
38706 River Rd, Ocean View, DE 19970
3beds
1,900sqft
Est.:
Single Family Residence
Built in 1958
0.69 Acres Lot
$824,500 Zestimate®
$455/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Central acRenovated bathroomsUpdated wiring throughoutVintage charmNew roofMature greeneryPrivate guest space
- 28 days |
- 1,939 |
- 99 |
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Krystal Casey 302-604-4683,
Keller Williams Realty (302) 360-0300,
Listing Team: The Coastal Collective Group
Source: Bright MLS,MLS#: DESU2106310
Tour with a local agent
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, Heat Pump, Propane
Cooling
- Heat Pump, Central Air, Electric
Appliances
- Included: Electric Water Heater
Features
- Flooring: Hardwood, Ceramic Tile
- Has basement: No
- Number of fireplaces: 1
Interior area
- Total structure area: 1,900
- Total interior livable area: 1,900 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 1,900
- Finished area below ground: 0
Video & virtual tour
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Garage Faces Front, Storage, Detached, Driveway, On Street, Off Street
- Garage spaces: 2
- Has uncovered spaces: Yes
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: 2+ Access Exits
Features
- Levels: One
- Stories: 1
- Has private pool: Yes
- Pool features: In Ground, Private
Lot
- Size: 0.69 Acres
- Dimensions: 170 x 100 and 103 x 128
- Features: Additional Lot(s)
Details
- Additional structures: Above Grade, Below Grade
- Additional parcels included: 13405.00196.00
- Parcel number: 13405.00195.00
- Zoning: MR
- Special conditions: Standard
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Cottage
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Frame, Stick Built
- Foundation: Permanent
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1958
- Major remodel year: 2018
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Well
Community & HOA
Community
- Subdivision: None Available
HOA
- Has HOA: No
Location
- Region: Ocean View
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $455/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $547,100
- Annual tax amount: $1,459
- Date on market: 4/16/2026
- Listing agreement: Exclusive Right To Sell
- Ownership: Fee Simple
Estimated market value
$824,500
$783,000 - $866,000
$2,407/mo
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 4/16/2026 | Listed for sale | $865,000-3.9%$455/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 10/17/2025 | Listing removed | $900,000$474/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 6/18/2025 | Listed for sale | $900,000+230.9%$474/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 10/26/2018 | Sold | $272,000$143/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $1,460 +33.8% | $273,550 +1313.7% |
| 2024 | $1,091 -2.8% | $19,350 |
| 2023 | $1,122 +1.2% | $19,350 |
| 2022 | $1,109 +2.2% | $19,350 |
| 2021 | $1,086 -0.5% | $19,350 |
| 2020 | $1,091 | $19,350 |
| 2019 | $1,091 +6.6% | $19,350 |
| 2018 | $1,024 -4.4% | $19,350 |
| 2017 | $1,071 +8.2% | $19,350 |
| 2016 | $989 -2% | $19,350 |
| 2015 | $1,009 +1% | $19,350 |
| 2014 | $999 -0.7% | $19,350 |
| 2013 | $1,006 -1.7% | $19,350 |
| 2012 | $1,023 -2.5% | $19,350 |
| 2011 | $1,049 | $19,350 |
| 2010 | $1,049 +0.3% | $19,350 |
| 2009 | $1,046 | $19,350 |
| 2008 | -- | -- |
| 2007 | -- | -- |
| 2006 | -- | -- |
| 2005 | -- | -- |
| 2004 | -- | -- |
| 2003 | -- | -- |
| 2002 | -- | -- |
| 2001 | -- | -- |
Find assessor info on the county website
Monthly payment
Est. payment$--/mo
Payment breakdown
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All calculations are estimates and provided by Zillow, Inc. for informational purposes only. Actual amounts may vary.
HOA fees may include property taxes on listings classified as Co-Ops. Contact the listing agent and/or owner for fee details.
Mortgage interest rates are dependent on a number of factors, including credit score, down payment, and repayment length. Interest rate data provided by Zillow Group Marketplace, Inc. as of 1/1/1970 from various mortgage lenders with which we have lead or other similar arrangements; the Estimated Payment is an average of those rates.
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Climate risks
Neighborhood: 19970
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 7/10Lord Baltimore Elementary SchoolGrades: K-5Distance: 3.1 mi
- 7/10Selbyville Middle SchoolGrades: 6-8Distance: 11.1 mi
- 6/10Indian River High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 8.8 mi
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Lord Baltimore
- Middle: Selbyville
- High: Indian River
- 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.
A local agent can set up tours, give advice and negotiate with sellers.
A local lender can help you make sure your offer is ready when you are.
- Delaware
- Sussex County
- Ocean View
- 19970
- 38706 River Rd




