118 Jefferson Ave, Lewes, DE 19958
Local realty services provided by:Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Murphy & Co.
Listed by: amy j kellenberger
Office: berkshire hathaway homeservices penfed realty
MLS#:DESU2108494
Source:BRIGHTMLS
Price summary
- Price:$1,699,900
- Price per sq. ft.:$679.96
About this home
There are homes… and then there are homes that have lived a life.
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....
Contact an agent
Home facts
- Year built:1800
- Listing ID #:DESU2108494
- Added:1 day(s) ago
- Updated:April 01, 2026 at 08:41 PM
Rooms and interior
- Bedrooms:4
- Total bathrooms:3
- Full bathrooms:3
- Flooring:Hardwood, Tile/Brick
- Dining Description:Dining Room
- Bathrooms Description:Bathroom 2, Primary Bathroom
- Kitchen Description:Breakfast Area, Combination Kitchen/Living, Dishwasher, Disposal, Icemaker, Microwave, Oven/Range - Gas, Refrigerator, Water Heater
- Bedroom Description:Entry Level Bedroom, Primary Bedroom
- Living area:2,500 sq. ft.
Heating and cooling
- Cooling:Central A/C, Zoned
- Heating:Forced Air, Propane - Leased
Structure and exterior
- Roof:Architectural Shingle
- Year built:1800
- Building area:2,500 sq. ft.
- Lot area:0.13 Acres
- Lot Features:Landscaping
- Architectural Style:Victorian
- Construction Materials:Cedar, Stick Built
- Exterior Features:Patio(s), Porch(es), Screened, Sidewalks
- Foundation Description:Block, Crawl Space
- Levels:2 Stories
Schools
- High school:CAPE HENLOPEN
Utilities
- Water:Public
- Sewer:Public Sewer
Finances and disclosures
- Price:$1,699,900
- Price per sq. ft.:$679.96
- Tax amount:$2,437 (2025)
Features and amenities
- Laundry features:Dryer - Electric, Has Laundry, Laundry, Washer
- Amenities:200+ Amp Service, Attic, Cable TV Available, Ceiling Fan(s), Electric Available, Exposed Beams, Phone Available, Skylight(s), Window Treatments
Parking
- Parking description:Off Street
New listings near 118 Jefferson Ave
$610,800Active3 beds 2 baths1,423 sq. ft.1111 Boat Dock Ct, LEWES, DE 19958
MLS# DESU2105636Listed by: TESLA REALTY GROUP, LLC- New
$1,899,900Active5 beds 4 baths5,571 sq. ft.35788 Tarpon Dr, LEWES, DE 19958
MLS# DESU2108510Listed by: MONUMENT SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY - New
$1,112,888Active4 beds 4 baths3,200 sq. ft.11864 Haslet Rd, LEWES, DE 19958
MLS# DESU2107726Listed by: BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES PENFED REALTY - Coming Soon
$799,999Coming Soon4 beds 3 baths33757 Heron Dr, LEWES, DE 19958
MLS# DESU2108536Listed by: PATTERSON-SCHWARTZ-NEWARK - New
$975,000Active5 beds 3 baths3,885 sq. ft.33616 Stonington Dr, LEWES, DE 19958
MLS# DESU2107072Listed by: RE/MAX PROFESSIONAL REALTY - Coming Soon
$2,395,000Coming Soon4 beds 4 baths237 2nd St, LEWES, DE 19958
MLS# DESU2107918Listed by: LONG & FOSTER REAL ESTATE, INC. - New
$555,000Active3 beds 2 baths1,855 sq. ft.16511 Greenspring Ave, LEWES, DE 19958
MLS# DESU2108294Listed by: ACTIVE ADULTS REALTY - New
$84,500Active2 beds 2 baths924 sq. ft.30217 Holly Ln, LEWES, DE 19958
MLS# DESU2105006Listed by: KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY - New
$376,900Active3 beds 2 baths1,664 sq. ft.34993 South #c-09, LEWES, DE 19958
MLS# DESU2108484Listed by: INVESTORS REALTY, INC.
Protect your home and budget from life's surprises with an Assurant Home Warranty, backed by a partner that supports you through every step of homeownership. Explore Plans.
© 2026 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. An Anywhere Real Estate company. All rights reserved. Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate is a registered trademark owned by Meredith Operations Corporation, licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC and used with permission. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Listing information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate.
Each office is independently owned and operated.
Any services or products provided by third parties are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC, or its affiliated companies.