5,368 Sqft Lot
5,368 Sqft Lot
Key Details
Property Type Commercial
Sub Type Other
Listing Status Active
Purchase Type For Sale
Subdivision None Available
MLS Listing ID DESU2120884
Year Built 1900
Annual Tax Amount $3,936
Tax Year 2026
Lot Size 5,368 Sqft
Acres 0.12
Lot Dimensions 54.67 x 110.41 x 41.07 x 56.77 x 56.94
Property Sub-Type Other
Source BRIGHT
Property Description
Rich in local history, this distinctive Queen Anne–style house was originally built for Johnston, a noted diver and salvager of shipwrecks, by his business partner, contractor William H. Virden. The home's architectural character includes an ornate piazza and an elaborate interior staircase crafted from quartersawn red oak. A mid-twentieth-century owner was Otis H. Smith, longtime mayor of Lewes from 1950 to 1968 and head of Fish Products Company, then the town's largest employer. After deteriorating into a rundown rental property by the 1970s, the historic home was subsequently restored and is currently occupied by a business operating under the name "Harvard House."
Boasting 4,012 sq. ft. of primary space across multiple levels along with an additional 2,040 sq. ft. lower level for storage, prep, laundry, and operational support, the footprint offers unmatched scale and versatility. Currently configured as an upscale 105 seat restaurant, the main floor features light-filled dining rooms with hardwood flooring, skylights, a full custom bar, and a charming wrap-around porch with a gazebo area for outdoor seating. Culinary operations are supported by a fully functional kitchen setup featuring a modern, fully integrated dumbwaiter, a convenient modern improvement that serves as a charming nod to classic Victorian architecture (please note: restaurant equipment does not convey with the real estate, but is available for purchase separately). The upper floors offer numerous private rooms, providing endless adaptability. Whether you envision continuing its success as a premier restaurant, converting it into a luxury Bed & Breakfast, establishing high-end retail boutiques, or housing corporate and professional suites, this trophy asset is ready for its next chapter. Rare properties of this distinction and prime location seldom become available; bring your vision to Downtown Lewes today!
Location
State DE
County Sussex
Area Lewes Rehoboth Hundred (31009)
Zoning TN
Interior
Hot Water Propane
Heating Forced Air
Cooling Central A/C, Zoned
Flooring Hardwood, Tile/Brick
Heat Source Propane - Leased
Exterior
Garage Spaces 2.0
Utilities Available Cable TV Available, Phone Available
Water Access N
View Street
Roof Type Shingle
Accessibility 2+ Access Exits, Chairlift
Road Frontage City/County
Total Parking Spaces 2
Garage N
Building
Foundation Block, Brick/Mortar
Sewer Public Sewer
Water Public
New Construction N
Schools
School District Cape Henlopen
Others
Tax ID 335-08.08-47.00
Ownership Fee Simple
Security Features Security System
Acceptable Financing Cash, Conventional
Listing Terms Cash, Conventional
Financing Cash,Conventional
Special Listing Condition Standard
Nearby Locations
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