About this home

A truly rare lakefront opportunity in New Castle County awaits at 1 Lake Drive in Bear, Delaware. Situated on approximately 0.62 acres along the water, this extraordinary property combines a substantial homesite, sweeping lake views, exceptional privacy, and a massive custom residence currently under construction. Opportunities offering this combination of lot size, direct proximity to the lake, water views, and nearly 12,000 square feet of potential living space are exceptionally difficult to find in northern Delaware. The existing structure has undergone an ambitious expansion and transformation, giving the next owner the opportunity to take over a remarkable project and complete it according to their own vision. Extensive framing is already in place across multiple levels, with oversized window openings positioned to capture natural light and dramatic views of the surrounding property and lake. The scale of the home provides tremendous flexibility for expansive living and entertaining areas, multiple bedroom suites, home offices, recreation spaces, guest accommodations, fitness areas, or other custom configurations. A substantial rooftop level creates even more possibilities for outdoor living and entertaining with elevated views across the surrounding landscape. Outside, the oversized grounds offer space rarely associated with lakefront property in this part of New Castle County. The property includes an existing in-ground pool area, extensive yard space, mature landscaping, and direct visual connection to the water, creating the foundation for a private resort-style setting. For an owner-occupant, this is an opportunity to finish a one-of-a-kind custom waterfront estate rather than compromise with someone else's design. For a builder or investor, the property's size and distinctive setting may present an equally compelling opportunity. Subject to applicable zoning, licensing and governmental approvals, executive rental, furnished rental, or high-end long-term rental, Disaster Insurance Master Placement, where the combination of extraordinary square footage and a lakefront setting could create a uniquely differentiated offering. Located in Bear, DE, yet offering a setting that feels completely removed from the typical suburban home, 1 Lake Drive is not simply another renovation project-it is a chance to complete a landmark property. Bring your architect, builder and imagination and transform this unfinished canvas into an exceptional Delaware lakefront residence, luxury retreat, or investment property. Property is being offered in its current unfinished condition. Buyer is responsible for verifying square footage, construction status, permits, zoning, long-term rental eligibility and all intended uses. Property is scheduled for Sheriff Sale December 9th.

Facts and features

Schools

• Jones (Albert H.) Elementary School

  elementary · K-5 · 0.9 mi

  6

• Christiana High School

  middle · 6-12 · 1.9 mi

  6

• St. John's Lutheran School

  elementary · 1-8 · 0.7 mi

• Shue-Medill Middle School

  middle · 6-8 · 3.7 mi

  3

• Academia Antonia Alonso

  elementary · K-8 · 0.9 mi

  2

• Highland Mennonite School

  elementary · 1-10 · 0.9 mi

Price history

• Oct 21, 2026 · Price Changed$549,000
• Oct 14, 2026 · Price Changed$600,000
• Sep 12, 2026 · Listed$786,687
• Mar 19, 2023 · Listing Removed—
• Mar 9, 2023 · Listed For Rent$7,500
• Mar 22, 2022 · Sold$675,576
• Feb 15, 2022 · Price Changed$699,000
• Nov 27, 2021 · Listed$747,000

Tax history

• 2025$5,950 tax · $78,900 assessed
• 2024$4,620 tax · $78,900 assessed
• 2023$4,493 tax · $108,500 assessed
• 2022$4,483 tax · $108,500 assessed
• 2021$3,988 tax · $108,500 assessed
• 2020$3,874 tax · $108,500 assessed
• 2019$3,377 tax · $108,500 assessed
• 2018$3,261 tax · $108,000 assessed

Home value

$753,300

• Cotality$753,300
• Quantarium$740,636
• Collateral Analytics$803,000

Where it is