1 bed waterfront cottage 891 sqft

A renovated 1957 fisherman’s cottage on a point overlooking Taskmaker Creek and the Chesapeake Bay in Reedville, Virginia, with a screened porch and private pier, listed at $425,000.

Some homes sell square footage. This one sells a view.

On a point of land in the small Fleeton Beach community near Reedville, Virginia, sits a historic fisherman’s cottage with water on nearly every side. Taskmaker Creek is right outside. The Chesapeake Bay stretches out beyond it.

The cottage itself is small. One bedroom, roughly 891 square feet. But step onto the waterside screened porch, watch a boat glide past on the Bay, and the size stops mattering very quickly.

According to the owner, the property is not in a designated flood zone and flood insurance is not required. For a waterfront home on the Chesapeake, that is a detail that gets attention.

Here is a closer look at this Reedville cottage, and what to think about before buying a small home with a very big setting.

Property Overview

• Location: Fleeton Beach community, Reedville, Virginia
• List price: $425,000
• Bedrooms: 1, plus a sleeper sofa in the living area
• Living area: approximately 891 square feet
• Year built: 1957
• Style: renovated historic fisherman’s cottage
• Water: Taskmaker Creek and Chesapeake Bay views
• Notable features: waterside screened porch, back deck, new private pier, exposed beams, open living, dining and kitchen area, expansive windows and sliding glass doors
• Utilities: public sewer and private artesian well
• Community: private roads, community beach and kayak launch, annual fee of $150
• Flood zone: owner states the property is not in a designated flood zone (buyers should verify)
• Optional: adjoining waterfront lot available for an additional $100,000

The Setting

Everything about this home starts with where it sits.

The cottage is situated on a beautiful point of land. A point is one of the most desirable positions on any waterfront, because the water wraps around more than one side. That means wider views, more sky and more sunrises and sunsets to choose from.

The listing says the cottage offers breathtaking water views from nearly every angle. In a house this size, that matters. Every room borrows space from the outdoors.

The Screened Porch

If there is one feature that sells this cottage, it is the spacious waterside screened porch.

On the Chesapeake, a screened porch is not a luxury. It is how you actually enjoy summer evenings without fighting off insects. It is where you eat dinner, read a book, take a nap or simply sit and watch the water change color as the sun goes down.

This one overlooks the water directly. Imagine morning coffee with fishing boats heading out, or a late summer storm rolling across the Bay while you stay dry and comfortable.

It is easy to see why this porch is the first thing people notice.

The Back Deck

In addition to the screened porch, the cottage has a back deck.

Decks extend the living space outdoors and are ideal for grilling, sunbathing and gatherings with friends.

The listing also notes that a portion of the existing deck may offer the possibility of being enclosed to create an additional bedroom, subject to county approval. That could be a meaningful way to add space without changing the cottage’s footprint dramatically.

Anyone considering that idea should speak with Northumberland County about permits, setbacks and any shoreline regulations before making plans.

The Private Pier

The property includes a new pier.

For waterfront buyers, a pier can be worth a great deal. It provides a place to fish, tie up a small boat, launch a kayak or simply sit with your feet over the water.

Because the pier is new, the next owner should not have to worry about replacing aging pilings or decking anytime soon. Ask for any permits, warranties or documentation tied to its construction.

Also ask about water depth at the end of the pier, especially at low tide, if you plan to keep a boat there.

Open Living, Dining and Kitchen

Inside, the cottage features an open living, dining and kitchen area.

Open layouts are especially effective in small homes. With no walls between the main spaces, the room feels larger, light travels farther and the views reach deeper into the house.

Expansive windows and sliding glass doors bring the outdoors inside. In a waterfront cottage, that is exactly the point. The water becomes part of the decor.

Exposed Beams and Character Details

The interior features exposed beams and traditional baseboards.

Exposed beams add warmth and texture, and they suit a fisherman’s cottage perfectly. They are a reminder that this was a working waterfront home before it became a getaway.

The renovation appears to have kept that character while updating the cottage for modern comfort.

The Bedroom

The cottage has one bedroom.

For a couple, a solo owner or a weekend retreat, that is often all you need. A sleeper sofa in the living area can accommodate additional guests.

Buyers who need more space should think carefully about how they would use the home. The possible deck enclosure and the adjoining lot both offer future options, but neither is guaranteed without approvals.

The Adjoining Waterfront Lot

One of the most interesting parts of this listing is the additional lot.

An adjoining waterfront lot is available for $100,000. The buyer of the cottage gets the first opportunity to purchase it before it is offered separately.

That is a valuable option. Owning the neighboring lot could protect your privacy and views. It might also open the door to future building, depending on county rules, septic or sewer availability, and environmental regulations along the shoreline.

Before buying it, ask about its size, buildability, any easements and whether a survey is available.

Fleeton Beach Community

Fleeton Beach is a small waterfront community near Reedville.

The annual fee is only $150. It covers maintenance of the private roads and common areas, including a community beach and kayak launch.

That is an unusually low fee for access to shared waterfront amenities. A community beach is a wonderful bonus for a cottage owner, giving you a sandy spot on the Bay in addition to your own shoreline.

Utilities: Public Sewer and Artesian Well

The cottage is served by public sewer and a private artesian well.

Public sewer is a real advantage on the water. Septic systems near shorelines can be expensive to maintain or replace, and they often face strict regulations.

An artesian well draws from a deep, pressurized aquifer. Buyers should still have the water tested for quality and ask about the well’s age and pump condition.

The Flood Zone Question

The listing says that, according to the owner, the property is not located in a designated flood zone and flood insurance is not required.

That could mean meaningful savings, since flood insurance on waterfront homes can be expensive. But the listing also encourages buyers to verify this independently, and that is good advice.

Check the current FEMA flood maps, ask your lender how they classify the property, and consider getting an elevation certificate. Even outside a designated flood zone, waterfront properties can still face storm surge and rising water. Many owners choose to carry flood insurance anyway for peace of mind.

Roof, Structure and Systems

The cottage was built in 1957 and has been renovated, but buyers should still ask for details.

Find out what the renovation included, when it was done and whether permits were pulled. Ask about the roof’s age, the electrical panel, plumbing and the heating and cooling system.

Waterfront homes face salt air, humidity and wind. Look for corrosion on exterior hardware and HVAC equipment, and check for moisture in the crawlspace or under the floors.

Reedville, Virginia

Reedville is a historic fishing village on Virginia’s Northern Neck.

The town has a long history tied to the menhaden fishing industry. Its main street is lined with Victorian homes built during the town’s most prosperous years, and the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum tells the story of that maritime heritage.

The listing notes that Reedville is a short distance away by car or boat, offering restaurants, shops and the museum. Being able to reach town by boat is a special part of waterfront life here.

Reedville is also known as a departure point for ferries to Tangier and Smith islands, making it a gateway to some of the Chesapeake’s most unique places.

Owner-Occupant Potential

For a couple or single buyer who wants a quiet life on the water, this cottage could be ideal.

Its small size means lower maintenance and utility costs. Its setting delivers the kind of daily experience that many people only get on vacation.

It could also be a perfect retirement home for someone ready to trade square footage for sunsets.

Vacation and Rental Potential

Many buyers will see this as a weekend getaway.

The Northern Neck draws visitors from Richmond, Northern Virginia and beyond, especially during the warmer months. A waterfront cottage with a screened porch, pier and community beach access could be appealing as a vacation rental.

Before planning on rental income, check Northumberland County’s rules on short-term rentals and any Fleeton Beach community guidelines. Factor in cleaning, management, insurance and seasonal demand.

Financing Options

Several loan options may work for this property.

Conventional loans are common for second homes and primary residences alike. Second-home loans often require higher down payments than primary residences.

FHA loans are generally for primary residences only and require the home to meet FHA standards.

VA loans can be a strong option for eligible veterans planning to live in the home full time.

USDA loans are designed for rural areas, and parts of Virginia’s Northern Neck may qualify. Eligibility must be checked for the specific address, and the home must be a primary residence.

The FHA 203(k) program could help if you want to finance improvements like enclosing the deck.

If you plan to buy the adjoining lot as well, ask your lender whether it can be included or will need separate financing. Lot loans often have different terms.

Insurance Considerations

Insurance is one of the biggest ongoing costs of owning a waterfront home.

Even if flood insurance is not required, ask for quotes. Also check windstorm and hurricane coverage, which may have separate deductibles in coastal Virginia.

Ask insurers how the new pier, the roof’s age and the home’s elevation affect premiums.

Renovation and Improvement Ideas

• Enclose part of the deck as a second bedroom, subject to county approval
• Add outdoor lighting along the pier and porch
• Install a kayak or paddleboard rack near the water
• Create a fire pit area facing the sunset
• Upgrade windows for storm protection and efficiency
• Add native shoreline plantings to reduce erosion
• Consider the adjoining lot for privacy or a future guest cottage

Due Diligence Questions to Ask

• Can the flood zone status be confirmed with current FEMA maps and an elevation certificate?
• What did the renovation include, and were permits obtained?
• How old is the roof?
• When was the pier built, and are permits on file?
• What is the water depth at the pier at low tide?
• Has the artesian well water been tested recently?
• What type of heating and cooling does the cottage have?
• Is there any shoreline erosion or bulkhead in place?
• What would the county require to enclose part of the deck?
• How large is the adjoining lot, and is it buildable?
• Are short-term rentals allowed?
• What are the annual property taxes?

Inspection Is Essential

Waterfront homes need a careful inspection.

Start with a general home inspection. Add a well water test, a pier inspection and, if possible, an evaluation of the shoreline and any bulkhead or riprap.

Look closely at the crawlspace, the underside of the porch and deck, and any metal exposed to salt air. These are the places where waterfront wear tends to show up first.

The Price in Context

At $425,000, this cottage is priced for its location, not its size.

That works out to a higher price per square foot than a typical inland home. Waterfront property on the Chesapeake follows different rules. Buyers are paying for the point, the views, the pier and the access to the Bay.

Compare it to other waterfront homes in Reedville and the Northern Neck. Larger homes on the water in the area often list for much more, which puts this cottage in a more approachable range for buyers who want to be on the Bay.

The adjoining lot at $100,000 adds another layer to consider. For some buyers, owning both could be the smartest long-term move.

Final Thoughts

This Reedville cottage proves that a home does not have to be big to be special.

A screened porch on the water. A new pier. Views of Taskmaker Creek and the Chesapeake Bay from nearly every window. A quiet community with a beach and a kayak launch for just $150 a year.

It is the kind of place where days are measured by tides and sunsets. For the right buyer, that is worth far more than extra square feet.

See the Listing  From the Zillow listing:

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