A truly one-of-a-kind waterfront estate offering 82+ acres across three parcels in historic Crisfield, Maryland. Known as the legendary "Home of the Terrapin King," this extraordinary property seamlessly blends Chesapeake Bay history with breathtaking waterfront living. Learn more about the property's fascinating story at www.TerrapinKing.org.
Built in 1925, this beautifully updated residence offers approximately 2,921 square feet of living space with 5 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Surrounded by water on three sides, nearly every room showcases spectacular panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay, tidal marshes, and unforgettable sunsets.
Extensive recent improvements make this historic home move-in ready while preserving its timeless coastal character. Updates include new luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, updated lighting, new plumbing, a new water treatment system, new sump pumps and drainage systems with backflow valve preventers, and most mini-split HVAC units replaced within the past few months. The home is being offered fully furnished, making it ideal as a primary residence, vacation home, or turnkey investment property.
The spacious primary suite features a pellet stove, double closets, and sweeping waterfront views. One of the home's most iconic spaces, the Captain's Room, features expansive bay windows that create the feeling of standing at the helm of a ship overlooking the Chesapeake. Two screened porches and a second-story balcony provide multiple spaces to relax and enjoy the peaceful waterfront setting.
The estate encompasses over 82 acres, including approximately 20 acres of upland, with the balance consisting of pristine waterfront, marshlands, and natural habitat. Private trails offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, hunting, and exploring, while the property's private beach and dock provide direct access to boating, fishing, kayaking, and all that the Chesapeake Bay has to offer.
Additional exterior improvements include the removal of all former beach pilings, installation of additional riprap for shoreline stabilization, and backfilling of the yard, further enhancing the property's usability and protecting the shoreline.
Beyond its exceptional waterfront lifestyle, this property presents exciting future possibilities. The seller has obtained a conceptual site plan prepared by GMB of Salisbury outlining the potential placement of approximately 3–4 tiny homes within portions of the upland acreage. Buyers should review the listing documents for the proposed layout. Any future development remains subject to all required governmental approvals, permitting, environmental review, and applicable regulations. One of the property's most valuable features is its existing connection to city sewer, an uncommon and highly desirable amenity for a waterfront estate of this size that can significantly reduce future infrastructure costs.
Steeped in history as the former headquarters of Albert Tallmadge LaVallette Jr.'s renowned terrapin enterprise, this remarkable estate has become one of Maryland's most recognizable waterfront landmarks. The property currently operates as a successful short-term rental, and the seller reports annual gross short-term rental income approaching $100,000, offering exceptional income potential while serving as a truly unforgettable waterfront retreat.
Whether you're searching for a private estate, an income-producing investment, a family compound, or a once-in-a-lifetime Chesapeake Bay property, 1 Lavallette Road delivers unmatched history, privacy, recreation, development potential, and panoramic waterfront beauty.
Fireplaces convey As-Is. Total acreage is approximately 82+ acres, including approximately 20 acres of upland. Furnishings included with acceptable terms.
