Here's a question most beach buyers never get to ask: What would I do with a third of an acre at the coast? Most Surfside Beach homes sit on one lot, with a driveway that fits two cars if everybody breathes in.
326 Bay Avenue flips that script. It's a raised beach cottage sitting on four lots — about 16,240 square feet — with Gulf, bay, and beach views from a wraparound deck. There's a palapa for shade, a sand volleyball court for bragging rights, and enough parking for the truck, the boat, and whatever your brother-in-law shows up in.
Let's walk through what you get, what to know before you buy, and who this place fits best.
The Quick Facts
Address | 326 Bay Avenue, Surfside Beach, TX 77541 |
|---|---|
Price | $299,000 |
Bedrooms | 2 |
Bathrooms | 1 full bath + 1 half bath (on the deck) |
Living space | 713 sq. ft. |
Lot size | 0.37 acres (about 16,240 sq. ft. across four lots) |
Year built | 1965 |
Views | Gulf, bay, beach, and water |
Construction | Raised substructure, composition roof |
Utilities | Public water, septic system |
Taxes | About $4,239 per year |
MLS® # | 77897044 |
Four Lots Is the Headline
On the Texas coast, land is the part they aren't making more of. Four lots give you something rare in Surfside Beach: elbow room.
Here's what that space does for you:
- Parking for everything — cars, a boat trailer, golf cart, and beach gear without a Tetris game every morning
- Room to play — the sand volleyball court and palapa already prove it
- Room to grow — depending on local rules, some buyers look at adding on, rebuilding later, or holding extra land
Got big plans? Check with the Village of Surfside Beach on zoning, building, and permit rules first. Every coastal town has its own playbook.
Life on the Wraparound Deck
This cottage is built for being outside. The wraparound deck catches Gulf and bay views, and the half bath sits right on the deck, so sandy feet stay out of the house. (Your future self will thank you.)
Add the enclosed outdoor shower and a detached laundry room, and beach days get a whole lot easier. Rinse off, toss the towels in the wash, and head back out.
The palapa-style gathering area is the spot for shade, fish tacos, and "one more round" on the volleyball court.
Inside the Cottage
At 713 square feet, this is a true beach cottage — simple, easy to keep up, and made for spending time outside. The open living, dining, and kitchen area keeps everyone together. Both bedrooms are on the upper level, and vinyl plank flooring stands up to sand and wet flip-flops.
Appliances are included:
- Refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave
- Electric range and oven
- Washer and dryer
Cooling and heating come from ceiling fans, window units, and a wall heater. Built in 1965, the home has classic beach-cottage bones and a raised build.
What to Check Before You Buy at the Coast
Honest homework now saves headaches later. Here's the short list:
- Inspection. A 1965 home at the beach deserves a good look. Get a full inspection, including the raised structure, roof, and deck.
- Septic system. The home uses a septic system. Have it inspected, and learn the basics from the TCEQ On-Site Sewage Facilities program.
- Flood zone and elevation. Look up the address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and get flood insurance quotes early.
- Windstorm insurance. Most coastal Texas homes need it. Learn how it works through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA).
- Rental rules (if investing). Planning to rent it out short-term? Confirm current local rules before you run numbers.
Property taxes run about $4,239 per year. Check current values with the Brazoria County Appraisal District. This kind of homework is exactly where a local broker like Carter Signature Properties earns their keep.
Who This Cottage Is Perfect For
- Weekend-getaway buyers from Greater Houston who want a simple, easy beach place about an hour from home
- Boaters and anglers who need real parking for the rig
- Families and friend groups who'd rather be on the deck or the volleyball court than inside
- Long-range planners who see four lots in Brazoria County as room to grow
Life in Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach is the easygoing side of the upper Texas coast — small-town, flip-flop friendly, and close to beach days, fishing, and boating. Freeport, Lake Jackson, and the rest of Brazoria County are a short drive away, and Galveston and Greater Houston are close enough for easy weekend trips.
Want the bigger picture on Texas housing? The Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M is a great free resource.
Plain-English takeaway: Most beach homes make you pick between a cute cottage and a big lot. At 326 Bay Avenue, you get both — plus Gulf and bay views and an outdoor setup that's ready for summer.
