Entire home·Private host

The Cottage on Balboa Island

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Beach nearby, sun-loungers, beach towels
Marina
Dining
TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
4 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, WiFi

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms1 bathroom148 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

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Newport Beach, CA
  • Place, Balboa Peninsula Beaches
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Balboa Pier
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Place, Balboa Beach
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Airport, Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Room options

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About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Cottage on Balboa Island

** RESERVATION RESTRICTIONS: We are currently taking reservations through January 2026. We do not book stays of less than one week more than three weeks in advance. We will consider stays of just three or four nights if we are within 14 days from start date. 7-nite minimum stay over Christmas, boat parage and New Year. **

This beautiful four bedroom, two bath home is located on Balboa Island in Newport Beach - one of Orange County's most popular destination spots. Just five homes in from the boardwalk and Newport Harbor, "The Cottage" enjoys one of the best locations around - the open ocean is about 15 minutes away by foot and ferry; the Island's many shops, bakeries, and restaurants are just down the street; and Fashion Island, one of the country's premiere shopping centers, is five minutes away by car.

"The Cottage" is approx. 1,600 square feet and is beautifully decorated in a California beach motif. It is clean and well maintained. It is an original home but with a number of upgrades, including: double-pane windows and remodeled bathrooms. The kitchen is original with tile countertops. There is a view of the water from one of the upstairs bedrooms.

The bottom level consists of an open den and dining area with a table that can seat six to eight; a small bedroom with a twin bed; a bathroom (shower, vanity and toilet); and a full kitchen (gas range, dishwasher, refrigerator, small appliances). The second level consists of three bedrooms and one full bath (remodeled with new tub and tile, vanity and toilet). The entire house is free of carpet (high-end vinyl plank floors upstairs; hardwood downstairs). There is also a sink in the master bedroom. The bed configuration upstairs is one full, one queen, and one king bed.

A fabulous brick front patio is the perfect spot for outdoor dining and relaxing. There is a patio sofa and one comfort chair plus a patio table with four comfortable chairs. There is also a rear patio with lovely plants, a barbecue, patio sofa and two chairs. Please note: the apartment above garage is accessed by tenant via rear patio so the rear patio is not for the exclusive use of front house guests. Washer and dryer in garage is shared with apartment tenant.

The boardwalk that encircles the island is one of the most scenic spots around. During the summer, you can often see sailboat regattas in the harbor, and pelicans and sea lions. This boardwalk is off-limits to skateboarders and bicyclists so it's the perfect place to enjoy peaceful walks.

The home's amenities include a side-by-side washer and dryer (in garage and shared with apartment), one space in a two-car garage); a 50' 1080 HD flat-screen TV in the den; a TV in the master bedroom; cable TV, Blue Ray DVD, and wireless Internet service. The fully-appointed kitchen includes a gas range, dishwasher, microwave, and most all small appliances.

The one-bedroom, one bath apartment located above garage is also available for rent (VRBO ID# 4209793) This apartment sleeps three (one queen bed, one twin bed).

During the summer months, we have a one-week minimum stay requirement and the home rents on a Saturday-to-Saturday basis only, with check-in at 3:00 pm and check-out at 10:00 am.

During the winter months, landlord pays the first $100 in gas and $100 in electric costs; guests pay all costs above $100 on each utility, prorated to their stay.

Please Note: Once you've booked, we will ask for the names of all adults who will be staying at the property along with a copy of their driver's licenses. On stays over 30 days, reserve the right to run credit. All adults must sign our Short-term Rental Agreement.

City of Newport Beach Short-term Lodging Permit #UTOT0562
During your stay at this holiday home, you'll be within walking distance of Fashion Island. Features include laundry facilities. The holiday home offers a kitchen and a fireplace.
  • The holiday home offers a kitchen, a washing machine and a fireplace
  • Amenities include laundry facilities
  • Just a 3-minute drive from Fashion Island and 13 minutes from Huntington Beach Pier
The Cottage on Balboa Island offers its guests barbecue grills and laundry facilities. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Limited on-site parking (max 2 spaces)
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping on request
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Things to do

  • Golfing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Unit size: 1,600 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights
Leave two keys and garage door opener on kitchen counter. Close garage door using controls on garage wall.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

Guests staying 2 weeks or longer pay for electric usage that exceeds $25 per week and gas usage that exceeds $15 per week.
If guest cancels and owner re-books house for same period and amount, guest shall be refunded money paid, less $100 fee.

Pets

  • No pets allowed
  • Note from host: pet fee is per pet. No pets allowed on furniture

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, which will enable you to manage your booking. An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking.
Property Registration Number SLP10875

Property is also known as

The On Balboa Island Newport
The Cottage on Balboa Island Newport Beach
The Cottage on Balboa Island Private vacation home
The Cottage on Balboa Island Private vacation home Newport Beach

The Cottage on Balboa Island Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 34 out of 37 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 37 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 37 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 37 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 37 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Cara B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful cottage at a perfect location on Balboa Island. Sharon was responsive to our questions and accommodating to our request to stay past check out time. Overall, an excellent experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrea T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location and cute beach town house. Loved having parking too.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ronald B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great property in a great location

My family (wife and our 3 kids) and I stayed here over the Thanksgiving holiday and the property is exactly what we were looking for. The shops and restaurants (including a small grocery store) of Balboa Island are 1 block away. And to get to the beach, we just walked 10 minutes to the ferry, which takes you across to the peninsula/beach area for $1.75. Highly recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ken C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Balboa Island Vacation

This is a great location if you enjoy all the activities of Balboa Island. Close to town and close to the water.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

maureen p.

Liked: Cleanliness

Best weekend ever!

We rented the house to celebrate my parents 50th wedding anniversary, and it couldn't have gone any better. The house is clean, cozy, spacious and smack dab in the middle of all the action and a few houses from the sand/water. We hope to rent the house longer next time!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great beach cottage

Wonderful location for families Great front porch seating with umbrellas for shade
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Erin O.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fantastic location!

My sisters and I had a great stay here- it was perfect! Clean, roomy, and a few steps from all the shops and restaurants and super close to the water as well! Sharon the host was wonderful. Highly recommend!
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Heather M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect Balboa Island Location

This house was so spacious and well equipped with all kitchenware needs and family board games. Convenient location to town and a short walk to the ferry. Very responsive management as well. Can’t wait to go back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Kirk D., Santa Clarita, USA

Great Location

This was a nice place to stay on Balboa Island. It has a great location on the island and good room layout. It’s not real pet friendly with all the rules and regulations such as not allowing dogs on the patios or upstairs. The BBQ was very dirty and greasy, had to buy grill mats in order to use. Otherwise, a very nice place to stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Deidre v.

Liked: Cleanliness

Weekend getaway

We sent our mom and four sisters here for a sister weekend. They loved it. They had a great time, the house was completely stocked with everything you need.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Laura N.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect Location

Great weekend getaway spent with my aunt. House is very well maintained and clean. Perfect location, one block from downtown. Peak a boo views from 2nd bedroom. Excellent communication with host. I highly recommend staying at the cottage. Extra bonus....fur babies are welcome. Definitely staying again. Thank you, Sharon!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

8/10 Good

Dianna S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect for our family

All in all a near perfect place to host a gathering with our family. House was very charming and well stocked with amenities. Our only issue was a fan in one of the bedrooms was not stable so unusable and the patio umbrella has seen better days but overall highly recommended. The agent/owner was very considerate and helpful
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Steve G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Beach House for Family

We knew what we were getting. This is an older beach house but well kept. The location was ideal for our needs. It is a block from restaurants, coffee shop, bakery, market and shops. More importantly, it was a one minute walk to the beach (we had 2 young grandchildren with us). Sharon was very easy to work with. She responded quickly to all of our text messages. We would happily stay there again.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Margaret F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful charming front room. We enjoyed coffee and meals on the front deck.

Very cheerful! Excellent location. Nice sink in master bedroom and a nice private deck off of master. Ceiling fans are nice for hot days/nights.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Patrice D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family tribute

The house served us well as our family came to memorialize our beloved brother who loved Balboa Island. Our host was engaging and helpful. It was a perfect house for a group. And, in this time of Covid, there were plenty of places to distance indoors and out on the two patio areas.

10/10 Excellent

Tina S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful family cottage

Sharon is a friendly & helpful host and we are so thankful to have stayed in this perfectly located family-friendly beach cottage. Amenities & photos are accurate. We lived in Newport Bch before and had to do some errands for our rental, so this was a convenient location for this work and for the teens to hang out safely outside, while kayaking, swimming, biking, walking physically distanced during the COVID pandemic.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Robyn C.

Liked: Cleanliness

This place is it!

Beautiful cottage! My family has enjoyed 2 get-aways here and excited to return again!

10/10 Excellent

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Liked: Cleanliness

Balboa island paradise

Very nice vacation home, close to all the fun and easy to use. Sharon great to work with. thanks Gerry & family

10/10 Excellent

Scott K., Yorba Linda, CA

Liked: Cleanliness

Couldn't be better

Sharon , the owner, was so accommodating . The house is exactly what we expected. One block time all the shops and the harbor. Bring your bikes for the ferry ride over to the peninsula and the Pacific Ocean. Hope we can come back.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2020

10/10 Excellent

Heather G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful home - Perfect Location!!!!

Loved this home! My husband and I spent out anniversary here with our best friends and could not have asked for a better home and location! Everything was perfect :) Sharon was wonderful to deal with and we had no problems whatsoever. We will definitely be staying again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2020

10/10 Excellent

SUSAN R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful Location

The location is gorgeous! So many options within walking distance on the island. The cottage is very quaint and comfortable. Having a garage for parking was a plus. Sharon was responsive and accommodating. The check in and out was very convenient. We look forward to returning.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Justin Y.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great place, great location, great owner!

My wife and I rented the Cottage for a quick weekend getaway and had an amazing time! The home is perfect, clean and has everything you need. The location can't be beat, and is right down the street from all you need on the island. Sharon was an incredible host and very communicative and accommodating. Definitely recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kristy C., Los Angeles, California

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect home in the perfect location!

We had a wonderful weekend on Balboa Island! The house had everything we needed and we could walk to the water and the village in less than a minute! The beds were comfy and we had our own parking in the garage. Sharon made everything simple and easy! We will definitely stay here again!!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

vicki N., Woodinville, Washington

Liked: Cleanliness

Fabulous location

Darling cottage. Great location. You can just walk down the street to restaurants and stores. Good for both families or couples.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Nancy D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family Perfect

Our family has come to the Island for many summers. We have rented a couple of other great houses but this one fit out family the best. Loved being close to downtown. Sharon the owner was great to work with. Hope to go back next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019