1930 Island Cottage Charmer

We had a great stay with our kids and grandkids The house was close to the beach and downtown Pro: location, number of rooms and baths, upstairs family area, kitchen equipment was great many cooking utensils and dishes. Dish waster was fantastic as was the washer and dryer. The house was easy to keep clean and well decorated for families. Lots of equipment for ocean fun paddle boards, bikes, kayaks. Con: air conditioner condenser was very loud for anyone staying in the downstairs bed room. We had to turn air off to sleep. Electric stove top knobs are confusing and didn’t seem to work at times. Some delayed maintenance especially the windows Safety: the stair spindles are very widely spaced and dangerous for kids under 5 Over all this property is just what we wanted and the hosts are fabulous to work with. I would stay here again

We love that this is a family owned and managed home. There is a personal connection as you meet the owners sister who opens the home and shares its nuances. We had a wonderful week!

We really enjoyed our stay. It had everything from spices to pots and pans (no scratches). It even had a full drawer of Rubbermaid containers for your leftovers. The garage had bikes, lifejackets, Boggie boards etc with a full-size washer/dryer. The backyard was spacious and private with half of it covered in case of rain/too much sun. There is a full-size parking space behind the house. Short walk to restaurants and the market. Wilma's had the best Eggs Benedit! There were plenty of extra towels and blankets. We were there for a burial at sea and had several houses on the Island rented for the entire family. Everyone thought our house was the best! Toni was excellent to work with, she responded to texts in minutes and met us there upon arrival and walked us through the house. She even held a parking space for us right in front of the house since it's easier to unload your car from there. Can't beat the customer service! We will be staying there if we ever get that way again. Thank you!

Ever year my girlfriends and I do a trip together. We usually go to Flagstaff. This year we choose Balboa Island. My husband and I use to live in the Island and just love it. I found this house and was so happy I did. It’s adorable and so very cozy. Robin was great and this house will not disappoint. We will be back next year!!!

The beds were very comfortable, the bathrooms have all been updated, great location to walk to shops & restaurants. Interesting that there were no TV's in bedrooms, but we were okay with that. Quiet neighborhood.

This was the perfect spot for us. Very short walk to beach and one block to shops and restaurants. A few things need upgrades ie kitchen. Nice bathrooms. We spent four weeks and very much enjoyed our stay

My husband just had knee replacement surgery, so the downstairs bedroom with bathroom was a perfect setup for us. The upstairs accommodations for the rest of the family was a perfect fit! We look forward to visiting again!

Great communicators. Lots of fun activities provided at the house - there's no way you can be bored here! Steps from the Harbor and super close to the Restaurants and the Island store. Comfy beds and well stocked kitchen too.

This house was perfect for our group, a family with 3 young adult children. Comfortable group space and bedrooms/baths that allow for personal space. The beds are great and the house overall was very comfortable. We made good use use of the bikes and the paddle boards. The location is great for access to the water and the Main Street. Recommmended.

Great house & location for our 90 y/o parents, 4 siblings & some spouses. The big dining/living area accommodated all of us comfortably. Large outside patio a big plus. Robin & Toni were very accommodating.

This home was the perfect mix of locale, convenience and Balboa charm! After many years, we came home to Newport for a memorial. And “home” it was! A total of eight of us stayed here for a week in June and never once felt crowded. The house had an open feel and was so inviting. We loved the old Balboa charm mixed with the new. Beds and linens were comfortable and all the bathrooms updated. The two different living areas were also comfortable and relaxing. Outdoor patio was perfect for breakfast and after dinner drinks. Dining table was large enough for all of us. Kitchen had everything we needed and more! Just an fyi if you are noise sensitive: All Balboa and Newport Beach residents experience noise from jet traffic at John Wayne OC airport starting at 7am. Also the A/C can be a bit noisy but lovely to have from time to time. That said, both sounds were background noise to us! The location was terrific. We loved being just a few doors down from the water and a block from Marine (the main street with lots of shops and restaurants). It was great having laundry. Extra bonus was parking in the back! Toni, our host, was a terrific communicator both over the phone and via text. I think it says it all that we can’t wait to go back and are now planning our return!!!

We rented this house for a quick weekend trip for a family wedding. The four bedrooms were ideal for our needs and the indoor and outdoor living spaces were fantastic. The house was clean and the decor was perfect. The property manager was very nice and super helpful with parking when we arrived. The house is just off the water and is a quick two block walk to all the shops, restaurants and market. The restaurants we went to had great food and service. Highly recommend this property!

Toni was great to text and respond, bought propane for bbq at rite aid in Corona del Mar. Walked the Island, rented a battery boat from Newport Duffy ( second time) two hours is perfect). This is a real beach house, it's old, old school and perfect for what the use intended. This is not the four seasons, it's a beach house getaway, we loved it.

Outstanding vacation rental! Perfect for family gatherings any time of year.

Excellent property. Host responded immediately when we had a question. Highly recommend staying here!!

Loved the house. Had everything we needed. Don’t bother bringing any spices. Toni has it all. Comfy beds. Location next to Marine Ave was a real plus. 99Irvine Ranch market is a fun grocery store.

We enjoyed the toys provided-bikes amd paddle boards! Great home for family to enjoy the nearby bay and one street away are boutique shops and restaurants! Ideal weather and we slept peacefully after a long day at the beach and shopping!

Checks all the boxes and thoughtful owners- who could ask for more?

Great family house, great location

Toni checked us in and showed us around the house. Clean, four bedroom with everything you need for a great stay. I would definitely recommend!

My family consists of old souls who loved peaceful mornings spent reading on the front patio, enjoying the back patio for a quiet cup of tea in the afternoon, and adventurous bike rides around the island and over to the Wedge. It was a perfect week. Thank you for sharing your home with us.

This was our 20th year on the island and this property has it all! We enjoyed the bikes, beach chairs and the parking space (hard to come by on the island). The location was wonderful to be so close to the shops and restaurants. We will be back!

Full of character, this classic home was comfortable, clean, and perfect for our family college graduation stay. Beds were great, renovated bathrooms charming, and the dining table and downstairs living area lend themselves to actual conversation! Manager was friendly, super helpful, and we had no issues on arrival (and we're picky). Everyone in our group thought the location - one block off of the main street (Marine) and steps from the boardwalk, sand and harbor views was perfect (and we have stayed on the island 4 other times). Would stay here again in a heart beat.

We loved this cottage like home on Balboa Island. The location is perfect to restaurants, shops, water, boats, etc. This cottage has plenty of room and the bathrooms are gorgeous. It does have an older feel but is spotless. We were there during some warmer days, and the air conditioner was a lifesaver! There are also lots of items in the garage that are available for guests to use. We would love to stay here again!!!

Everything was perfect. The owners were wonderful. I am already thinking about booking for next year.

We spent a lovely, relaxing week at this home. It truly felt like home away from home. Booking process was easy. Toni was easy to reach and met us upon arrival. The fridge was stocked with water and all the basic supplies were supplied (soap, laundry items, paper towel etc.). Everything was as pictured. The home is as described - a cottage. Paint is peeling here and there, one of the bedroom doors needs a door jam to stay closed, nothing is super modern. We didn’t mind these things and felt the overall charm of the place and warm, trusting hospitality outweighed any minor inconveniences. The location on the island is perfect. Steps to the South Bay front and walking path. Ruby beach on the north bay front is great for young kids. We walked to Marine Drive (a block away) each morning for coffee and delicious baked goods from the Blue Chair Bakery. Easy walk to the ferry to Balboa Peninsula as well. We had thought about staying on the Peninsula but we are pleased we chose Balboa Island. Easy access to state beaches and coastal communities to the south. Quiet, charming place to spend quality family time. We were in the area for the OC Marathon and only discovered upon arrival that we would have to leave the island before 4am on race day due to road closures. We left at 5am by foot and caught an Uber beyond the road closure. Not a big deal but something to keep in mind if that is your reason for your stay. All in all, we very much enjoyed our time on Balboa Island and in this home. Thank you!

Quaint cottage, needs lots of update if U want to charge the high price. Freezer temperamental, lighting in master bath and upstairs LR. Very poor. No directions how to work the 4 controls for TV No tv on main floor,, first floor bedroom with a twina trendal2 ;twin beds would b more useful- no closet/drawer space provided in here. 2 women seen a critter on the floor, didn’t get a picture — but wouldn’t sleep on Low trendel anyone. Downstairs fireplace- no directions, smelled like gas even after 30 min running...maybe flute problem. Turned it off. Didnt come with a coffeemaker, but Toni brought one right over for us to use. Rode the bikes in the garage. Thank you. Plenty of plates etc dishwasher worked well. Us 6 ladies probably will not rent here again. We like more modern. Location was good—right by shopping/restaurants.

Different layout. Beds were great. Would have enjoyed a TV in the master bedroom. Kitchen appliances are totally outdated. A simple coffee pot would have been nice.

We took our children and grandchildren for two weeks. Location is perfect for lazy days at the water, walking to the main drag for shopping and dining, and doable for the ferry and fun zone. The kitchen is equipped, the TVs locations work well for simultaneous football and cartoon viewing when relaxing and the dining room table is big for buffet or sit-down. We liked the front patio best for evening cocktails, however, the front patio furniture needs replacement. Overall, the perfect vacation! Thank you, Toni, for your excellent communication and hospitality!

We stayed at the Island Cottage for 4 nights for a family reunion. The location on Balboa Island was perfect for us--half block to water, couple blocks to the Island's Main Street with shops and restaurants, and a short walk down to the ferry over to Newport Beach. Toni was wonderful with information and suggestions, and we felt right at home. We had my 2 year old grand niece and it was very child friendly. There is a lovely back yard with great grill and everything you could need to make it a great beach vacation. Really, one of the best experiences I have had with rentals!

We really enjoyed our stay here! This property is close to many things to do in the area and many of them within an easy walking distance. The beds were really comfortable and there was plenty of space for us.

Our family rented here and really enjoyed the lovely home and its location and the quaint town of Balboa Island. The owner was available and very attentive.