** 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
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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.
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.
Important information
You need to know
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
Property Registration Number SLP10875
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Newport Beach
Located in Balboa Island, a neighbourhood in Newport Beach, this holiday home is near theme parks and near the beach. Fashion Island and South Coast Plaza are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Crystal Cove State Park and Crystal Cove State Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Bren Events Center or Festival Amphitheatre. With sailing, surfing/body boarding and swimming nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
Sugar n Spice Original Frozen Banana - 4 min walk
Wilma's Patio Restaurant - 2 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is The Cottage on Balboa Island pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Cottage on Balboa Island?
As of 2 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Cottage on Balboa Island on 1 June 2026 start from NZ$1,057, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at The Cottage on Balboa Island?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Cottage on Balboa Island?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Cottage on Balboa Island?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Cottage on Balboa Island located?
Located in Balboa Island, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, Balboa Fun Zone and Balboa Pier. Balboa Peninsula Beaches and Balboa Beach are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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.
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!
Ronald B.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
kim p.
13 April 2019
Excellent Family weekend
Our family was looking for a house on the island that had enough room/bedrooms to accommodate our family. This cottage was perfectly located, right near the main drag, yet at end of Marine Ave that is a One Way street and residential. It was absolutely darling and perfect. Sharon was an excellent host to work with - clear communication and immediate response. We will definitely stay here again! Thank you!!
kim p.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 29 March 2020
Thank you Kim for your kind review. I am happy that you enjoyed the house and its location. It was a pleasure to host you and your family. I welcome your return.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Judy M.
6 July 2012
CONTINUING THE FAMILY TRADITION...
Since 1945, my family (grandparents/parents/kids/grandkids) have spent a couple weeks on Balboa Island thru out the years. WE were the grandparents this time...introducing Balboa Island and all its' wonder to OUR grandchildren. The Marine Ave. Cottage was the perfect place, (in the middle of the action) to have this happen. Balboa bars/frozen bananas every night and walks around the island, finishing up with sitting on the front porch and chatting with the people passing by...a perfect place to create great memories. The cottage was so well equipped with everything we needed, from beach belly boards to an easy place to park...we definitely will keep coming back to this spot! (Our dog loved it too!)
Judy M.
Response from VrboOwner on 29 March 2020
Dear Judy -
I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay at The Cottage. I hope that you and your family will return again to make even more memories.
Best,
Sharon Tetrault
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!
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!
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!
Heather M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021
Verified
8/10 Good
Kirk D.
23 June 2021
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
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.
Kirk D.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2021
Hi Kirk -
Thank you for the review. I am sorry that the barbecue was not cleaned properly. A barbecue cleaning company comes every three weeks to clean it and we ask guests to clean after each use but we will be more careful to check it between guests. We love dogs and they are absolutely welcome on the patios. We just ask that they not be allowed to use the planter beds to go the bathroom. Regrettably, we've had to begin restricting dogs to downstairs starting just this month because of two dog accidents that happened on the carpet upstairs and which required replacing large sections of the carpet and padding. We had to decide whether to stop allowing guests to bring their pets or to continue allowing them but only downstairs where there is no carpet. We chose the latter. Thank you, again.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!!