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Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage!

Cottage near Fashion Island in Newport Beach

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Property grounds
Outdoor dining
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior
1 bedroom, pillowtop beds, desk, iron/ironing board

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2760 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor Space
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
Newport Beach, CA
  • Place, Balboa Pier
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Place, Fashion Island
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Corona del Mar State Beach
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne)
    ‪8 min drive‬

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About the neighborhood

Newport Beach

Balboa Island stay.Your stay at this Balboa Island cottage places you within 2 miles (3 km) of Fashion Island and Newport Harbor Nautical Museum. Balboa Fun Zone and Balboa Pier are also within 2 miles (3 km).
View more Cottages in Newport BeachOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Balboa Pier - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Fashion Island - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Balboa Beach - 2 min drive - 0.7 miles
  • Corona del Mar State Beach - 4 min drive - 1.7 miles
  • Newport Pier - 6 min drive - 2.8 miles

Getting around

  • Laguna Niguel Station - 20 min drive
  • John Wayne Airport (SNA) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Harborside Restaurant & Grand - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Bayside Restaurant - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Dad's Original Frozen Banana - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Galley Cafe - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Wilma's Patio Restaurant - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Entire place

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

Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage!

Welcome to one of the most artistically rendered homes on Balboa Island—The Cottage Retreat. This upscale, private cottage is separate from the main house and offers its own exclusive entrance, ensuring a serene and intimate stay. Nestled in one of the best locations on the island, this charming retreat comes with a coveted private garage, a rare and essential feature on Balboa Island where parking can be a challenge.

The Cottage Retreat is the perfect alternative to standard hotels, offering a unique and authentic Balboa Island experience. Ideal for an executive, single traveler, or couple, this cozy getaway comfortably accommodates one to two guests. Immerse yourself in the quaint, historical charm of Balboa Island, just two blocks from the vibrant main street, where you'll find an array of local shops, restaurants, and the iconic Balboa Ice Cream Bars.

Enjoy the convenience of having the bay just steps away, or take a short, scenic ride on the famous Balboa Island ferry to explore the stunning Southern California beaches. This property provides everything you need for a memorable stay, including a stocked gourmet kitchen, high-speed internet, and a sun-drenched balcony. The large outdoor patio, complete with a BBQ, offers the perfect space for relaxing and dining al fresco.

The Cottage Retreat is designed with your comfort in mind. It features high-speed wireless internet, a smart TV with cable, and office essentials like a copier and scanner. The cottage boasts new Cape Cod-style windows that invite the cool island breeze, a charming blue Dutch door, and the finest linens. Additional amenities include a private washer and dryer, a ceiling fan, and a well-equipped kitchen perfect for any culinary enthusiast.

Located just 6 miles from John Wayne Airport and close to Irvine's business district, The Cottage Retreat combines convenience with the allure of island living. Whether you're here for a few days or an extended stay, you'll appreciate the charm, comfort, and unbeatable location of this delightful cottage in Newport Beach.

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Interior

Balboa Island Charmer

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car not required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washer/dryer

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Printer

Comfort

  • Fan
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Boat
  • Golf
  • Kayak
  • Tennis
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Bicycles
  • Garden
  • Property does not allow children
  • Unit size: 760 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Guests can access their accommodation through a private entrance
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Rules

A Rental Agreement will be required to be signed via DocuSign. A Guest Information Sheet will be provided as well.

Access methods

Private entrance

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • This property does not allow children.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadbolt lock
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property Registration Number SLP11456

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
Historical Cottage Retreat Ideal Location Garage!!
Historical Cottage Retreat Island Charm Ideal Location!

Frequently asked questions

How close is Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage! to the airport?

This cottage is 6.2 mi (21-min drive) away from the John Wayne Airport (SNA) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage! have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this cottage.

How close is Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage! to the beach?

This cottage is 1 mi (2-min drive) from Newport Dune and 1.1 mi (11-min drive) from Balboa Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage! offer free breakfast?

This cottage does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage! ?

No, there is no casino at this cottage.

What time is check-in at Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage! ?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage! ?

Free parking is not available at this cottage.

Does Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage! have a pool?

This cottage does not have a pool.

Does Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage! have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this cottage.

How close is Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage! to downtown Newport Beach?

This cottage is 2.3 mi away from Newport Beach.

Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage! Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 162 out of 178 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 178 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 178 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 178 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 178 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

David L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice clean spot in a perfect location on Balboa.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Jane F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cute cottage. Great location to Marine Avenue shops and restaurants. Had some issues with electrical outlets in the kitchen and power leading to the refrigerator. Construction right next-door with a house being built. Overall, the stay was great. Luckily we are not the type who spend much time inside during the day.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Shanna S., Oceanside

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Location, No Screens or AC

This place has a great location and is a beautifully decorated cottage over the garage. It is close to the Main Street in Balboa and an easy walk to the grocery store. Check-in was a breeze and it was great to have a place to park our car and even store our bikes.Where this place fell short was a big deal for me…there is no air conditioning and no screens on any window. I live at the beach in San Diego and know that you do not need air conditioning most days as it’s nice to get the cool ocean breeze. The days we were here it was pretty warm and could not breathe in there without the windows open ALL the time. Having the windows open is not a big deal with screens on them, but there was none at this cottage. I got eaten up by mosquitoes! It was so bad I considered leaving early. I had to choose between sweating all night and making my husband suffer as well or dealing with the constant itch and pain from the mosquitos, they do not like my husband’s blood apparently.We were on vacation for our anniversary and now I’m home and just want to rest because I feel like I didn’t get any on my vacation. It’s a pretty big deal to spend that kind of money and be miserable. A couple other things that were a bit annoying is toilet paper…you need more than one roll for two people staying there for 4 days. Also, the owner lives in the main house and just popped over to drop off a lamp. Though she is a nice lady, it was a bit awkward and weird.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer Q., Where do you live?

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Such a great holiday in this darling cottage. I’ve stayed here before many years ago and it still has its charm - upgraded features of course! Back for sure when I visit the Island next!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great cozy place! So convenient to everything!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nanci F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Charming Cottage is Balboa Island Perfection

We had a wonderful stay and loved this charming upstairs cottage. We walked, road bikes, paddle boarded, shopped and ate. This place is close to everything!! Having the garage to use for storing all our toys was the best!! We did not need to drive anywhere!!! We will be back!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lori P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful Balboa Cottage

Loved our stay here - so perfectly themed Balboa cottage! great location, and loved having a garage to keep our bikes & beach stuff. We will definitely be back!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janis W., WHEATON

Liked: Cleanliness

Our Special Get Away!

It is our special place to stay when we travel from Chicago to visit our granddaughters!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Our always Balboa Island VRBO

Perfect
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bradley D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Balboa Island

Nice clean property.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Jill P.

Loved the location, robes and garage!

Location and garage access I would rate 5 stars. The steep stairs, uncomfortable furniture and having to get down on my hands & knees to adjust the heater several times a day I would give 2 stars.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark S.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Traci D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Our Third Stay

This was our third time staying at the cottage to visit family who lives nearby. The location is convenient and the garage is a game changer when staying on the island.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew S.

Liked: Cleanliness

fun place

nothing needed saying
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Richard W.

Liked: Cleanliness

We love this property and our second use - but….

We stayed at this property two years ago and really like it. However, on our first visit, we were concerned (and discussed with owner) the lack of a smoke alarm. Owner did not install one so we bought one ourselves and took it home as it was not our job to install safety equip. Upon arrival this trip, we were surprised there is still no smoke alarm, so we bought another. Considering the risk of fire and legal consequences, to protect both VRBO and the owners against litigation in event of a fire, that there be a smoke/CO alarm installed. Otherwise, the property advertisement needs to include disclosure that appropriate smoke/CO alarms are not included on property and guests stay At their own risk.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ginann M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cozy Spot

The cozy apartment met our needs. Top of the line home decor. Could use a more sturdy couch. The ned was comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas E.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cozy, bright upstairs spot on Balboa Island

Cozy, bright, clean space ideally located close to Marine Avenue and the restaurants and shops. Very quiet upstairs location. Small but has all the necessities for a couple. Check in with lockbox code very easy. Would definitely book again.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness

Balboa Island Beauty

Very clean, well located property. We'll definitely stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

TIm K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Comfy retreat

We greatly enjoyed our time at this property. It was exactly as presented in VRBO.probably the best well kep CRBO we have ever had. A great location. We really appreciated having a garage on Balboa. We had an issue with the oven the first evening and the owner responded very quickly and graciously and helped resolve it for us. We would happily stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas S.

Liked: Cleanliness

The Truth

If you need the best small intimate location in Newport Beach you will not do better than this apartment.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Enrique M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cozy and perfect for two people

My wife and I had a great time at the beach cottage! The space was cozy and perfect for two people, and the location near the beach made the stay even more special. The host was incredibly kind and made sure our stay was comfortable from beginning to end. We highly recommend staying here 100%, and we’d love to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bob A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cozy little house

Thank you for your cozy little house and we enjoyed it to stay
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Scott

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cozy place situated over a garage with steps leading up to the cottage. Cute design and decor. Close to restaurants and a great walking area in an upscale neighborhood with plenty of boating. The place airs out nicely on warm summer days. Full kitchen for cooking if you so desire. Patio, BBQ and washer/dryer also there. Some street noise, but bearable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

SarahJane

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay in! My boyfriend and I had a great time and loved how Main Street was just a block away! We found great restaurants and will definitely be staying here again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024