Entire home

Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage!

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Photo gallery for Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage!

A bedroom with a large bed, a nightstand with a lamp, a window with a view, and a small table with a plant.
An aerial view of a coastal town with a marina, residential buildings, and a bridge connecting the areas.
A living room with a white sofa, striped cushions, a red throw, a wooden coffee table, and a red chair.
Private kitchen
A residential street with a beige house featuring blue shutters, a tree, and parked cars.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2760 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
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)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Room options

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About the neighborhood

Newport Beach

Located in Balboa Island, this cottage is within a mile (2 km) of sights such as Balboa Fun Zone and Balboa Pavilion. The cottage includes a kitchen, a balcony, and a fenced private yard.

What's nearby

  • Balboa Fun Zone - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Balboa Peninsula Beaches - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Balboa Pier - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Balboa Beach - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Fashion Island - 4 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Harborside Restaurant & Grand - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Todos Santos | Kitchen De Mexico - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Cruisers Pizza Bar Grill - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Balboa Saloon - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Dad's Original Frozen Banana - ‬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.
The cottage is heated and features a kitchen and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with a separate bedroom. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. The pillowtop bed provides a full night's sleep and the bathroom offers hair dryers. Other standard amenities include a washer/dryer, a fenced private yard, and a coffee maker.

Similar properties

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

  • 1 bedroom
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

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

Living spaces

  • Dining table

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

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • This property doesn't 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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
Property Registration Number SLP11456

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector and a deadbolt lock.

Property is also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

What can I see within easy reach of this cottage?

This cottage is situated in Balboa Island, close to Fashion Island, Pelican Hill Golf Course, and Crystal Cove State Park. You'll also find Balboa Fun Zone and Balboa Pavilion less than a mile away.

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

Yes, there is a garage.

Is this cottage associated with a casino?

No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this cottage?

No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.

Is Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage! good for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this historic cottage include a pillowtop mattress, a smart TV, and a kitchen.

Are there hot tubs at Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage! ?

No, this cottage doesn't have a spa tub.

Does this cottage include breakfast service?

No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this cottage allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at this cottage.

Are there connecting rooms at Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage! ?

No, this cottage doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from this cottage?

The closest major airport to this cottage is John Wayne Airport (SNA), which is 6.2 mi away (21 minutes by car). Another top airport is Fullerton, CA (FUL-Fullerton Municipal), which is located 25.9 mi away (45-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage! ?

Yes, every cottage at Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage! comes with a balcony.

Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage! Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 182 out of 201 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 201 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 201 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 201 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 201 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very cozy cottage. The walking distance to the downtown area was a definite plus. Having a garage is a necessity because parking on the Island is scarce. Definitely would stay again when in the area.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great time. Location is wonderful and the unit is pretty much as listed and was clean and tidy. The garage parking seems like a must have, so that was helpful too. Bedroom, bathroom and garage are all a little tight, but we expected that for Balboa Island. If we make it back someday, we would come back here.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Parking was perfect and super convenient. the stay was peaceful and absolutely perfect. I would do it again - exactly the same.chinese on the island was delicious too...I just LOVE Balboa.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This garage apartment on Balboa Island, is a historic unit, recently updated and very cute. The pictures in the listing are accurate and it is decorated in a fun, eclectic, nautical decor. It is comfortable and a good location, a quick 2 block walk to shops and restaurants and just down the street from the beach. Garage parking was a huge plus! I highly recommend this apartment and would stay there again!! The only down side was that the 2 garage apartments across the alley were both under construction and noisy, but there is always construction on the Island and it's the luck of the draw if you are able to be away from it.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The apartment was as advertised, super clean and well outfitted. Location location location near the Main Street. The garage parking is a definite plus.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great!
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice clean spot in a perfect location on Balboa.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great cozy place! So convenient to everything!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very good
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Balboa Island Beauty

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed staying here at this apartment. Walking distance to downtown area. Had our own garage to park in which was wonderful. Perfect size for the two of us.
Stayed 14 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
All was as advertised. It was our second stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Having a garage was a real plus because parking on the Island is always scarce.The cottage decor theme was nautically perfect. The owners went overboard (pun intended) in every room.The outside area was really nice to have. We sat at the chairs behind the picket fence and sipped wine while people passed by on the sidewalk.We grilled steaks on the charcoal BBQ for a first class dinner on my birthday.The cottage is very close to the main street in the village so restaurants and shopping are literally only steps away.
Cool Retro Sign on the Peninsula
Balboa Ferry Landing
Balboa Fun Zone at Night
Balboa Pavilion
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another great stay

Our second time at the Balboa cottage and it was perfect again! Just the right size for my husband and I. A great little retreat to come back to each day while visiting family in the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Great location. Great for walking, shopping, eating and dining. Very nice little cottage.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay!

My wife and I have stayed her several times over the past seven years and the Historical Cottage Retreat never disappoints. Fantastic location and really nicely decorated unit, garage parking is the icing on the cake!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our always Balboa Island VRBO

Perfect
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely place

Perfect for two:)
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Balboa Stay

The place was great. Everything was nearby. Will stay again anytime we are in SoCal.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy little house

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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