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Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage!

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1 bedroom, pillowtop beds, desk, iron/ironing board
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Property grounds
Exterior
Aerial view

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2760 sq ft

Popular amenities

10 out of 10
Guests loved the amenities.
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Dryer
    Dryer
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space

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.

Property manager

Evan Bole

Languages

English

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

  • Washer/dryer

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Printer

Comfort

  • Fan
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

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

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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

Access methods

Private entrance

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

This property does not allow children

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
Property Registration Number SLP11456

We should mention

A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

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

About the area

Map
Newport Beach, CA

What's nearby

  • Fashion Island - 2 min drive
  • Pelican Hill Golf Course - 5 min drive
  • Balboa Pier - 6 min drive
  • Newport Pier - 7 min drive
  • Corona del Mar State Beach - 8 min drive

Getting around

  • Laguna Niguel Station - 20 min drive
  • John Wayne Airport (SNA) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cabo Cantina - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Sugar n Spice Original Frozen Banana - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Newport Landing Restaurant - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Harborside Restaurant & Grand Ballroom - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Dad's Donut & Bakery Shop - ‬3 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

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

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

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

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage! located?

Located in Balboa Island, this cottage is within 1 mi (2 km) of Balboa Fun Zone, Balboa Pier, and Balboa Peninsula Beaches. Balboa Beach and Newport Dune are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Beautifully Updated Historical Cottage Retreat with Garage! Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 144 out of 156 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 156 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 156 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 156 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 156 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

10/10 Excellent

Amy A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming Cottage
We had the best time staying here!!! First off, this is, hands down, the cleanest VRBO we have ever experienced. Completely spotless. The cottage is charming, perfectly located on the island, and having a garage is a major bonus. Plus, communication with the owner was top notch. We can’t wait to stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alan K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Balboa Stay
The place was great. Everything was nearby. Will stay again anytime we are in SoCal.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dennis

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Only negative was the shower head. It sprays that fine hard mist that actually hurts. Stupid complaint, I know.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

John J., Seattle

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Jacqui B.

Liked: Cleanliness
I just wish I never had to leave
This spot is perfect. I think this is my 4th or 5th time spending long weekends at this spot and I love it everytime. Basillic is a block away and the best Swiss restaurent outside of Zurich. I sleep better here than anywhere else in the world. The parking is a major bonus and always encourages me to walk. The roses were in bloom all over the Big and Little Islands. I look forward to my next visit!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

mary kay p.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely place
Perfect for two:)
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Lorie J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy Cottage
We really enjoyed the cottage. It has everything. It just needs more blankets or a comforter to keep much warmer at night.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Neil P.

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

10/10 Excellent

Suzi M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely Charming’
This location was so perfect. And the cottage was everything we had hoped so lovely.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Traci D.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Peter W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Stay at Cottage Retreat
Our stay at this location was perfect, This was obviously recently renovated. Everything shined. The size was great for a couple. The kitchen was equipped with everything you need, even coffee. The bed and pillows were comfortable. The towels and face clothes were soft. The location to everything on Balboa Island couldn't have been better. Detailed instructions were provided ahead of time to cover everything. The garage was a huge plus since on street parking is limited. This was our first experience with VRBO and we loved it.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Balboa
Exactly as advertised. Property Manager responded quickly. Enjoyed my stay:)
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kacey R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Little Spot
The cottage was the perfect little spot for a solo trip to SoCal! I was in town visiting friends, and really appreciated the cottage as a chill spot to come back to at the end of the day. The garage was wonderful to have, BUT just be aware that it's a typical island garage and if you have a car much bigger than mine (a newer model rav4) it probably will not fit and you will have to find street parking. My car juuuust barely fit. The unit itself was just what I needed as one person, but it'd be very tight for any more than a couple. Quiet, peaceful, easy access, and close to restaurants/nice evening walking spots. Definitely give this place a look if you're in the area!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

peggy s.

Liked: Cleanliness
A little slice of heaven
Where to start…the apartment unit was exactly as expected. It is very clean and had everything we needed for the week. The unit is extremely charming and maintains a wonderful vintage feel. The queen bed was comfortable. There is wonderful light coming in from all directions. The location is fantastic…only 2 short blocks from the Marine Ave. shops and restaurants. Balboa Island is very close to SNA so you might notice jets taking off starting at 7AM…part of the charm. Also, working people start their day around this time so you might also hear vehicles on Balboa Ave. Otherwise, it’s very quiet overnight. We are so happy to have discovered this little gem and hope to come back soon!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sharon V., Tulsa, OK

Liked: Cleanliness
Best time on Balboa Island!!
Cute cottage. Nicely appointed. It was the right price with great location. The ONLY downside was it was a bit noisy at night on the weekend with the windows open. Comfy sheets and bed. Fabulous Things to Do List and we did most of the activities since everything was walkable. Highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Cute Cottage
The location is great and the space is perfect for 1-2 people. It’s a small, fully furnished apartment over the garage, sharing an outdoor patio with the main house. There is no air conditioning, so if the house is closed up in the summer months it can get quite hot, but once you open up the windows and the adorable Dutch door, a nice sea breeze keeps it very comfortable. We had a few issues with the stove and electric water kettle and the owner took care of both of those things right away.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris s.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just right
Clean and comfortable
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Roger J.

Liked: Cleanliness
wonderful unit close to everything
this was a wonderful unit close to all fun place
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

meggin b.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cottage retreat
Charming! Good location and perfect for a short getaway!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

alta s.

Liked: Cleanliness
Sweet spot
Wonderful spot on balboa island. Everything is right there.
Stayed 27 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mary P., Mesa, AZ

Liked: Cleanliness
Anniversary and Birthday
Thank you for making our anniversary and birthday celebration during Memorial Weekend so extra special. The cottage was so clean and perfect for a couple! We love the location and very blessed with the garage! The property with all the beautiful flowers just gave us big smiles! We shall stay here again and again!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janis W., WHEATON

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Location
This cottage is in the perfect location to walk to the main street of stores and restaurants! It is small, however great accommodations for one or two guests. It is very clean. There is no air conditioning but being located over the garage high up you get a wonderful cross breeze with the windows opened. The property manager replied promptly to a lockbox that would not open.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023