Location: Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach, Orange County, California, USA (Balboa Peninsula, Steps to Sand & Beach in Newport, a GEM!) View Map
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 7)
Keywords: Duplex Home (Lower Unit)
CONGRATULATIONS! You have found a TRUE GEM amongst the many Newport Beach area rentals! Available year-round as a weekly vacation rental, and OWNER MANAGED, the "Sandcastle" is one of the nicest - and certainly cleanest and well maintained - rentals in the area! For the discriminating SMALLER family, we offer a great beach vacation experience in a lovely, warm and comfortable home on the Newport Peninsula.
Located one house off the beach, both the INTERIOR and EXTERIOR of the "SANDCASTLE" were completely UPGRADED a few months ago, to include new kitchen cabinetry & countertop, new bathroom cabinetry/countertops/fixtures, a new leather sofa, dining room table, new beds throughout, double pane windows and sliding doors (and blinds), new mirror sliding closet doors, new cabinetry throughout the unit, a flat screen TV and new artwork. On the OUTSIDE of the house, we've recently redone our stucco for a smooth look, adding architectural features including stone, korbels and shutters. It was wonderful before, and it's even more fabulous now!
The "Sandcastle" is a "home away from home", with very comfortable furniture and a well stocked kitchen, with HDTV (with satellite TV/70 free premium movie channels) in the main room - and another TV in the master bedroom...Plus there's a terrific large front patio with table, chairs, umbrella, gas barbecue, and a partial view of the beach, that extends the living room to the outside of this downstairs Duplex unit.
The "Sandcastle" is decorated in a "beachy" style, with very nice artwork and colorful accessories. You can be ready to start vacationing from the minute you walk in the front door.
We cater to smaller families, maximum SEVEN guests, looking for something "nicer than the rest"; We can sleep seven in beds. In the spacious master bedroom, there's a new California King, armoire with TV (with satellite/premium channels), large closet, and adjoining bathroom. In bedroom #2, there's a Queen, and bedroom #3 has both a Double and Twin. A hall bath accommodates the two other bedrooms. There's also a twin "sleep-chair" located in the main room. Pillows, comforters, mattress pads are furnished, but bed linens and towels are NOT provided, however we can refer you to a local (and very reasonable) provider.
Located at Seashore Drive & 35th Street, we're one house off the boardwalk/sand beach, and you should know that in this area, the distance between boardwalk and ocean is quite narrow, vs some other areas where the sand is 3x what it is by us. So that equates to you being very close to the surf at 35th Street, easy and quick to get from the house to the water.
Also you're a short 10 minute walk to the Newport Pier and a good choice of restaurants; close enough to the hustle and bustle of activity surrounding the Pier, yet enough away to enjoy a book peacefully on the patio.
You're a short drive or bike ride to the Newport Beach Fun Zone, whale watching tours, boat rentals, wonderful shopping, etc. You're also not too far for a day's excursion to other great Southern California attractions such as Disneyland and the California Adventure Park, Knotts Berry Farm, Universal Studios, Hollywood, San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, Legoland, and more!
And if you're into swimming, surfing, or body boarding, take no more than 30 steps from your front door onto the white sand beach down to the awesome surf that has consistently ranked Newport Beach as one of the top beaches in Southern California. When you return to the house, rinse off under our outdoor tile sand shower.
Your hosts and proprietors Bill and Janice, live in the upstairs unit of the Duplex, and are about excellence in everything they do! Your vacation home will be ready and waiting for your arrival - impeccably clean with a welcome bottle of wine to start your vacation right! There's a book of "Things to Do" with sights and restaurants we recommend, and we're happy to assist with suggestions to make your vacation truly memorable. Since it's our home too, the property - inside and out, upstairs and downstairs - is so very well maintained.
Just 15 minutes from Santa Ana/Orange City airport and 50 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), a vacation at the "Sandcastle," experiencing our hospitality and Newport Beach lifestyle, will have you returning year after year!
HINT: If a more relaxed and quiet vacation is what you're looking for...a well kept secret is that September and October are fabulous, due to the great weather and lessened number of tourists.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : New front loader washer; on-premise, no charge
- Dryer : on-premise, no charge
- Linens Provided : Pillows, comforters, mattress pads (only) are provided. You bring your own sheets and towels or we can refer you to a local inexpensive provider
- Off Street Parking : One dedicated off-street parking space, for a "normal" size vehicle (and non-metered street parking also around us)
- Beds
- King Bed : California King bed in Master bedroom
- Queen Bed : in bedroom #2
- Double Bed : in bedrom #3
- Twin/Single Bed : also in bedroom #3
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV (2) : HDTV in Living Room room and another TV in Master Bedroom; Includes 60 free movie channels (HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, etc)
- DVD
- VCR
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : a very well stocked kitchen - and new cabinetry and countertop!
- Cooking Utensils Provided : We've tried to think of everything you might need!
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio : Large patio with a table w/umbrella
- View/Location
- Beach View : We are located one house off the sand (about 30 steps) and there's a partial view from your front patio (see photos).
- Communications
- Telephone : for incoming calls and local outgoing calls, no charge
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Secure wireless access at no additional charge
- Other Amenities
- Outdoor Sand Shower, Indoor laundry room shower & foot washer; Nice Patio Furniture; Very nicely decorated with great artwork. Ipod players(2) in living room (also plays CDs) and master bedroom.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed : Absolutely NO pets on premises, sorry.
- Smoking Not Allowed : No smoking inside please!
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Live Theatre
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Other Activities
- an outside area where you can lock up your bikes etc (please bring a lock)
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
* HIGH SEASON: JUNE-SEPTEMBER 2011: $2450-$3500/week (7 guests maximum)
- Saturday check-in: 2:30pm - Saturday check-out: 10am
* OFF SEASON: $1750(January)- $2600/week (7 guests maximum)
- Or ask about a nightly rate, MINIMUM 3 NIGHT STAY DURING OFF-SEASON.
* Check out our PERSONAL WEBSITE (being UPDATED currently)
* Add $150 Cleaning Fee to all rates + a $500 fully refundable security deposit
* Additionally, there is a 10% Newport Beach City Bed Tax, not included in price.
** AVAILABLE WEEKLY THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE YEAR. ** NO SMOKING inside please
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
The "Sandcastle" - Impeccably Maintained + Newly Remodeled
Year Purchased: 2000
Why the Owner Chose Balboa Peninsula
We have lived in this area for 20+ years, and prior to this home we lived just a few blocks away. We purchased this Duplex to a) enjoy the beach and general area ourselves (as we live in the Upstairs unit), and b) provide a vacation rental (Downstairs) that we could oversee ourselves, offering something "better than the rest", with more personal service. We love to travel ourselves, and our idea was to provide MORE to our guests in terms of a warm, clean, well decorated, well maintained rental, and we modeled it after what we most enjoy -and expect - when we travel.
The Unique Benefits at this House
The general area is fantastic. The white sand beach and ocean, virtually outside our door, is beautiful. Our location, a ten minute walk on the boardwalk from the Newport Pier, is perfect. It's an outdoor lifestyle here year round, and we ride our bikes alot, walk/run, grab a beach chair and settle into a good book on the beach, rent a Duffy boat and cruise around the Newport Harbor. And there's so much to do in the area...There's great shopping and an abundance of both casual and upscale restaurants, and theme parks (Disneyland etc) and sights for our visitors to keep busy. No matter where we travel to (and we've around the world) we can't imagine living anywhere else, so it's a pleasure to have guests stay at our vacation rental and enjoy all that we enjoy!
Owner's Map of Balboa Peninsula
We're Bill & Janice and we own the "Sandcastle", and live in the Upstairs unit of this Duplex while renting the Downstairs unit as our Vacation Rental. We love to travel throughout the US and internationally, and here we are in Ravelli, Italy a couple months ago enjoying lunch (and on the international front, we've been to China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Europe, Argentina and Australia in the last few years)! The "Sandcastle" is available all year round as a weekly/short term rental, as we do not choose to rent the winter months to college kids - as so many people do in our area - insuring that it is available, and in beautiful condition all year through! During non holiday weeks and in our off-season, we'll even rent the 'Sandcastle' for shorter stays of 3 days or more. We take a lot of pride in the "Sandcastle" and do enjoy that our guests appreciate staying in such a comfortable and clean "home away from home".
Property Photos
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- Our "Sandcastle" house front, one house off the sand/beach - Newport Beach, CA - California Vacation Rental - Home on Balboa Peninsula!
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- Your front patio, spacious, and complete w/table/chairs/umbrella/gas BBQ - Newport Beach, CA - California Vacation Rental - Home on Balboa Peninsula!
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- How close are we to the ocean? The view from your patio (one house from sand) - Newport Beach, CA - California Vacation Rental - Home on Balboa Peninsula!
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- Main room with comfortable leather sofas and HDTV - with premium channels
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- Dining area with ample seating at a nice big square table seating 6 +2 more!
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- 'Just-remodeled' Kitchen, w/everything you need (including Corian countertops)
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- Master bedroom w/Cal King bed & adjoining bathroom, TV in armoire
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- Second bedroom w/Queen size bed
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- Hall Bathroom with Quartz Countertop
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- Third bedroom, w/double(full) and twin beds
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- New outdoor tile shower, on side of house
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- Our white sand beach at 35th Street, with great waves (usually!)
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- Your hosts Janice & Bill, toasting YOU, during their recent trip to Aspen
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- We'll offer you many ideas for "THINGS TO DO" & suggest our Favorite Restaurants
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- We don't get these days all the time, but we do get some right here at 35th St
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- Our recently remodeled exterior, smooth stucco with stone, korbels, sills, etc
Traveler Reviews (23)
Newport Dreaming
Guest: luddite
(Colorado Springs, CO)
Date of Stay: 11/21/11
Review Submitted: 12/03/11
The "Sandcastle" provided the perfect base for our 2011 Thanksgiving family getaway. Everything was EXACTLY! as it was portrayed and communication with the owners was like a private concierge. We opened the front door on a sunny 65 degree SoCal afternoon and seasonal music selections greeted us as we entered. My wife and family exclaimed their disbelief that we were staying somewhere "this nice"; I simply bowed and drank in the applause. This was our first visit to Newport Beach and the Sandcastle will be a fond memory, but there's a more subtle point to what the owners have done for those staying here. It feels like your private beach house and you've been coming here for years! The house just envelops you like a super-think terry robe and then it brings you a toasty hot chocolate - that's how we ALL felt. We stayed at the maximum occupancy of 7 and every space in the house is designed to be uncrowded; Leather living room sectional and love seat; Big square dining room (pictures don't accurately depict how large this space is); Nice dividing door for the entire sleeping area (kept the noise out for those sleepy heads). Linens were provide by third party service, and again in concierge fashion, arrangements were blissfully easy. The best restaurant we visited? ----- The grill on the front porch! With "The Meat House", "Bear Flag Fish Market" and "Growers Direct" close at hand, you can eat like a king and save your bones for wetsuit, surf / boogie board rental and lessons at TK's Froghouse. Pavilions can supply you the base staples, and you need not "GO" anywhere to get anything. This time of year (Nov) the Sun sets directly through the beach access at the west end of 35th Street. Dropping slowly over the Northern section of Catalina Island, the set was perfectly beaming right onto the front porch. This was our dinner chime; everybody would catch one last glowing wave and we'd see their back-lit silhouettes walking out of the golden wash. Bill & Janice are fantastic and the home is Top Tier! They maintain a wonderful "Things to do" 3 inch binder with completely up to date Periodical / Brochure / News / Map / Pamphlet data for all the notable locale and it's heavily footnoted. This was a great read!!! If you're planning Newport Beach as a destination, then you must consider the Sandcastle as a premier location from which you can anchor your trip.
Owner response:THANK YOU Cal, for the very thorough and fantastic review! People will think I wrote that one myself:-) We are so glad you enjoyed yourselves and the house, and as always, we'll work hard to make sure the "Sandcastle" is all that we tout it to be, clean, warm and comfortable, in a great location, "top tier" as you called it, and welcoming...so that you're ready to enjoy your vacation from the moment you walk in the door. Hope to have you return soon to the "Sandcastle"!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, tourists without a car.
Best and cleanest rental property in Newport!!
Guest: Susan E
Date of Stay: 08/13/11
Review Submitted: 09/07/11
We have been vacationing in Newport Beach for the past 25 years. Over the years we have rented many different properties. The Sandcastle is by far the nicest and cleanest rental property we have ever stayed at. The house is well stocked with all of the essentials and is organized and comfortable. The locations is just fabulous!! Bill and Janice are wonderful landlords.........they are there when you need them but otherwise rarely seen. We are really looking forward to our return next summer!!!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, age 55+, tourists without a car.
A Great Stay at The Sandcastle
Guest: Shirley
(Salt Lake City, UT)
Date of Stay: 07/23/11
Review Submitted: 08/01/11
This was our second stay at The Sandcastle after an interim of five years. Just as the first time, the beach house was immaculate and beautifully decorated. In fact it had been completely renovated. The owners have anticipated everything you might need during your stay; the kitchen is incredibly well equipped. The furnishings are of the highest quality, and the location can't be beat. So close to the beach, and a quick walk to the supermarket. Great restaurants and some bike rental places are also a short walk away. We didn't move our car once during the week!
Owner response:Shirley, we loved having you back at the "Sandcastle", and we're so glad we're continuing to live up to your expectations (which are our own high expections as well!). Thank you for the lovely comments about the house, the improvements we've made, and how we keep it, and for your overall review of the area. The great beach, the boardwalk to bike on, how convenient it is to restaurants, the market - and even the movie theatre - are all the same reasons we love it here too.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, people with disabilities, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car.
The Sandcastle was truly impeccable and wonderful.
Guest: Zannie
(Los Angeles, California)
Date of Stay: 07/02/11
Review Submitted: 07/14/11
The house was so clean, well stocked, well situated, well maintained and has everything you can possibly need on a vacation. It has so many extra touches that are often not included in rentals. What we thought was a bonus, was to have quiet neighbors, (Janice and Bill - the owners) above us. It is a great place to vacation at the beach with a family with small children. The listing description is right on, as are the photos. This place is truly a gem and a reflection of a work of love by the owners. We will recommend it and will return - I hope!
Owner response:Thanks for sharing about the "Sandcastle". We do try hard to make sure our guests enjoy their vacation and have everything they need, and it truly is a "labor of love" for us, so thanks for the kind words. We hope you will return again: We enjoyed having you stay with us!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car.
We had a WONDERFUL Stay!!!
Guest: Kim
(Littleton, CO USA)
Date of Stay: 06/10/11
Review Submitted: 07/13/11
Thank you so much for letting us use your Beautiful place to Vacation! This was the first time that we have ever used VRBO and it was a very pleasant experience! The Sand Castle was very clean and we had everything we needed from you all for a wonderful stay! The location was awesome, very close to the ocean, walking distance to the peer, restaurants and grocery store! We exercised everyday with a run on the beach! Janice, you were so sweet to take my daughter and myself to a Pilates class, we really enjoyed it! Thanks again, and we will stay at the Sand Castle again for future vacations to California. I will also, spread the word and tell all my friends about your wonderful place!!
Owner response:Kim, we would love for you to return again! And thanks for sharing your thoughts here and for the kind "thank you" note we just received from you. We'll look forward to having you stay with us again at the "Sandcastle"!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, tourists without a car.
Great place, great price, great people!
Guest: Kristy and Tim
(Mill Valley, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/09/11
Review Submitted: 05/23/11
My family and I spent our Spring break at the Sandcastle and had a wonderful time. The location is perfect, it's one short block over from the water, (you can see beach from patio). It's very clean and new which I loved. The owners are very nice and have a big Newport beach binder with any info you need, ie. restaurants, attractions, activities. I especially enjoyed the short walk to the pier every morning for a coffee and a beautiful ocean sunrise...We will def be back. Thanks again!
Owner response:Kristy, we're so glad that you chose the "Sandcastle" for your recent vacation in Newport Beach. We hope you'll come and stay with us again at the "Sandcastle"! We'll be updating that big binder with more good ideas...
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.
First Stop - Newport Beach
Guest: Ed
(Melbourne, Australia)
Date of Stay: 04/12/11
Review Submitted: 05/17/11
Our first US holiday, coming from Australia, got off to a perfect start. The Sandcastle was ideal for our party of 5 (2 young children, mum & dad and Nana). The kids loved being close to the beach. The Sandcastle was wonderful, clean and well located. Janice & Bill were extremely helpful in the lead up to our arrival and prompt in returning the deposit. We especially loved the folder of local eateries, etc. Saved us time and took out the guess work for finding a place to eat. Ed, Elisa, Joan, Amelie & Ilaria - Melbourne, Australia
Owner response:Hello Ed & Family. It was great that we could be your first stop and we enjoyed corresponding/emailing with you, trying to make it easy for you - despite the distance - upon arriving into the US. With all the choices you had, we were excited that you chose the "Sandcastle" for your Southern California stay. And even more excited that it was all you had hoped it would be. We'll happily welcome any Aussie friends you have coming to the States with the same warmth and attention to detail - or yourselves when you visit next! Perhaps we'll reach out to you when we return to Australia next! All the best, Janice & Bill
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with young children, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Amazing Vacation Home!!
Guest: Jane
(Austin, TX)
Date of Stay: 03/14/11
Review Submitted: 05/04/11
Our stay at the Sandcastle was wonderful in every way possible! The house itself was decorated beautifully, but still quite comfortable for a family with three young children. The kitchen was well-stocked in terms of cooking utensils and pots/pans, so cooking was a breeze and really enjoyable with the nice quality equipment available. We absolutely loved being able to walk across the street to the beach with our little ones. The location was perfect for us with our children because it is a block off the beach so you miss the traffic of the boardwalk but you're still super close to the beach when you want to go. Loved every minute of our beach vacation and will absolutely be staying here again on our next trip to Newport Beach!
Owner response:Jane, we're so glad you enjoyed your stay at the "Sandcastle". It means a lot to us to read your feedback and to know that the comfortable space we've created for our guests is so appreciated! We'll keep trying to make sure we think of the little extras to keep the "Sandcastle" a great home-away-from-home, and we hope to see you again when you vacation in Newport the next time! All the best, Janice @ Bill
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with young children, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Wonderfully equiped
Guest: ScreenName
(San Fran, CA. USA)
Date of Stay: 03/04/11
Review Submitted: 03/30/11
This place is really wonderful. One house away from the beach and blocks from shops, restaurants and bars. Bill and Janice have made sure that everything you want and need is there. Everything is modern and meticulously maintained. Beautifully decorated and wonderfully comfortable. This is an A++. We can't wait to visit again.
Owner response:Jenny & Christian, thanks so much for your thoughtful and kind words. We do "aim to please" and we can't wait for you to visit the "Sandcastle" again too! All the best, Janice & Bill @ the "Sandcastle"
Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, people with disabilities, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car.
Impeccably Maintained - this is absolutely true!
Guest: Jill
(Beaumont CA)
Date of Stay: 01/15/11
Review Submitted: 01/27/11
My husband and I have had several stays at the beach and never have we been in such lovely and clean surroundings. It's as if the owners have looked around and said now, here are three wishes but granted the wishes of everyone who had one. Every little (and big) detail was so special. As you look around, it is obvious how the owners have decorated and maintained this lovely beach home with love and thoughtfulness. Do not hesitate to book time here (if there are still bookings left), the reservations will go quickly, I am sure and you will not find an equal to this fantastic property.
Owner response:Jill, thanks so much for your kind words. We're all about providing a truly comfortable "home away from home" and we're so happy that you enjoyed your stay, and that you appreciate what we're trying hard to provide at the "Sandcastle". We're grateful that you chose the "Sandcastle" for your beach vacation this year, and we'd love for you to return for another family get-together! All the best, Janice & Bill @ the "Sandcastle"
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, people with disabilities, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #25320
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