Vacation Rentals by Owner

Absolutely Perfect! Pristine and so comfortable.

Guest: Jack C.
Date of Stay: 05/09/12 Review Submitted: 05/25/12

We are very particular in our selections in vacation homes. This one is perfect. We took our daughter and granddaughter with us and everything worked out as we had hoped it would. Cooking was easy, anything you might need was there and we just relaxed. The atmosphere was so nice. Very clean and well maintained. Beautifully decorated which made relaxing all the better. This is absolutely the most enjoyable home to stay in and enjoy the beach. You are steps from the beach. Most cities it would be equal to 1/2 block from the beach. Reserve this location if you want to be free from worry and please take care of it so my family can come back and enjoy it again. The owners were very easy to work with and were very helpful. Thank you for a marvelous time.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Sandcastle Stay - Awesome!

Guest: Jenny C. (Memphis, TN)
Date of Stay: 04/06/12 Review Submitted: 04/23/12

We had a fantastic time in Newport Beach and the accomodations were spectacular. The owners did not overlook any detail. They had a special gift upon arrival that the kids and adults enjoyed. The home is absolutely spotless. The accomodations were spacious. The location is fantastic - steps to the beach, short walk to shopping and restaurants. The owners put together a binder loaded with information about the area and their recommendations for restaurants were FANTASTIC. We went to the ones they listed as their favorites and they were great.....Il Farro and Blue Water Grill are not to be missed! You will not regret your decision to stay here. We will be back again!

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Perfect place, perfect vacation.

Guest: Ingrid L.
Date of Stay: 12/30/11 Review Submitted: 03/11/12

Together with our friends my husband and I stayed in the Sandcastle for 8 days in December 2011/January 2012. This was the perfect vacation in a perfect spot. The holiday home is very well maintained, very clean and very well equipped. The rooms have a good size with very comfortable beds and the thing I liked most was the kitchen/living room areas which had absolutely everything you could ask for. The Sandcastle is almost directly at beach - only 1 minutes walk and your feed touch one of the best beaches in the world. Restaurants and shopping are all in walking distance. My husband and I have been to Newport Beach a few times before, but never had such a great place to stay. In addition Janice and Bill are perfect host - prior to our holidays and during our stay they were always helpful and extremly responsive. We will definetively come back. Ingrid & Andreas from Düsseldorf; Germany

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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:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

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, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

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:People with disabilities, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

First Stop - Newport Beach

Guest: Ed (Melbourne, Australia)
Date of Stay: 04/12/11 Review Submitted: 05/16/11

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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

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:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

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:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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, people with disabilities, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Soooo relaxing!

Guest: Irish Eyes (Irvine, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/11/10 Review Submitted: 09/21/10

I cannot rave enough about this property, the spaciousness, the cleanliness, the amenities, the decor, the 16 steps to the sand, and the the wonderful owners. We will be back as it was one of the most relaxing, laid back weeks off we have had in a long time. Thank you!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

Guest: Lynn & Jeff, San Jose, CA
Date of Stay: 06/25/10 Review Submitted: 08/02/10

Janice & Bill, We are very happy we came across the listing for your lovely home and so appreciate being able to be the recipients of such a welcoming place to stay. Your binder was so helpful and we never had a bad meal or dull experience. Celebrating our mother Eileen’s 86th birthday here was a treat for all. Thank you – we hope to return!

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Guest: Karen & Jim, Caldwell, ID
Date of Stay: 06/25/10 Review Submitted: 08/02/10

Dear Janice & Bill, So glad we found the “Sandcastle”. What a great place to stay and enjoy the So.Cal. beach. We enjoyed the Bluewater Grill, the Galley Café for breakfast, and the Beach House in Laguna. We visited Crystal Cove where our Mom stayed and played in the sea as a girl. Thanks for the wine and your hospitality. It was so nice to meet you and we hope to see you again next time!

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Guest: Kristn, Denver, CO
Date of Stay: 03/22/10 Review Submitted: 08/02/10

Dear Janice & Bill, Thanks you so much for providing our family with a relaxing getaway from the everyday stress and strain. Your home is very lovely and it allowed us to hang out and visit with our parents, cousins and friends that live here in the area. It was such a huge decision to not stay in a hotel, we had not tried home rental before. We loved the kitchen and big dining table, and believe it or not, we never ate out. We just had too much fun enjoying family stories and playing cards around the table. I personally loved the beach more than anyone else. I could go every day. The kids loved walking to the Pier, and renting bikes was a highlight. We would love to return someday soon, although next time just for us and not with a family wedding (unless one of the kids surprises us)!! Thanks you again for your beautiful home and hospitality.

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Guest: John & Ellie, Chicago, IL
Date of Stay: 02/06/10 Review Submitted: 08/02/10

Bill & Janice - Thanks so much! The best place we’ve stayed in Newport. So clean, so nicely decorated, it had everything we needed. And the lovely “winter” weather didn’t hurt, wither! Your recommendations were great too. Loved Blue Water Grill and Il Farro for dinner, Harborside for “Happy Hour”, and got great manicures at your nail shoppe. It was really a great vacation and a great change from the cold winter at home! We hope to return!

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Guest: The D___ crew, Upland, CA
Date of Stay: 01/02/10 Review Submitted: 08/02/10

What a fabulous week of R&R! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and appreciated the location/amenities/etc of the “Sandcastle”. Til next time –

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Guest: The O’C_____Family, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Date of Stay: 12/12/09 Review Submitted: 08/02/10

November 30, Dear Diary – Ah…Home…We are so excited to be here in Newport. We used to live here before Dubai- So upon entry we felt like we were home again – We will report back at the end, but if it is like our Beginning – PERFECT!! December 11, Dear "Sandcastle" Diary – Well true to our thoughts, hopes and dreams for our vacation, this has truly been a home away from home and we have truly enjoyed ourselves. I cannot say enough to express our pure enjoyment and pleasure in staying here. We will return!

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Guest: Joseph, David & Linnea
Date of Stay: 11/29/09 Review Submitted: 08/02/10

Dear Janice & Bill, The perfect spot for the relaxing vacation we wanted! We purposely went “car-less” so we wouldn’t be tempted to go-go-go. There is so much within walking distance, and your many restaurant recommendations were a big help. There are so many nice touches to this place, and we would recommend this to anyone looking for fun and relaxation! Thanks for making such a comfy getaway! We had a great time!

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Guest: The M_____ Family, San Gabriel, CA
Date of Stay: 08/29/09 Review Submitted: 08/02/10

Dear Bill & Janice, Wow…this is our 4th year at the “Sandcastle” and it is just as great as the 1st. We had a wonderful and relaxing time. The weather this week turned out fantastic! Thanks for another wonderful vacation and as always for having such a clean and homey place to stay. We hate to leave! See you next year!

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Guest: The H____ Family, Tustin, CA
Date of Stay: 08/01/09 Review Submitted: 08/02/10

Dear Janice & Bill: Thanks for a wonderful week. Your apartment is so comfortable and homey, clean and inviting. Lots of extra touches. Everyone had a great time and we’ll let you know about next year! Thanks again!

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Guest: Ed & Lucy, Apple Valley, CA
Date of Stay: 07/18/09 Review Submitted: 08/02/10

Bill & Janice, Thanks you for the great place to stay. It felt like home here, but much cooler! We appreciate how clean everything is. We had a great time, I’m sure we’ll be back.

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Guest: The H----- Family, La Habra, CA
Date of Stay: 07/11/09 Review Submitted: 08/02/10

We had a great time! Your place is wonderful. The weather was perfect. Your beach house was probably the best and nicest one we’ve stayed in. I enjoyed all the signs and artwork around the house! And the location was perfect! I enjoyed having the patio to relax with the whole family. Thanks for letting us stay here, hopefully we’ll be back! PS The beds were very comfortable!

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Guest: Lorraine, Folsom, CA
Date of Stay: 06/27/09 Review Submitted: 08/02/10

Dear Janice & Bill - WOW! From the start when we first inquired about the “Sandcastle” you were so organized and responsive to our questions and inquiries. What a beautifully decorated and appointed house! It was perfect for us. We love the proximity to the water, boardwalk and store. The little things you provide from great washer & dryer, bike lockup area, BBQ, coffee grinder & a crockpot “on-request”! We’ll be back! Lorraine Poggione, Folsom, CA PS It was a wonderful house. I loved it. I almost fell when I saw the inside. You guys have wonderful art, signs, and other stuff that amazed me. From Harry (Age 10). I love Newport Beach!

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