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Balboa Island 2 Bdm / 2 Bath Vacation Home - Duck House

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Welcome to the Duck House of Balboa Island
Front patio now has a table and Weber BBQ
Duck House Front Door (formerly Duck Inn)
Duck House Floor Plan
Living room - some of the pictures have been changed

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 41800 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Newport Beach, CA
  • Place, Balboa Peninsula Beaches
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Balboa Pier
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Balboa Beach
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Airport, Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Front Bedroom

2 Twin Beds

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Front Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Master Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Balboa Island 2 Bdm / 2 Bath Vacation Home - Duck House

An original 1937 family beach cottage on Balboa Island -
Duck House. Welcome to my home, a fully functioning home. Experience Balboa Island, in this 2 bedroom/2 bath house. Whether two couples or a small family or any other collection of humanoids - vintage cottage built in 1937 to enjoy. I have worked to maintain the cottage charm while including modern conveniences. I would love to host you at Duck House. Please contact me with any/all questions.
Duck House is furnished as if I was living there - my guests often comment (on another site that I have been using since June 2017) that I have provided everything and more. You are really staying in My Home - not some beach crash pad (Balboa Peninsula has those).
The pictures and virtual tour will show you all about the Duck House - there is nothing to hide.
I have had guests/visitors from all over the world stay at the Duck House - many have come back or will be in the coming months. My girlfriend and I have been invited by our guests to join them on the patio for appetizers and wine - not required but this is Balboa Island - you are on "island" time.
There have been a few recent updates to the Duck House. The blinds in the front bedroom and living room are new cordless faux wood blinds. The kitchen has recessed lights and a new remote fan. The kitchen to patio doors have brand new cordless shades. Lastly, both toilets have been replaced. A new headboard in the master bedroom. There may be other updates between my writing of this description and when you arrive - all with the goal of maintaining the original charm.
Suggestions are always welcome.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
Families have stayed, it is not a playground
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Events

No events allowed
Small gatherings must be pre-approved
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking anywhere on the premises

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
Note from host: Small gatherings must be pre-approved
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
Property Registration Number SLP12455

About the neighborhood

Newport Beach

Located in Balboa Island, a neighborhood in Newport Beach, this vacation home is near theme parks and near the beach. Fashion Island and South Coast Plaza are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Crystal Cove State Park and Orange County Great Park. Traveling with kids? Consider Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, or check out an event or a game at Festival Amphitheatre. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Newport Beach, CA

What's nearby

  • Balboa Fun Zone - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Newport Harbor Nautical Museum - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Balboa Peninsula Beaches - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Balboa Pier - 8 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Balboa Beach - 8 min walk - 0.8 km

Getting around

  • Laguna Niguel Station - 21 min drive
  • John Wayne Airport (SNA) - 11 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Todos Santos | Kitchen De Mexico - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Harborside Restaurant & Grand - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Galley Cafe - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Sugar n Spice Original Frozen Banana - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Wilma's Patio Restaurant - ‬13 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Balboa Island 2 Bdm / 2 Bath Vacation Home - Duck House pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Balboa Island 2 Bdm / 2 Bath Vacation Home - Duck House?

As of Apr 5, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Balboa Island 2 Bdm / 2 Bath Vacation Home - Duck House on Dec 21, 2025 start from $288, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Balboa Island 2 Bdm / 2 Bath Vacation Home - Duck House?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Balboa Island 2 Bdm / 2 Bath Vacation Home - Duck House?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Balboa Island 2 Bdm / 2 Bath Vacation Home - Duck House located?

This family-friendly Newport Beach vacation home is located by the sea, within 1 mi (2 km) of Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, Balboa Fun Zone, and Balboa Peninsula Beaches. Balboa Beach and Balboa Pier are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandy G.

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

Our second stay!

It was wonderful - everything we hoped for.
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda E.

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

Our Duck House!

I consider the Duck House our second home!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl B.

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

Balboa Island Re-Visit

2nd time renting the Duck House and really enjoyed it. Clean and well stocked. Gracious hosts
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robin R.

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

Three Times All Charming

It was my third time at The Duck House, and enjoyed each stay very much!
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Park City Pacific LLC W.

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

Perfect!

Wonderful! Would definitely stay here again, super comfortable great location really nice manager
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deborah R.

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

Second Stay at Duck House

Our second stay at the Duck House was as memorable as the first, pre Covid. The charming cottage has all the comforts of home: a well equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, nicely furnished, fluffy towels, and every board game imaginable. It's in a great location, too. Within walking distance to coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques; and close to the ferry. Lovely neighbors, too. Already looking forward to returning to the Duck House, but staying longer!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tom G.

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

Perfect for Us

Very clean and comfortable. Had everything we needed. Great location near ferry. Wonderful hosts. Perfect for two couples.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda E.

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

Our Second Home

My son and daughter-in-law rented the Duck Inn for my son and I so we could visit them on the Island. It was such a fun week, meeting their friends and spending time with them and my granddaughter. Sincerely, Shirley Ellsworth
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandy G.

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

We'll be back!

Craig and Susan are the ultimate hosts. The cottage is well-stocked. We were extremely comfortable. We couldn't have asked for more...Thank you so much, Craig and Susan, for your hospitality. As you know, we've already scheduled a visit next year!
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl B.

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

Wonderful

We loved returning to Balboa Island where both my husband and I had lived years ago. The Duck House was the perfect cottage - very nicely decorated and fully equipped with everything you could possibly need. Neighbors were very friendly. A big thank you to Craig for allowing us to enjoy his beautiful property.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane H.

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

Great Location

The house was walking distance to stores and restaurants and in a quiet neighborhood. Craig stopped in to say hi and asked if everything was OK. We parked right in front of the house and enjoyed the stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

james p.

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

wonderful getawaay

I hesitate to write this review only because I'd rather keep the Duck House a secret treasure. My wife and I greatly enjoyed our stay here and it was beyond even our most optimistic hopes. Charming house, great location, easy-to-work-with host. It is even nicer than as shown in the photos. We will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte C.

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

Return to Duck Cottage

A lovely, spacious, well-equipped cottage. Tree-lined streets, near the bay, village atmosphere. Rather tight on the rules; definitely not a party house with wet bathing suits and sand bunnies.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nora T.

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

A place with history

one of the few original properties on the island . Lots of character and all the things you would want in a good hotel. Craig is right there if any problem. Love staying here.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy J.

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

A gem of a home!

The Duck House as my family calls it is amazing. Only made more wonderful by the renter Craig and his amazing Susan. It’s like staying with family. The special touches are perfection! The location, weather etc is wonderful!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen P.

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

Perfect biking getaway

Perfect location for biking Balboa, Newport, Huntington. The Duck House was very clean and comfortable. All the amenities you would need. Added extra touches. Hospitality from manager was excellent. Will definitely be returning!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nora T.

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

Delightful

This house is a special house. Lot's of history. Neighbors are very friendly. We've are planning on returning next year.
Verified

8/10 Good

Ric M.

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

Duck House just ducky except for the three bears beds

Our stay at the Duck house was very relaxing and enjoyable. Great location to the Ferry and on the less traffic side of the Island. The layout of this house is very nice and livable. Our only complaint is the beds. I ended up sleeping in the queen which seemed a little too hard. My wife tried the two twin beds. One was too soft for her and the other was pretty good.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

michelle e.

The Duck House

Had a wonderful time. This home has a perfect location. It is very clean and has everything you need for a vacation stay . Very sunny front and backyard with seating . Lots of little extras like Keurig coffee maker, Popcorn Maker, BBQ, filtered drinking water, blender, beach towels, a variety of games and extra USB port plug ins and plenty of electrical strips so everything can stay charged! The host was very thoughtful and left a welcoming bottle of wine and chocolate...can't beat that. We will definitely come back to this charming VRBO called "the Duck House"
Stayed 7 nights in May 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Judy B.

Everything was great, the home was well equipped with towels, kitchen utensils and even beach toys!

My only recommendation is perhaps an umbrella for the patio and extra fans during the summer time. We will back next year!
Stayed 28 nights in Jul 2018
Verified

8/10 Good

Claire S.

Cozy cottage in a great location!

Wonderful time on the island! I love the location and ability to step out the door and walk. The owner is friendly and makes visitors feel at home.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim M.

The Duck House was a perfect spot for a long weekend. Comfortable, convenient and clean.

We really enjoyed our stay at the Duck House. The kitchen was fully stocked, easy walk to the ferry, friendly neighbors, street parking was plentiful and home very comfortable.

About the host

Hosted by Craig Williams

Host profile image
Born and raised (2nd generation) in Los Angeles. Spent every summer on Balboa Island from age 3 to 18. I live 1/2 a block down the street from the Duck House.
I work in technology. Currently I am an technical instructor for Splunk (software), teaching customers how to use Splunk. When I am not working or fixing up Duck House, I am a volunteer coach at Corona del Mar high school. I coach the girls cross country team.
My weaknesses are: Dark Chocolate, Red Wine and Sushi
As a host, hosting you in my home, I want your stay on Balboa Island to be special.

Why they chose this property

Inside Duck House, each bedroom has its own full bathroom. The kitchen is fully stocked with most everything one would want/need in their kitchen. There is an interior patio and the front porch for your outside relaxing. Personally, I am very content to sit at the dining table working away while gazing out the large picture window. Many homes have dutch doors and the top half is open from sunrise until bed time.
Parking is on the street. Street sweeping on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Information will be provided regarding local restaurants, rental opportunities, sights, and more (hopefully some discounts as well). Duck House Balboa site is available for additional details, if you combine those three above words and add the period and com at the end, your browser will take you there.
Guest access

Private patio off the kitchen, front patio to watch all the neighbors, fully stocked kitchen to meet all your cooking desires, and more. This is my home (when nobody is staying in it) so it is all there - if it isn't there, let me know and perhaps it can be - sorry no hot tub. This is not a rental property. This is my home that I am inviting you to visit and stay and relax on Balboa time.

Interaction with guests

Pearl Avenue is a tight knit community of home owners and renters. Whether your interaction is with me or with another designated host (neighbor), you will be treated as a local. Unless I am traveling for business, I will be your host and you determine the amount of contact. When I am not living in the Duck House (probably because you are staying there), I live just down the street. I will need to come by to water plants and put the garbage cans out for pickup.

What makes this property unique

Balboa Island is a "way" of living - this home was owned by Peggy M. a true matriarch of Balboa Island. She founded the Balboa Island Museum and was extremely active in the community - EVERYBODY knew Peggy. When she moved and her family decided to sell "Duck Inn" as it was known, I was given the chance to purchase (scary). My intention was to preserve and make Duck House (my name) available to others to experience Balboa Island as I had, spending 15 summers on the island. So, yes, I own a home that I don't live in, on Balboa Island. You'll get the rest of the story when I meet you.
All the neighbors were fearful that someone would buy the Duck House and tear it down to build a Beach Mansion.

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