Balboa Island by the Bay

We stayed in this darling cottage last summer and my middle school daughters insist we book it again this year. The location just can't be beat, as it's super close to town and steps to the bay. It's an easy 15 minute walk to the ferry, which takes guests over to the Balboa peninsula and the ocean. Newport Beach is my hometown but I now live on the East coast. I can't see us renting anywhere else for our annual trip to Newport. The kitchen is beautifully stocked, everything is clean and new, and the neighbors are quiet. The second bedroom is a bit small, but honestly, the pros outweigh the cons 99-1. Parking can be a challenge on the Island, but we seemed to find a spot close to the cottage almost without fail. I suspect many neighbors are year-round residents who use their garages, which leaves more street spots for visitors. Can't say enough nice things about this rental.

This super-clean and updated beach house was the

perfect place for our family's summer vacation. We

felt right at home, with all the necessary kitchen

and bath amenities. They provided a television in

every room, including a flatscreen in the living

room, wireless internet, dishwasher and plenty of

room on the back porch to keep our bikes and beach

toys. There was a washer and dryer available in the

garage, so we didn't have to use the local

laundromat. Very convenient!! Also, we loved being

able to relax on the large front porch. Since the

main street is a block away, we were able to

quickly walk over to the grocery store, restaurants

and shopping. My toddler son spent most of his

time at the bay, which was steps away from the

home. This made restroom and lunch breaks quick so

we were able to get back to the beach in no time. I

honestly cannot say enough about this rental. We

plan on coming back next summer for another

vacation and would not stay anywhere else!

Hi Carol -

Just wanted to let you know how much we are enjoying your beautiful home (and weather) on the Island. We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary last Tuesday evening with a Mass at St. John Vianney and then dinner at Basilic. It was such a lovely evening with all four of our children, granddaughter, and extended family in attendance.

We have been coming here every Summer for the past 25 years. Our daughter actually got engaged right here on the Island a couple of years ago right under the Diamond Street sign on the boardwalk. Her fiancee wrote "Will you marry me?" in chalk on the boardwalk and then got down on one knee with a ring and proposed. We have such fond memories of the Island and staying at your home this Summer has been one of the highlights! We have enjoyed getting to know some of your neighbors (Len next door and his lovely wife), the mail/woman Yola, and being able to be so close to the South Bay. The plants are looking good and flowering out front. Keeping them watered as it's been warm here.

I've had Nate from Balboa Cleaning Company come every week (Mary at Lora Vance was very helpful and gave me their number) and today I swept out the garage and vacuumed all the carpets in there. I still can't get over how well stocked your kitchen is! You must be quite the cook/baker.

Anyways, I'm not sure where your "home away from home" is right now but I just wanted you to know that all is well here and I hope you are enjoying your Summer as well.

Julie Sitton