This upper cottage, 2 minutes’ walk from the Boardwalk at 14th (south end of the shops/amusements), is an absolute gem. The location is fantastic, right by the beach, a block from St. Augustine’s Church and just around the corner from Boyar’s Market (no need to travel to Super Fresh for groceries!). It is a beautiful older beach cottage with partial ocean views from the 2nd and 3rd story back decks. It is VERY spacious, with 3 porches/decks including a large 2nd floor semi-covered back deck, and a cozy, tiny 3rd floor back porch with great views.

We are sad to see so many charming beach houses torn down over the years to make way for nondescript large condos, and we REALLY appreciate this owner’s interest in preserving a wonderful, traditional OC home.

Now, because it is older and in process of being rehabbed, some contemporary comforts and amenities are absent. The kitchen and back deck have recently been redone, and are both gorgeous. The hardwood floors are beautiful but need refinishing. The owner recently tore up old carpeting to expose them, so it is a work in progress. The bedrooms are ample-sized; the master in particular is very large, but does not have an en suite bath.

This is a potential issue for large groups. There are only 3 bathrooms – one en suite with the 2nd floor queen BR, one next to the MBR on the 2nd floor, and the third is on the 3rd floor, but has a tub wedged under the roofline that only a small child could stand up in. So effectively, the whole house except for the queen BR shares a single shower.

Another quirk of the house is that the 3rd floor BRs are arranged all in a row. At the top of the stairs, you find yourself in a large laundry room (lots of storage!) with the bath and porch behind you, and before of you, you walk through a BR with 2 queen beds into the BR with 3 twins, and then into the BR with 2 double beds. Great lodging for a bunch of kids, but zero privacy.

There is parking for only 1 large or 2 small cars - not unusual for OC, but potential renters should be aware. On-street parking in the area is not metered but is hard to find. A metered parking lot is adjacent to the house.

We didn’t find any of the above issues of any inconvenience. There was a problem with the wireless; the owner was responsive but the cable company couldn’t schedule until our last day. That was our ONLY problem; otherwise everything was fantastic. We'll definitely be back to enjoy this beautiful home again.