Entire home

1930 Island Cottage Charmer

Photo gallery for 1930 Island Cottage Charmer

A balcony with a black outdoor sofa and a white brick wall.
A living room with a sofa, a wooden chest, a patterned rug, and a bookshelf.
A dining area with a long table, white chairs, a hanging light fixture, and a framed picture on the wall.
A marina with boats, a bridge, and flags.
A modern kitchen with white cabinets, a black island, and a dining area with a table and chairs.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
Overlooking the beach, this vacation home accommodates 8 guests across 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It includes 4 bicycles and games. Enjoy activities like surfing, parasailing, and game walks in the vicinity. Outdoor areas feature a patio, balcony, and deck with beach views. Visit Balboa Fun Zone and Newport Harbor Nautical Museum.

Highlights

  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Balboa Pier
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Air conditioning
  • Onsite parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Internet

Explore the area

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

Where you'll sleep

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Twin Beds

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

1930 Island Cottage Charmer

This charming, quintessential Balboa Island cottage with the charm of yesteryear and the amenities of 2025 is the perfect vacation spot to relax and renew. The first floor includes a gracious entry foyer, a large, beamed living room, and a dining area with air conditioning and all-new French doors and windows. A fully remodeled kitchen in 2025 features Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, plus a den/4th bedroom with French doors to a lovely brick patio with a fire pit table and seating. The second floor features hardwood floors and includes a handsome, beamed family room with a gas fireplace, plus three bedrooms, including a large primary bedroom en suite with a patio. All bathrooms remodeled in 2020. There is also a sunny front patio with views of the bay, a parking space behind the house, and a garage used for bike and kayak storage. Just bring your personal amenities and beach towels!
This property is non-smoking.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
City noise ordinances apply. No noise past 10 p.m.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking is allowed on the property.

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Furniture and decor are not to be altered. Items from the home must stay on the premises. Bikes, Boards, Kayaks, and beach chairs must be put away.
No children under 12 can be alone in the home for more than 3 hours. Children can never sleep alone in the house. An adult must be present.
No drugs, legal or illegal, are allowed on the premises. No vaping or smoking on the property. Respect our neighbors. Violations will be charged.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number SLP12400
Property # 904601
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: City noise ordinances apply. No noise past 10 p.m.
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

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 Irvine Spectrum Center 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. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Festival Amphitheatre, or consider a night out at The Observatory. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and rock climbing.
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Map
Newport Beach, CA

What's nearby

  • Balboa Fun Zone - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Balboa Peninsula Beaches - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Balboa Pier - 17 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Balboa Beach - 17 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Fashion Island - 4 min drive - 2.6 km

Getting around

  • Laguna Niguel Station - 20 min drive
  • John Wayne Airport (SNA) - 22 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Todos Santos | Kitchen De Mexico - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Harborside Restaurant & Grand - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Cruisers Pizza Bar Grill - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Dad's Original Frozen Banana - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Balboa Saloon - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 1930 Island Cottage Charmer pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at 1930 Island Cottage Charmer?

As of Sep 25, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 1930 Island Cottage Charmer on Oct 27, 2026 start from $1,256, 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 1930 Island Cottage Charmer?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 1930 Island Cottage Charmer?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is 1930 Island Cottage Charmer located?

Located in Balboa Island, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Balboa Fun Zone, Balboa Pavilion, and Balboa Pier. Balboa Peninsula Beaches and Balboa Beach 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. 47 out of 51 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 51 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 51 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 51 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 51 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome property! Close to south Bayfront, and also close to Downtown! Communication with the host was great! Property was clean and inviting!We would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 17, 2026
Sheila and her family were wonderful guests! We are looking forward to their next stay.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful property. Great location and brand new, spacious kitchen. Loved the patio areas and the host was super helpful. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Great Property and Great Location!

We really enjoyed our stay here! This property is close to many things to do in the area and many of them within an easy walking distance. The beds were really comfortable and there was plenty of space for us.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 4, 2020
Thank you Julie! You were awesome guests!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Christmas Paradise

The house was well maintained and very comfortable. We enjoyed dedicated parking as well as easy walking distance to restaurants and shops. Would stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great, relaxing, convenient location

Thank you for the fantastic stay. Toni the Property Manager was very responsive and even offered for us to check in a bit early. The house is conveniently located near food and shops and of course the bay front. The house is full of charm and checked most of our boxes.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Love Balboa

Lovely house. Great location. Here's to next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Island Holiday

We loved every minute. The house was charming and so close to town - very convenient. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Balboa

We had a wonderful stay arriving Christmas Day . Loved the location walked everywhere . The houses on the bay decorated for Holidays were beautiful !
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

4th of July

great host, great place, steps to the beach, steps to main street, awesome place.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

1930 charmer

The property is in a great location. Close to bay and downtown. This was one of the most relaxing vacations we had in a while. Host was great
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Another relaxing vacation on Balboa Island

Our group of 6 adults fit nicely in this spacious home. It was well appointed and the toys were a huge bonus. Not having to lug our bikes down was a treat. I would stay again anytime.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2017
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 4, 2020
Thank you, Corby. It was a pleasure to have your family in our home! Come back anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family Reunion

We love that this is a family owned and managed home. There is a personal connection as you meet the owners sister who opens the home and shares its nuances. We had a wonderful week!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect Wedding HQ

Fabulous property on the island which serves as HQ for our son’s wedding at the church on Marine Street. Also hosted Thanksgiving dinner there, two days before the Saturday wedding. Awesome cottage, plenty of room, roaring fireplace upstairs, open beam ceilings, comfy bed, close proximity to all the island offers.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Classic, Comfortable Home with Great Location

Full of character, this classic home was comfortable, clean, and perfect for our family college graduation stay. Beds were great, renovated bathrooms charming, and the dining table and downstairs living area lend themselves to actual conversation! Manager was friendly, super helpful, and we had no issues on arrival (and we're picky). Everyone in our group thought the location - one block off of the main street (Marine) and steps from the boardwalk, sand and harbor views was perfect (and we have stayed on the island 4 other times). Would stay here again in a heart beat.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 22, 2021
William, we are so happy that your family enjoyed time together on the island. Congratulations to your daughter!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect Girls getaway

Ever year my girlfriends and I do a trip together. We usually go to Flagstaff. This year we choose Balboa Island. My husband and I use to live in the Island and just love it. I found this house and was so happy I did. It’s adorable and so very cozy. Robin was great and this house will not disappoint. We will be back next year!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

The Island Cottage was exactly as described, great location, and completely met our expectations!

We stayed at the Island Cottage for 4 nights for a family reunion. The location on Balboa Island was perfect for us--half block to water, couple blocks to the Island's Main Street with shops and restaurants, and a short walk down to the ferry over to Newport Beach. Toni was wonderful with information and suggestions, and we felt right at home. We had my 2 year old grand niece and it was very child friendly. There is a lovely back yard with great grill and everything you could need to make it a great beach vacation. Really, one of the best experiences I have had with rentals!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 4, 2020
Thank you Paul! Were so happy you enjoyed our home!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Fun time in Balboa

We had a great stay with our kids and grandkids The house was close to the beach and downtown Pro: location, number of rooms and baths, upstairs family area, kitchen equipment was great many cooking utensils and dishes. Dish waster was fantastic as was the washer and dryer. The house was easy to keep clean and well decorated for families. Lots of equipment for ocean fun paddle boards, bikes, kayaks. Con: air conditioner condenser was very loud for anyone staying in the downstairs bed room. We had to turn air off to sleep. Electric stove top knobs are confusing and didn’t seem to work at times. Some delayed maintenance especially the windows Safety: the stair spindles are very widely spaced and dangerous for kids under 5 Over all this property is just what we wanted and the hosts are fabulous to work with. I would stay here again
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Best stocked VRBO! Spacious/private backyard!

We really enjoyed our stay. It had everything from spices to pots and pans (no scratches). It even had a full drawer of Rubbermaid containers for your leftovers. The garage had bikes, lifejackets, Boggie boards etc with a full-size washer/dryer. The backyard was spacious and private with half of it covered in case of rain/too much sun. There is a full-size parking space behind the house. Short walk to restaurants and the market. Wilma's had the best Eggs Benedit! There were plenty of extra towels and blankets. We were there for a burial at sea and had several houses on the Island rented for the entire family. Everyone thought our house was the best! Toni was excellent to work with, she responded to texts in minutes and met us there upon arrival and walked us through the house. She even held a parking space for us right in front of the house since it's easier to unload your car from there. Can't beat the customer service! We will be staying there if we ever get that way again. Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

We had the most delightful time!

This home was the perfect mix of locale, convenience and Balboa charm! After many years, we came home to Newport for a memorial. And “home” it was! A total of eight of us stayed here for a week in June and never once felt crowded. The house had an open feel and was so inviting. We loved the old Balboa charm mixed with the new. Beds and linens were comfortable and all the bathrooms updated. The two different living areas were also comfortable and relaxing. Outdoor patio was perfect for breakfast and after dinner drinks. Dining table was large enough for all of us. Kitchen had everything we needed and more! Just an fyi if you are noise sensitive: All Balboa and Newport Beach residents experience noise from jet traffic at John Wayne OC airport starting at 7am. Also the A/C can be a bit noisy but lovely to have from time to time. That said, both sounds were background noise to us! The location was terrific. We loved being just a few doors down from the water and a block from Marine (the main street with lots of shops and restaurants). It was great having laundry. Extra bonus was parking in the back! Toni, our host, was a terrific communicator both over the phone and via text. I think it says it all that we can’t wait to go back and are now planning our return!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 8, 2022
Alison, We are so happy that you enjoyed your time on Balboa Island and at our home. We look forward to having you again someday. Yes, the noise of the airport is a bummer, but you do get used to it. We were honored to have you in our home. See you soon. Robin and Toni
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great week on Balboa Island in this wonderful house!! The house is spacious and has everything you need - a gorgeous, well-stocked kitchen, comfortable beds, bikes, paddle boards, etc. The location next to the walking path and one block to Marine was PERFECT! Parking spot in the back fit our large SUV which was a plus as sometimes it can be tough to find street parking. The hosts were excellent communicators and went above and beyond to make our stay great. We would rent this place again in a minute!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 10, 2026
Stella, Thank you for choosing our house and for your kind words. We would be lucky to have you again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great location

The beds were very comfortable, the bathrooms have all been updated, great location to walk to shops & restaurants. Interesting that there were no TV's in bedrooms, but we were okay with that. Quiet neighborhood.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Great location

This was the perfect spot for us. Very short walk to beach and one block to shops and restaurants. A few things need upgrades ie kitchen. Nice bathrooms. We spent four weeks and very much enjoyed our stay
Stayed 30 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect for our family!

My husband just had knee replacement surgery, so the downstairs bedroom with bathroom was a perfect setup for us. The upstairs accommodations for the rest of the family was a perfect fit! We look forward to visiting again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Fun place

Great communicators. Lots of fun activities provided at the house - there's no way you can be bored here! Steps from the Harbor and super close to the Restaurants and the Island store. Comfy beds and well stocked kitchen too.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful stay!

This house was perfect for our group, a family with 3 young adult children. Comfortable group space and bedrooms/baths that allow for personal space. The beds are great and the house overall was very comfortable. We made good use use of the bikes and the paddle boards. The location is great for access to the water and the Main Street. Recommmended.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

About the host

Hosted by Robin Svendsen or Toni DiDominicus

Host profile image
Hi, We are Robin and Kenneth Svendsen, long time Balboa Island residents currently living in the Washington D.C. area. Robin was born and raised in Southern California and Kenneth in Denmark. We love Balboa Island and enjoy early morning walks around the island, late morning paddleboarding or kayaking, and early evening strolls before retiring to the solitude of the house. Balboa Island is a truly magical place all year long! We are sure you will enjoy your stay!

Why they chose this property

115 Onyx is an original Balboa Island cottage built in 1930 and owned by only 4 families. Onyx Avenue, just one block off Marine Avenue (the main street) is an original street with many older homes. This home is perfect for a lovely stroll around the island and to the main street for a morning cinnamon roll and cup of coffee or early dinner at sunset.

What makes this property unique

This home offers original high beamed ceilings which gives an open quality to the living space. Large windows and french doors offer an inside out feeling downstairs, while the warm wood and high beams upstairs create a cozy atmosphere in the evenings. The views to the bay and the open, airiness of the space creates a beachy atmosphere all year long! Our personal favorite time of the year is in the off season where the sun is still warm and the island is quiet with locals on their morning walks or an early evening paddleboard! In the evenings, a glass of wine or a cup of tea on the patio before retiring to a good movie and even a fireplace if weather requires!

Languages:

English, French, German, Spanish, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish
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