Darling Original island cottage close to the ferry fun zone, and North Bay.
Our cottage is a comfortably warm and delightful home meant for family to enjoy. A wood burning fireplace in the living room enhances winter days and nights; the dutch door opening into the living room allows the gentle breeze of summer to envelope you as it waftes thru the room or sit and enjoy the ocean air on the front patio. There are 3 bedrooms. The first is small with a triple bunk bed and a Queen size Murphy bed. Although small, the room technically can house a family! One is a full bath with tub and shower next door and proximal to the Primary Bedroom which has an open beamed ceiling, good closet space, a window A/C and a television. The third bedroom has a King size bed and 4 bunks in a corner unit. There is a dutch door in this room that allows for separate entry (to the large back patio and barbeque) and window A/C. The second bathroom with shower and the laundry area are between the Master and Back Bedroom. The den is off the kitchen with a queen futon and a twin futon chair. (This room can be closed off as a bedroom and does have a closet with a beverage refrigerator.) A large back patio area opens from the den and is a wonderful summer gathering place. The kitchen is fully equipped with pots and pans, blender, plates, coffee pot, microwave, silverware and all kitchen utensils. Absolutely the best place for a wonderful family vacation in a house meant for enjoyment!
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Under some circumstances I will allow a dog. However, there is a $300 nonrefundable deposit. OK
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number SLP13533
Property # 2196966vb
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Newport Beach
Located near the beach, this holiday home is in Balboa Island, a neighbourhood in Newport 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 Huntington Beach Beaches. 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.
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
Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) - 24 min drive
Restaurants
Harborside Restaurant & Grand - 5 min drive
The Galley Cafe - 4 min drive
Todos Santos | Kitchen De Mexico - 1 min walk
Wilma's Patio Restaurant - 12 min walk
Sugar n Spice Original Frozen Banana - 10 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Darling Original island cottage close to the ferry fun zone, and North Bay. pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Darling Original island cottage close to the ferry fun zone, and North Bay.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Darling Original island cottage close to the ferry fun zone, and North Bay.?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Darling Original island cottage close to the ferry fun zone, and North Bay.?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Darling Original island cottage close to the ferry fun zone, and North Bay. located?
Located in Balboa Island, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, Balboa Fun Zone and Balboa Peninsula Beaches. Balboa Pier and Balboa Beach are also within 1 mile (2 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great location. The Property Manager, Shelly, was great to work with. Kid friendly, comfortable and had everything needed for a nice relaxing stay. Loved the easy access to the Ferry.
Great, original Balboa Island cottage right up from the Ferry. Great location on the island. Property manager is very responsive. Lots of comfortable beds - sleeps a ton of people. Nice courtyard for gear off the back alley. Will stay here again.
Great house for family getaway. Front AND back patios, storage area for bikes, kayaks, boards, easy walk to beach (North Bay is closer but South Bay not far). Host is very approachable if you need anything. Really wonderful place to relax. Thanks!
I have always loved the island due to the cozy feel you get when you visit, and this home couldn’t be more perfect to continue that feel. I couldn’t be happier to have spent my holiday with my family in this home. Thank you!!
Kyra Z.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Jan, 2022
Thanks Kyra! I appreciate you leaving this message and I’m happy you enjoyed your time. As far as I know, the house will be available again next year. I’m sorry I was ill and didn’t pay much attention to my responses!
We loved our stay on Balboa Island once again. The house had plenty of space and tons of beds. There were AC units in 2 of the room, which we didn't need, but are nice to have. There's a large patio out back to store all your beach toys and bikes. The home was clean with plenty of towels and great beds. Will definitely stay here again.
We had an amazing stay in this charming Balboa Island home! It has everything you need to have a great time. The kitchen is fully equipped, the table is perfect for family time and games, and there is so much room to spread out in the home. We rode the bikes, we sat outside, we slept great, and we were able to make yummy meals. This was definitely one of our favorite homes we have stayed in! Thank you for a wonderful home for our family to make fun memories!!
Susie H.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Oct, 2022
Thank you Susie! You were wonderful visitors and kept the house so nicely. Hope you’ll see you again!
A quaint cottage with traditional furnishings. It could feel very homey. Our negative rating is related to the lack of cleanliness. When we arrived, we were not sure if the place had been cleaned based on the state of the bathroom. There was a wad of hair in the sink. The bathroom drawers had hair and dirt - obviously not cleaned from the prior resident. The second BR shower was grimy with sandy residue in the shower floor. The kitchen cabinets were sticky on the outside with food residue on many of the shelves. everything needed to be wiped down before settling in. The kitchen was very dated with a mish mash of utensils, random and dated (and in some cases rusted)cookware. The coffee maker was so grimy, we opted not to spend the time to clean and use it. We did clean the fridge before placing our food in it. Honestly, I spent several hours cleaning before we could settle in. There were several items that were broken and uncertain if it was because of general poor upkeep or if it was due to prior client.
I am comfortable with ‘old and tired) vintage house and furnishing, but it needs to be clean. I would suggest fresh pillows and updated towels. Consider thinning out unnecessary kitchen items and organizing what is left.
We loved being on the island, but will consider a place that is a bit cleaner.
We loved our stay at this cozy cottage with plenty of room for our large family. We enjoyed our time at the house as well as our time at the beach nearby. The hostess was kind and responsive. Thanks for a wonderful vacation stay!
george t.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 May, 2022
Thank you for your kind review. I’m happy you had a good time on your vacation.
My family (wife and two toddlers) had a great time staying at this cottage. It suited us well for a full month, I was able to work remotely every day from the main bedroom, and Mary was very quick to respond to our questions. We had a wonderful time and will recommend it to family & friends.
We had a great summer at this perfectly located beach cottage. You can easily walk anywhere on the island. And the owner was great to work with.
Sherri M.
Stayed 55 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Aug, 2021
So happy you had a good summer. Best wishes in your new move for an exciting and happy life!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
sue s.
27 Jan, 2026
sue s.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
About the host
Hosted by Shelly Angel
We have had many wonderful years in our island cottage! Our seven children grew to adulthood in summers here and their 26 children (my grandchildren) have carried on the traditions. I am widowed now and have moved to the island. I have recently listed the cottage and hope new families will enjoy the island as much as we all have loved it.
Why they chose this property
The cottage is nicely decorated and comfortable. It is meant for family living and enjoying the casual life Balboa Island. On warm days there are two patios. The front is intimate with large wicker chair and wicker loveseat. The large bricked back area has a barbeque and Adirondack chair seating. Chilly evenings are warmed by the wood burning fireplace in the living room. Dinners are enhanced by the separate dining area adjoining the living room and close to the kitchen.
What makes this property unique
Built in 1926, our cottage has been carefully maintained and loved. A special place to find respite from the hustle and bustle of life in our world today!