1930 Island Cottage Charmer

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Entire home

Dining Room table with 8 chairs to patio

Galley Kitchen with Miele oven and cooktop.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 82057 sq ft

Popular amenities

Beach view
Dryer
Washer
Fireplace
Barbecue grill

Explore the area

115 Onyx Avenue, Newport Beach, CA, 92662

Fashion Island
‪3 min drive‬
Balboa Pier
‪6 min drive‬
Corona del Mar State Beach
‪13 min drive‬
Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne)
‪22 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single 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

This charming quintessential Balboa Island cottage with the charm of yesteryear and the amenities of 2020 is the perfect vacation spot to relax and renew. The first floor has a gracious entry foyer, a large beamed living room and dining area with air conditioning, french doors, a fully equipped Poggenpohl kitchen with Miele appliances, plus a den/4th bedroom with french doors to a lovely brick patio and gardens. The second floor has hardwood floors and includes a handsome beamed family room with a gas fireplace plus three bedrooms, including a large master suite with a patio. All bathrooms have been newly remodeled. 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.

Property manager

Robin Svendsen or Toni DiDominicus

Languages

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

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

City noise ordinances apply. No noise past 10 p.m.

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

No smoking is allowed on the property.

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

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

Note from host: City noise ordinances apply. No noise past 10 p.m.

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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

Property Registration Number SLP12400

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Newport Beach

Located in Balboa Island, a neighbourhood in Newport Beach, this holiday home is near theme parks and near the beach. Newport Pier and Pelican Hill Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity 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 Bren Events Center, or consider a night out at The Observatory. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Newport Beach, CA

What's nearby

Newport Beach Country Club - 3 min drive - 2.3 km
Fashion Island - 3 min drive - 2.6 km
Balboa Pier - 6 min drive - 1.7 km
Newport Pier - 8 min drive - 7.0 km
Corona del Mar State Beach - 13 min drive - 4.0 km

Getting around

Laguna Niguel Station - 20 min drive
Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) - 22 min drive

Restaurants

‪Cabo Cantina - ‬6 min drive
‪Sugar n Spice Original Frozen Banana - ‬5 min walk
‪Newport Landing Restaurant - ‬5 min drive
‪Harborside Restaurant & Grand Ballroom - ‬5 min drive
‪Dad's Donut & Bakery Shop - ‬5 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is 1930 Island Cottage Charmer pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this 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?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is 1930 Island Cottage Charmer located?

Located in Balboa Island, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, Balboa Fun Zone and Balboa Pavilion. Balboa Pier and Balboa Peninsula Beaches are also within 1 mile (2 km).

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Joe W.

15 Jan, 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Doug R.

13 Dec, 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Jinny C.

14 Aug, 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Doug C.

17 Jul, 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

julie l.

16 Apr, 2018

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

10/10 Excellent

Tani A.

7 Dec, 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Martha W.

9 Jan, 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Dominick N.

5 Aug, 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Peggy C.

22 Jul, 2023

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

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Corby M., Lafayette

12 Sept, 2017

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

10/10 Excellent

William M.

21 Jun, 2021

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

10/10 Excellent

Lisa V.

16 Jun, 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Paul C.

12 Jun, 2018

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

10/10 Excellent

Carla J.

2 Aug, 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Sandra B.

19 Jun, 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Alison L.

6 Jul, 2022

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

10/10 Excellent

Stacy O.

21 Dec, 2022

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

8/10 Good

michelle L.

14 Oct, 2022

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

10/10 Excellent

Denise S.

1 Sept, 2022

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

10/10 Excellent

Michelle T.

24 Aug, 2022

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

10/10 Excellent

Amy S., Los Angeles

21 Aug, 2022

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

10/10 Excellent

Denise S.

11 Aug, 2022

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

Wonderful house. Super location.

Great house & location for our 90 y/o parents, 4 siblings & some spouses. The big dining/living area accommodated all of us comfortably. Large outside patio a big plus. Robin & Toni were very accommodating.

Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ben P.

1 Jun, 2022

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

Awesome House & Location!!

We rented this house for a quick weekend trip for a family wedding. The four bedrooms were ideal for our needs and the indoor and outdoor living spaces were fantastic. The house was clean and the decor was perfect. The property manager was very nice and super helpful with parking when we arrived. The house is just off the water and is a quick two block walk to all the shops, restaurants and market. The restaurants we went to had great food and service. Highly recommend this property!

Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Don D D.

16 May, 2022

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

Seamless, easy and real vacation time.

Toni was great to text and respond, bought propane for bbq at rite aid in Corona del Mar. Walked the Island, rented a battery boat from Newport Duffy ( second time) two hours is perfect). This is a real beach house, it's old, old school and perfect for what the use intended. This is not the four seasons, it's a beach house getaway, we loved it.

Stayed 5 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark H.

31 Dec, 2021

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

Cozy and spacious home 300 feet from the water

Outstanding vacation rental! Perfect for family gatherings any time of year.

Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021

About the host

Hosted by Robin Svendsen or Toni DiDominicus

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!