BlueDoor Cottage- An Island Favorite!
About this house rental
Situated in Balboa Island, this charming house for $973 per night is a fantastic option for your next break. Classic 1928 Balboa Island cottage, recently restored for your relaxing beach vacation, and featured in Cottages & Bugalow magazine. Located on the Little Island with a very short walk to all the shops & restaurants on Marine Ave, and only a few doors away from the famous Newport Bay. The cottage has Air-conditioning, plus ceiling fans, a coveted garage to park your car, and has 4 beach cruisers, 2 kayaks and 2 standup paddle boards to explore the Island. The Blue Door Cottage has one of the largest patios on the island which gives you plenty of room to enjoy outdoor dining and the sun right outside the blue dutch door. One of the highest rated homes on Balboa Island, the Blue Door Cottage was designed for families to enjoy time together and enjoy the bay. Sleeps 8 people in 4 bedrooms, with 6 beds, and is not filled with bunk beds, pull out sofa beds or trundles to increase occupancy. The master has an Eastern King w TV, second bedroom has a Queen with a flat screen TV, third has two cute twin beds, and the 4th bedroom - The Little Mariners room, which looks like a ship with two built-in twin cots, for children, teens or smaller adults. The charming cottage, has a large bright and airy great room downstairs with lots of comfy couches so ample room for everyone to socialize, watch TV and play games with your family and friends. The dining room has a long solid wood farm house table and seating for 8 to enjoy meals indoors, and the patio has a long rectangle table with umbrella and seating for 8 so you can enjoy meals outside. There is also a round patio table with 4 chairs on back patio right off the brand new kitchen. The commercial range and farm house sink will delight the chef who wants to prepare home cooked meals. The coveted Little Island location is ultra close to the shops and restaurants on Marine Ave so it's very quick walk to go wander down to get a Balboa Bar or Famous Chocolate covered banana for dessert. The cottage is stocked with beach towels, and all the toys to enjoy the Island, such as two 2person -kayaks, two standup paddle boards, 4 beach cruisers, chairs, and beach toys. Fun to play in the bay or head across the Ferry to the Wedge or Pier. The little island is coveted for it's quicker and easy access on and off the island, so you can take day trips to Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, shop & dine at South Coast Plaza or Fashion Island, and go see the many other Southern California Attractions. The coveted garage allows you to always have a place to park your car, if you decide to leave heaven. But almost everything is Uber close, and no car is necessary, as walking around the Island is the best mode of transportation.
Amenities
Air conditioner
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Balboa Island, CA
Reviews
5.0/5.0
Outstanding(116 Reviews)
5.0
We came for a wedding and wanted something on the island in order to walk around and to the ferry. This house was perfectly located within a minutes walk to the Marine where all of the shops and restaurants are. The island was lit up beautifully for Christmas. Everything was so festive! Peter was an excellent and responsive host. Easily reachable by text and very friendly. He left wine and cheese, which was a nice touch. The only reason I left 4 stars for cleanliness was because there was quite a bit of pet hair- no big deal and I know it’s hard to get all of it, but that might deter someone with allergies or at least they’d be able to prepare with some antihistamine. Minus that small detail, it was a wonderful stay and the cottage is absolutely adorable, cozy and could not be in a better spot. Thank you!!
4.0
Our recent stay at the Balboa Island house had its highlights, particularly the charming location. However, cleanliness issues, like dirty couch covers and bedding, tempered our overall experience. While we didn't expect a 5-star Ritz Carlton experience as we were renting a VRBO beach house, a more thorough cleaning and some updates to furnishings would enhance the house's appeal and justify its premium pricing. With attention to detail, this property could become an exceptional vacation home. We appreciate Pete rectifying the situation, and his prompt and attentive responses to our concerns, but hope these considerations benefit future guests and elevate the property's potential.
5.0
It was perfect
5.0
Once again, we loved our time at Blue Door Cottage. The 5 of us were so excited to return and hoped we would enjoy it as much as our initial visit in 2021, which we did. Pete’s welcome snacks / treats were appreciated by us all and he was accessible any time we had a question. We can’t wait to come back again, and again.
5.0
This is a 6 star place ! They went above and beyond my expectations . I stayed here with my family. The place is so charming , clean and has all the amenities . We went bicycling ,kayaking and paddle boarding !They also had a charcuterie board of food and wine waiting for us at arrival ! Simply amazing !!! Will come back here again ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5.0
Blue Door Cottage is THE PLACE to be anytime of year. Peter is the most amazing most, and the home is the cutest home to spend time with family and friends. The location is PRIMO! 5 minute walk to Marine Ave (shopping and food), 30 seconds to the beach, and the front patio/courtyard is the best place to enjoy a cocktail or meal. My family and I will be coming to the Blue Door Cottage to create even more memories!
5.0
Great house. Great location. Pete was responsive and helpful plus he left some tasty treats on the fridge for our arrival. Would definitely stay again!
5.0
Wanted to run away together for a few days together as a family before one kid back to college and two others back to high school. The home has all of the charm of an old beach cottage -But every detail is modern, beautiful and comfortable. The kids loved the paddle boards and Kayaks and our whole family went on the bikes, riding together across the Ferry to the Peninsula and into town for meals and ice cream. There are great TVs in the house but you won’t want to use them. Sit on the deck enjoying the host provided treats - play cards and enjoy being a family together for a few days. The host truly enjoys providing a great experience. Can’t wait to do it again!
5.0
Our second trip to the Blue Door Cottage and everything was perfect! Great for adults and children-the home had every amenity we could wish for and more. Pete and Angi are supreme hosts.
5.0
This was a week that we will never forget. We have younger children, and I could not think of a better place. Close proximity to the beach, safe home, all was amazing!
They had plenty of items like paddle boards, bikes and kayaks to enjoy. Pete is an awesome manager, and even helped me with items I forgot to pack up! Could not recommend more.
5.0
Thank you so much to our host Pete. He went above and beyond to accommodate my husband and our four grandchildren. We’ve been coming to the island for 40 years and this was our first stay on the little island. Charming cottage, perfectly suited for a family, amenities abound! Can’t wait to return with our crew!
5.0
This home is completely updated, charming and a great quiet location. The host was great and gave us a welcome basket. Beautiful patio and tons of amenities that most other houses dont offer. Loved our time here.
5.0
Incredible home with the best decor!! Fabulous location. Just a few blocks from the main street with all the shops and restaurants. The house is stocked with everything you need. My family enjoyed the beach cruisers and boogie boards! We will be back!!
5.0
Gorgeous cottage, great location and Pete (the owner) is top notch. Wonderful experience all around.
5.0
Thank you for making our trip so memorable. We loved everything about Blue Door Cottage and can't wait to stay in the future.
5.0
Idyllic beach cottage expertly remodeled and immaculately maintained. Host was responsive and flexible with our request to extend our stay. He also had great local recommendations for our family. Hope to return in the future when in the Newport area. Thank you!
5.0
As an annual pilgrimage for my family in the Midwest, we have explored the coast of Southern California, and have visited many places. This year, considering that I am local, we decided to give Balboa a try. After looking at a few different properties, we stumbled upon the blue door cottage. All I can say is that I am so happy that we did!
For people that aren’t familiar with the area, Balboa Island is a step back in time. However, the island is divided into two. Where the blue door cottage is situated, it is on a very quiet part of the island yet just a two minute walk from the very quaint and small downtown strip. From shops to restaurants to iconic locations that have been in movies, you have it all. The atmosphere is friendly, of course, safe, and the people are a mix of longtime locals and visitors from all over the world. It is definitely welcoming and conducive to daytime or nighttime walks with views that are literally worth millions of dollars.
With regard to the cottage, upon our check-in, our gracious hosts were the type to go above and beyond. From suggestions in advance with regard to places to check out to the welcome platter and charcuterie board with a bottle of wine to boot. Definitely a five-star experience!
We were fortunate to have stayed long enough to truly get a taste of island living. The cottage has so much character that every turn of your head has something welcoming to make you smile. From the art on the walls to the books on the coffee tables, it was amazing. It allowed you to not only step back in time, but to also revel in the history of the island and the southern California lifestyle. We were a party of seven, and everyone was extremely comfortable in the rooms that were more than well appointed with towels in the bathrooms and linens in the bedrooms as well as pillows and throws on the sofas. It was nearly impossible to be uncomfortable in this cottage. If getting some exercise is in your repertoire, the cottage garage has everything from bicycles to use on the island to kayaks to bodyboards and even toys for the little ones to play in the sand at the beach. Speaking of sand, you are literally a couple hundred feet away from the sand overlooking Newport Harbor. Absolutely stunning to go out and sit on the bench, or along the seawall and enjoy the view while people pass by with friendly attitudes.
The only drawback to this whole vacation was that it was not longer. We’ll definitely be back! 💜
5.0
Stayed over Easter Weekend with family from out of town. Have other family who live close by and stopped over to visit. Easy walk to Main Street on Balboa Island. Close to shopping and dining. Other activities were close by as well. Looking forward to coming back soon!
5.0
Looks just like pictures. Well equipped. The garage alone is worth it as there paddleboards, bikes, kayak, beach towels, toys. Life vest! I have hauled all these things to Balboa before so it was a gift to have them there. Robes in the closets! I cook every night and enjoyed the kitchen. The big East facing patio is a big win. We would enjoy the morning and noon sun. Later we would have cheese and wine on the patio table at 5 and then go in to the dining room for dinner when it was colder. My master bed was very comfortable. Location was perfect. Water right there and short walk to Irvine ranch market. The little twins are best for younger kids. Though my sister stayed in one.l for a couple nights. A thicker mattress, maybe foam pad would help them a bit. I really appreciate that the house still kept its old balboa charm as so many have been mansionized. Peter was a perfect host.
5.0
WOW! This property was the best VRBO property my family and I have ever stayed out--everyone agreed. Not only is the house itself very charming and cute, but all the amenities were fantastic. Peter does not miss a beat on making this home warm, comfortable, and cozy. Toys, games, throws, robes, unbelievable welcome gifts, lots of towels, an awesomely stocked kitchen (best knives and most kitchen towels we have encountered ever). Even a mostly rainy week didn't dampen our spirits. Rent this property for a wonderful time. Thank you Peter.
5.0
2nd year at the Blue Door, and it was a cozy and comfortable retreat for our family of 6 to enjoy all the charm of Balboa Island and Newport Beach. Pete was so gracious and hospitable to welcome us in with thoughtful touches for our family. We loved it so much even thought we had some rainy weather with board games and movie nights. Can’t wait to come back another year in the future. Thank you!
5.0
Our stay at The Blue Door Cottage was amazing! Pete was extremely accommodating and his beautifully renovated property gives you the quintessential Balboa Island experience with all of the charm. We started our weekend with a basket of treats and a charcuterie platter waiting for us when we arrived. Such a thoughtful touch! Everything you need for a memorable beach getaway is suppled which was wonderful. To sum it up, The Blue Door Cottage is simply perfect!
5.0
Our stay was wonderful . Beautiful area, comfortable furnishings, everything you need and more. The owner is very responsive and friendly .
The beds we’re comfortable, the weather was beautiful , what more could we ask for .
5.0
Everyone loved it. They appreciated the owners keeping its historical authenticity while also making sure it was comfortable, efficient and beautifully outfitted for a great beach stay.
5.0
What began as a COVID staycation has now turned into an annual tradition. Pete, the owner, is always super responsive and really goes out of his way to make sure that we have a wonderful stay. The location on Little Balboa is perfect - walking distance to everything and minimal traffic (so the kids can play out front or walk down to the water). When we're not cooking in the well stocked kitchen, we're taking a short walk to Marine Ave to eat at one of many restaurants!
5.0
I booked this cottage for a long weekend with 4 of my girlfriend to celebrate my birthday. It as perfect. This is such a darling restored cottage on Balboa. It is well stock with everything you could want. The owners attention to detail is spot on. We can't wait to go back!
5.0
This area is always our favorite destination. Peter was a wonderful host. He was responsive and the home is beautiful. Our daughters had the best trip and birthday celebration.
Thank you again!
5.0
Inspirational space to write in. Perfectly appointed. Steps from the beautiful bay and close to shops and restaurants. The Blue Door Cottage has it all!
5.0
We have been enjoying Balboa Island for the past 10 years and have stayed at many different homes on the island. The Blue door cottage is extremely special. From the location on the little island, to the intricate details that have painstakingly gone into renovating a 1928 home and honoring its charm while making it relevant to today.
Bikes, paddle boards, all the beach toys: you name it and it is there for your enjoyment.
Loved the welcome meat/cheese and wine. Simply a magical time from the booking process to our final goodbye exchange. This is a step back into magical time…..loved it.
5.0
An amazing property, 1920s beach cottage lovingly restored. Cozy, clean, well thought out with all the amenities of home. Ingenuous construction concepts such as the murphy bed-style kitchen table that folds down, the indoor&outdoor shower, subtly lite stairway. The added benefit of water toys, bikes, helmets, beach chairs and beautifully displayed beach towels. Topped off with a welcome gift basket of yummy treats. One of the best VRBO properties ever!
5.0
This house, the host and location are all wonderful. A true getaway!
5.0
What a wonderful, charming cottage on the Little island. So peaceful. Can’t wait to come back.
Kathy
5.0
We couldn’t be happier! Our trip to the Blue Door Cottage has become an annual event and we love it each year! Thank you!
5.0
Year after year, we continue to fall in love with the Blue Door Cottage on Balboa Island. Our boys growing up-surfing, fishing, riding bikes, taking the ferry. Thank you Pete for hosting such an incredible place!
5.0
The Blue Door house was everything we hoped for. Clean, comfortable, close to the water, close to Balboa Bars, and working ac! Everything was perfect.
5.0
The quintessential Balboa experience
Our stay at the Blue Door Cottage is one we won't soon forget. This is the third house we have rented on the island and is our favorite by far. The owner, Pete, was a great communicator. Always quick to respond when we had a question.
We were thoughtfully greeted with a lovely charcuterie board and flowers.
Not only is this house beautifully restored, each room is stylishly decorated. The beds were very comfortable and the kitchen was fully stocked with all the basics, including paper plates. We cooked several meals and it had everything we needed.
One of the best features this house offers is a garage full of beach toys and equipment. We spent the week paddle boarding, bike riding and kayaking, which everyone enjoyed.
If you want to stay at a beautiful home and really experience what it would be to live on this idyllic island, then this is the place for you. The house is beautiful, the front porch is ideal for outdoor dining and the beach toys really compete the package..
We are already counting the days down to our stay next summer!
5.0
Another year, another great BlueDoor vacation! The treats waiting for us, the bikes and toys, the beautiful home - all we need for a very fun escape. We were even so lucky to have perfect weather! Many thanks yet again to the excellent host, we plan to return again and again.
5.0
A+ again
Another year, another great BlueDoor vacation! The treats waiting for us, the bikes and toys, the beautiful home - all we need for a very fun escape. We were even so lucky to have perfect weather! Many thanks yet again to the excellent host, we plan to return again and again.
5.0
One of the best VRBO experiences ever! The house is darling, with so many special little details!! VERY well stocked and close to everything! Parking was a breeze even for 3 cars! The 5 adults stayed very comfortably and we spent so much time on the front patio relaxing. Peter was the perfect host, with charcuterie awaiting and texted back when we had questions but never instructive. We used the bikes and the beach equipment. Everything was perfect! Wouldn’t want to stay anywhere else when on the island again! Ps. eat at Basilic
5.0
Our third time returning to the blue door cottage. Peter makes it so welcoming & we love the quiet.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Balboa Island?
The average price for a rental in Balboa Island is $615 per night. This rental is $358 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at BlueDoor Cottage- An Island Favorite! . For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is BlueDoor Cottage- An Island Favorite! pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at BlueDoor Cottage- An Island Favorite! ?
We found 11 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, and parking.
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