Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Deborah R.
9 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Second Stay at Duck House
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Entire home·Private host
Balboa Island 2 Bdm / 2 Bath Vacation Home - Duck House
Photo gallery for Balboa Island 2 Bdm / 2 Bath Vacation Home - Duck House
Close to Fashion Island, Balboa Island 2 Bdm / 2 Bath Vacation Home - Duck House has plenty to offer. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4167 sq m
Popular amenities
- Kitchen
- Free Wi-Fi
- Outdoor space
- Parking available
- Barbecue grill
Add dates for prices
About this property
Balboa Island 2 Bdm / 2 Bath Vacation Home - Duck House
- An original 1937 family beach cottage on Balboa Island -
Duck House. Welcome to my home, a fully functioning home. Experience Balboa Island, in this 2 bedroom/2 bath house. Whether two couples or a small family or any other collection of humanoids - vintage cottage built in 1937 to enjoy. I have worked to maintain the cottage charm while including modern conveniences. I would love to host you at Duck House. Please contact me with any/all questions.
Duck House is furnished as if I was living there - my guests often comment (on another site that I have been using since June 2017) that I have provided everything and more. You are really staying in My Home - not some beach crash pad (Balboa Peninsula has those).
The pictures and virtual tour will show you all about the Duck House - there is nothing to hide.
I have had guests/visitors from all over the world stay at the Duck House - many have come back or will be in the coming months. My girlfriend and I have been invited by our guests to join them on the patio for appetizers and wine - not required but this is Balboa Island - you are on "island" time.
There have been a few recent updates to the Duck House. The blinds in the front bedroom and living room are new cordless faux wood blinds. The kitchen has recessed lights and a new remote fan. The kitchen to patio doors have brand new cordless shades. Lastly, both toilets have been replaced. A new headboard in the master bedroom. There may be other updates between my writing of this description and when you arrive - all with the goal of maintaining the original charm.
Suggestions are always welcome.
Property amenities
Beach
- Beach nearby
- Beach loungers
- Beach towels
Internet
- Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
- Car not required
- Parking on site
Kitchen
- Blender
- Coffee/tea maker
- Cookware, dishware, and utensils
- Dishwasher
- Electric kettle
- Hob
- Ice maker
- Lobster/crab pot
- Microwave
- Oven
- Paper towels
- Refrigerator
- Spices
- Toaster
Dining
- Dining table
Bedrooms
- 2 bedrooms
- Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
- 2 bathrooms
- Bathtub
- Bathtub or shower
- Hair dryer
- Shampoo
- Shower
- Soap
- Toilet paper
- Towels provided
Living spaces
- Dining table
Entertainment
- Books
- Games
- Music library
- Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
- Barbecue grill
- Fenced yard
- Outdoor furniture
- Patio
Laundry
- Laundromat nearby
Comfort
- Heating
Pets
- No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
- Smoke-free property
- Note from host: No smoking anywhere on the premises
Services and conveniences
- Iron/ironing board
- Limited housekeeping
Location highlights
- Near a health/beauty spa
- Near the marina
- Near the sea
Things to do
- Basketball nearby
- Birdwatching nearby
- Cycling nearby
- Fishing nearby
- Jet skiing nearby
- Kayaking nearby
- Motor boating nearby
- Parasailing nearby
- Sailing nearby
- Scuba diving nearby
- Snorkelling nearby
- Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
- Swimming nearby
- Theme park nearby
- Whale watching nearby
- Wildlife walks nearby
- Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
- Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
- Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Deadbolt lock
General
- Unit size: 1,800 square feet
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Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: Families have stayed, it is not a playground
Events
No events allowed
Small gatherings must be pre-approved
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking anywhere on the premises
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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: Small gatherings must be pre-approved
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number SLP12455
We should mention
A car is not required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located in Balboa Island, a neighbourhood in Newport Beach, this holiday 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. Travelling with kids? Consider Orange County Fair and Events Center, or check out an event or a game at Festival Amphitheatre. Jet skiing, kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby. Visit our Newport Beach travel guide
View more Holiday homes in Newport Beach
Newport Beach, CA
What's nearby
Balboa Pavilion7 min walk - 0.6 km
Balboa Peninsula Beaches7 min walk - 0.6 km
Balboa Pier8 min walk - 0.8 km
Balboa Beach8 min walk - 0.8 km- Balboa Fun Zone5 min walk - 0.5 km
Getting around
- Laguna Niguel Station21 min drive
- Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne)11 min drive
Restaurants
- Todos Santos | Kitchen De Mexico1 min walk
- Harborside Restaurant & Grand4 min drive
- Cruisers Pizza Bar Grill5 min drive
- Dad's Original Frozen Banana11 min walk
- Balboa Saloon4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Balboa Island 2 Bdm / 2 Bath Vacation Home - Duck House pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Balboa Island 2 Bdm / 2 Bath Vacation Home - Duck House?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Balboa Island 2 Bdm / 2 Bath Vacation Home - Duck House?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Balboa Island 2 Bdm / 2 Bath Vacation Home - Duck House?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Balboa Island 2 Bdm / 2 Bath Vacation Home - Duck House located?
This family-friendly Newport Beach holiday home is located by the sea, within 1 mi (2 km) of Balboa Fun Zone, Balboa Peninsula Beaches and Balboa Beach. The Wedge and Balboa Pavilion are also within 1 mile (2 km).
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Balboa Island 2 Bdm / 2 Bath Vacation Home - Duck House Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new windowRating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 22 reviews
10 - Excellent
20
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 22 reviews
8 - Good
2
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 22 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10
Cleanliness
10
Location
Reviews
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Sandy G.
18 Apr 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our second stay!
It was wonderful - everything we hoped for.
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Linda E.
7 Jan 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our Duck House!
I consider the Duck House our second home!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Cheryl B.
21 Mar 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Balboa Island Re-Visit
2nd time renting the Duck House and really enjoyed it. Clean and well stocked. Gracious hosts
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Robin R.
6 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Three Times All Charming
It was my third time at The Duck House, and enjoyed each stay very much!
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Park City Pacific LLC W.
5 Dec 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect!
Wonderful! Would definitely stay here again, super comfortable great location really nice manager
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Tom G.
28 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect for Us
Very clean and comfortable. Had everything we needed. Great location near ferry. Wonderful hosts. Perfect for two couples.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Linda E.
17 Jul 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our Second Home
My son and daughter-in-law rented the Duck Inn for my son and I so we could visit them on the Island. It was such a fun week, meeting their friends and spending time with them and my granddaughter. Sincerely, Shirley Ellsworth
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Sandy G.
13 Apr 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We'll be back!
Craig and Susan are the ultimate hosts. The cottage is well-stocked. We were extremely comfortable. We couldn't have asked for more...Thank you so much, Craig and Susan, for your hospitality. As you know, we've already scheduled a visit next year!
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2022
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Cheryl B.
11 Mar 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful
We loved returning to Balboa Island where both my husband and I had lived years ago. The Duck House was the perfect cottage - very nicely decorated and fully equipped with everything you could possibly need. Neighbors were very friendly. A big thank you to Craig for allowing us to enjoy his beautiful property.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Diane H.
21 Jun 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Location
The house was walking distance to stores and restaurants and in a quiet neighborhood. Craig stopped in to say hi and asked if everything was OK. We parked right in front of the house and enjoyed the stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
james p.
1 Jun 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
wonderful getawaay
I hesitate to write this review only because I'd rather keep the Duck House a secret treasure. My wife and I greatly enjoyed our stay here and it was beyond even our most optimistic hopes. Charming house, great location, easy-to-work-with host. It is even nicer than as shown in the photos. We will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Charlotte C.
1 May 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Return to Duck Cottage
A lovely, spacious, well-equipped cottage. Tree-lined streets, near the bay, village atmosphere. Rather tight on the rules; definitely not a party house with wet bathing suits and sand bunnies.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Nora T.
28 Sept 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A place with history
one of the few original properties on the island . Lots of character and all the things you would want in a good hotel. Craig is right there if any problem. Love staying here.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Tracy J.
4 Aug 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A gem of a home!
The Duck House as my family calls it is amazing. Only made more wonderful by the renter Craig and his amazing Susan. It’s like staying with family. The special touches are perfection! The location, weather etc is wonderful!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Karen P.
18 Jun 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect biking getaway
Perfect location for biking Balboa, Newport, Huntington. The Duck House was very clean and comfortable. All the amenities you would need. Added extra touches. Hospitality from manager was excellent. Will definitely be returning!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Nora T.
4 Oct 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Delightful
This house is a special house. Lot's of history. Neighbors are very friendly. We've are planning on returning next year.
Verified review
8/10 Good
Ric M.
24 Sept 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Duck House just ducky except for the three bears beds
Our stay at the Duck house was very relaxing and enjoyable. Great location to the Ferry and on the less traffic side of the Island. The layout of this house is very nice and livable. Our only complaint is the beds. I ended up sleeping in the queen which seemed a little too hard. My wife tried the two twin beds. One was too soft for her and the other was pretty good.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
michelle e.
20 May 2019
The Duck House
Had a wonderful time. This home has a perfect location. It is very clean and has everything you need for a vacation stay . Very sunny front and backyard with seating . Lots of little extras like Keurig coffee maker, Popcorn Maker, BBQ, filtered drinking water, blender, beach towels, a variety of games and extra USB port plug ins and plenty of electrical strips so everything can stay charged! The host was very thoughtful and left a welcoming bottle of wine and chocolate...can't beat that. We will definitely come back to this charming VRBO called "the Duck House"
Stayed 7 nights in May 2019
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Judy B.
18 Aug 2018
Everything was great, the home was well equipped with towels, kitchen utensils and even beach toys!
My only recommendation is perhaps an umbrella for the patio and extra fans during the summer time. We will back next year!
Stayed 28 nights in Jul 2018
Verified review
8/10 Good
Claire S.
25 Mar 2018
Cozy cottage in a great location!
Wonderful time on the island! I love the location and ability to step out the door and walk. The owner is friendly and makes visitors feel at home.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Kim M.
14 Jan 2018
The Duck House was a perfect spot for a long weekend. Comfortable, convenient and clean.
We really enjoyed our stay at the Duck House. The kitchen was fully stocked, easy walk to the ferry, friendly neighbors, street parking was plentiful and home very comfortable.