1924 Cottage on Balboa Island in California with Private Suite, Top Appliances, and Beach Access (With Home Plan)

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Mathew Abraham, editor of Century Homes America, brings his passion for architectural history to explore the stories behind America’s most iconic homes.

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

This charming century home, built in 1924, is located in the heart of Newport Beach, just steps from the South Bayfront. Its architectural style blends historic coastal charm with modern upgrades, featuring two stories, expansive Newport Harbor views, and a rare short-term rental license. The 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence boasts a remodeled kitchen with a farmhouse sink and premium Wolf range, Dutch doors opening to a spacious deck, and a private upstairs suite with a separate entrance. Additional highlights include new wood paneling, hard floors, custom closets, private laundry, and proximity to the quaint Marine Avenue village. Listed at $3,595,000, this home offers 16 steps to the sand, perfect for true Balboa Island living.

Home Plan

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

The layout spans two floors with clear zoning of living and private spaces. Floor 1 combines an open area for kitchen, living, and dining in one large room measuring 20’10” by 22’3″. Adjacent to this space lies a bedroom with a closet and access to a bathroom, alongside a small laundry and staircase centrally located. Floor 2 mainly consists of one bedroom, a small entrance hall, and a bathroom next to the staircase. The design is practical and compact, integrating storage areas efficiently. The plan emphasizes functionality in a modest footprint, with well-defined circulation paths.

Waterfront Neighborhood View

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

A sweeping aerial perspective captures a coastal residential area densely packed with small structures featuring varied roof styles, including flat, gabled, and tiled varieties. The homes are painted in soft neutral tones such as whites, creams, and browns, nicely complemented by the verdant greenery along streets and in small garden areas. In the distance, a tranquil blue marina dotted with numerous white recreational boats and yachts creates a striking contrast to the clustered homes. The sky is clear, bright, and sunny, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere of this charming seaside community. This area radiates relaxed coastal living with stunning waterfront views.

Exterior Street View

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

The image shows the exterior corner of a residential neighborhood near water, featuring two distinct two-story houses. The house in the foreground has a clean white lower half with a dark gray upper half, accented by black shutters and multiple white-framed windows. A small garden bed with lush green succulents and colorful flowers lines the sidewalk surrounding the house. The adjacent house is painted dark gray with white trim, includes a garage door, and is positioned closer to a marina with visible sailboats. The wide concrete street and clear blue sky enhance the coastal ambiance.

Exterior Side View

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

A charming two-story side of a house with classic American coastal aesthetics is seen. The upper level is clad in dark gray vertical siding, while the lower level is painted white with smooth horizontal siding. Windows vary in style, with the upper window being a single pane and the bottom windows featuring traditional shutters and a multi-pane design. A vibrant garden bed overflowing with lush succulents, colorful flowers, and greenery enhances the curb appeal beneath the windows. To the right, a white picket fence encloses a cozy outdoor seating area, bathed in natural sunlight, blending old-fashioned charm with a fresh, inviting feel.

Front Porch Patio

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

The exterior reveals a quaint, white-painted front porch patio area with classic shiplap siding and large glass windows and a door, which allow natural light inside. The porch is elevated with white railings and flanked by colorful flowering plants in planters, adding charm and warmth. A black mailbox marked “104 Onyx Ave” and a sign for vacation rental adds a welcoming touch. The seating area consists of a small round black metal table with folding chairs, alongside a taller wooden dining table with beige cushioned chairs under a large white umbrella decorated with hanging lanterns, blending coastal cottage style with modern outdoor practicality.

Front Patio Seating Area

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

A quaint and inviting front patio area enclosed by a white wooden picket gate and railing. The space includes a wooden deck with a rustic dining table and matching chairs shaded by a large white patio umbrella, creating a cozy outdoor dining spot. The left side features a classic black mailbox, white window frames, and flower boxes with lush white blooms. The right side has a grey and brown wood-paneled house exterior with greenery and potted plants flanking the seating area. Black modern wall sconces add a contemporary touch to the historic charm.

Outdoor Dining Patio

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

Long, narrow patio with natural wooden decking creating a warm, rustic feel. A simple wooden dining table and chairs are centered beneath a large white fabric umbrella, suspended lanterns adding a charming, vintage touch. Along one side, lush green hedges in rectangular white planters provide privacy and a vibrant contrast to the bright white siding of the adjacent house. Black lantern-style lights on the opposite wall complement the greenery and add to the cozy ambiance. Overall, the space combines clean lines, natural textures, and greenery for an inviting outdoor dining area.

Harbor View Neighborhood

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

A coastal neighborhood with a dense arrangement of homes, featuring a mixture of modern and traditional architectural styles. The rooftops vary in shape and color, with some flat and others pitched with shingles. Palm trees rise above the buildings, adding a tropical flair. The adjacent harbor is filled with numerous boats and yachts floating on calm blue water, extending to the horizon. The atmosphere is vibrant and nautical, perfectly blending urban living with seaside charm under a clear, bright blue sky. The area exemplifies a picturesque coastal community with a strong marine influence.

Breakfast Nook Entrance

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

Light grey walls paired with white trim and ceiling create a bright airy feel. The vaulted ceiling with exposed beams adds a rustic charm. Adjacent to a white kitchen counter with a marble-like surface, two white bar stools sit nearby. A small wooden table with two matching chairs creates a cozy dining corner by large windows that invite abundant sunlight and offer street views. A white Dutch door opens outward, fulfilling both style and function. Minimalistic decor includes a round wall clock and a small sign above the windows reading “ONE OH! FORE!”. Wide plank light wood flooring balances warmth throughout.

Open Living Room and Kitchen

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

Light, airy space blending a cozy living room and kitchen with a seamless flow. Soft blue walls contrast gently with white cabinetry and trim, enhancing natural light. The kitchen boasts white marble countertops, classic shaker cabinets, and a modern faucet, framed by vaulted ceilings with exposed white beams. Two white stools sit at the kitchen peninsula, perfect for casual dining. The living area features a navy blue sectional and matching armchair, layered with neutral-toned cushions and a rustic wooden coffee table on a beige rug. Dark wooden ceiling beams add warmth and character, complemented by coastal-inspired artwork and soft, recessed lighting for a welcoming ambiance.

Cozy Living Room

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

White paneled walls rise halfway up, complementing soft gray paint above, while the ceiling is accented by exposed, warm wooden beams that add rustic charm. A spacious, dark gray sectional sofa is adorned with an assortment of patterned and neutral-toned cushions, inviting relaxation. Two framed coastal-themed artworks hang above the sofa, reinforcing a serene, beach-inspired vibe. A wooden coffee table sits centrally on a natural fiber rug, balancing the room’s modern and cozy elements. Built-in white cabinetry houses a mounted TV displaying a seascape, enhancing the room’s relaxed coastal aesthetic. Natural light enters through a small window, brightening the space.

Living Room Seating

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

Light blue walls with white wainscoting create a soft coastal atmosphere, complemented by the natural wood beams across the white shiplap ceiling. The spacious L-shaped navy blue sectional sofa is adorned with a mix of beige and patterned throw pillows, fostering a cozy and inviting feel. A simple wooden coffee table with a metal frame and caster wheels sits atop a neutral natural fiber rug, enhancing the warm tone of the room. Two windows let in natural light, framed by two large blue-themed seascape artworks. A black floor lamp and a modern armchair with a patterned cushion complete the seating area.

Kitchen Countertop and Sink

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

The kitchen has a bright and airy atmosphere, highlighted by the expansive white marble countertop that extends into a peninsula with a built-in sink and modern, brushed metal faucet. White cabinetry lines the upper and lower walls, contrasting subtly with darker lower cabinets near the stove, creating a balanced monochromatic look. The backsplash is composed of glossy white subway tiles complementing the soothing pale gray walls. Natural light floods in through multiple windows above the sink, framed by a unique arched transom. Vintage-style brass pendant lights hang from the white-paneled ceiling, adding warmth and character.

Kitchen Countertop and Sink

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

White marble-like countertops paired with dark green lower cabinetry bring a modern farmhouse feel. A large white farmhouse sink sits centered under a brass faucet. The walls and ceiling are painted in soft white tones, with exposed beams adding architectural interest. Glass windows provide abundant natural light, framing outdoor views. A round natural wood wall clock and small potted plant on a wooden tray add warmth and texture. Visible through the kitchen opening, a dining nook with a wooden table and chairs is illuminated. The design combines clean lines, neutral colors, and subtle rustic elements.

Galley Kitchen Details

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

Narrow galley kitchen framed by crisp white subway tile backsplash and white upper cabinetry. Lower cabinets in a deep charcoal gray offer contrast, complemented by brass and copper hardware. Marble-look countertops extend on both sides, clean and uncluttered. Professional-grade black stovetop with six burners and vivid red control knobs provides an industrial touch. Overhead white beams add architectural interest to the ceiling. Light wood flooring brings warmth to the space, balancing the cool tones. At the far end, a door with frosted glass panels opens to adjoining rooms or outdoors, completing this stylish, functional cooking space.

Bedroom with Vanity

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

Bright bedroom with white walls and beadboard wainscoting accented by natural wood ceiling beams. A black ceiling fan contrasts with the white paneled ceiling. The bed is dressed in blue and beige linens with multiple pillows, harmonizing with the abstract blue artwork above the headboard. Matching wooden nightstands flank the bed, each supporting traditional table lamps. Across from the bed, a built-in white vanity with a marble top includes a mirror and light fixture, blending seamlessly into the room’s refreshed modern coastal aesthetic. White plantation shutters soften the daylight from the window near the vanity.

Back Door Entry and View

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

White shingle siding and a Dutch door open onto a cozy exterior space. Through the open door, a compact interior area with white shiplap walls and ceiling beams is visible. The adjoining room features a white door with black hardware, contrasting with dark cabinetry in a bathroom or kitchenette space. A small window with a towel ring and light fixture adds to the efficient design. Outside, portions of neighboring structures and rooftops are visible, along with a serene view of boats docked on calm water under a clear blue sky, suggesting coastal proximity.

Utility Room with Counter

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

Bright and airy utility or laundry room with a clean, all-white color palette. Shiplap walls and a white beadboard ceiling create a classic farmhouse atmosphere. White cabinetry with black hardware lines both walls, topped with smooth white marble or quartz countertops. A striking large round brass-framed mirror hangs above a side cabinet, balanced by a simple white wall sconce. A sliding barn door with black track hardware opens to a linen closet neatly stocked with folded towels. The countertop runs below large windows, accompanied by two black stools for seating, offering a peaceful workspace with natural light. Blue geometric tile adds a subtle accent backsplash near the sink area. Light wood flooring completes the fresh, coastal-inspired look.

Kitchen Nook and Hallway

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

Bright white shiplap walls and ceiling beams create a crisp, coastal atmosphere with natural light flooding the space. A patterned blue and white tile backsplash adds a dynamic focal point near the microwave, complemented by wooden floating shelves holding black mugs and greenery that provide warmth and texture. The light wood flooring blends seamlessly into the adjoining hallway, leading to a small but modern bathroom. Opposite the kitchen nook sits a white and navy two-tone cabinet adorned with a potted plant, a table lamp with a muted lavender base, and a framed beach-themed artwork that brings color and a casual, seaside charm to the space.

Bedroom with Beach Theme

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

White shiplap walls and vaulted ceilings with exposed beams create a bright, airy atmosphere. The room centers around a wooden bed with woven rattan panels, dressed in neutral linens and accented with patterned throw pillows and a navy blue throw. Beside the bed, matching nightstands hold a glass lamp and modern brass wall sconces with dark shades. Opposite the bed, a white dresser contrasts with light wood flooring layered with blue and cream geometric rugs. A framed beach photograph and a small wooden desk with a brass lamp emphasize a coastal, relaxed aesthetic.

Bedroom with Harbor View

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

White paneled walls and a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams create a bright, airy ambiance. A cozy bed dressed in white linens and a dark blue throw faces built-in cabinetry with ample storage drawers. Large windows provide a stunning view of boats docked at a marina, filling the room with natural light. A small desk with a wooden chair is tucked under the window, accentuated by a framed artwork on the wall. The room’s neutral color palette and nautical accents blend classic coastal charm with refreshing simplicity.

Bathroom Details

Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties

Compact bathroom with a clean, bright aesthetic. The vanity is painted a deep navy blue and topped with a white countertop and built-in sink, paired with a modern brushed nickel faucet. Above it, a square mirror with a softly glowing backlight adds a contemporary touch against textured, light gray wallpaper. A white toilet sits beside the vanity. The bathtub is enclosed with classic white subway tiles featuring light grout, accompanied by a simple silver showerhead and faucet. A small window above the tub provides natural light. A rustic wooden shelf with white towels and a wicker basket adds warmth and functionality.

Listing Agent: Donald Abrams of Abrams Coastal Properties via Zillow 

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