If some early businessmen had their way, Newport Beach would have become a commercial port. Thankfully, it didn’t. Better plans emerged for the Southern California community known for scenic beaches and epic waves. Developers quickly realized that building homes within steps of the beach would be far more valuable.
The tony neighborhoods that sprang up since the mid-20th century capitalize on the coastal town’s proximity to the water. For the house at 1416 East Balboa Boulevard on Balboa Peninsula Point, that’s doubly true.
“It’s unique for a home that isn’t on the water to have water views in both directions,” says listing agent Tara Shapiro of EQTY/Forbes Global Properties. The three-story house is located a stone’s throw from Newport Bay (one house away) and a block from Balboa Beach. The location also puts you a half-mile from The Wedge, one of Southern California’s legendary surf spots and a half-mile from Balboa Pier, the vintage Fun Zone amusement park and the ferry to Balboa Island.
But it’s not just location that defines this property.
The five-bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom home built in 2022 was designed by architect Eric Aust, who specializes in customized Newport Beach residences. Bespoke finishing touches can be found throughout, including wire-brushed white oak millwork, antique brass fixtures, vintage brick pavers in one of the bathrooms and fossil stone countertops.
The living room with fireplace and dining room open out to a patio with seating for lounging and indoor-outdoor entertaining. The professional-grade kitchen features a wood-and-marble island big enough to seat three or four guests for casual dining. All here is light and airy, a beach home made for enjoying and entertaining.
The primary bedroom has a terrace where you can enjoy watching the sun set over the ocean. Other features include vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, dressing area and en suite spa bath. The other four bedrooms, including one on the main level, have en suite bathrooms too. There are four fireplaces in the house, too.
The third floor’s covered loggia comes with one of the most luxurious amenities in the house: a hot tub made from handcrafted cedar. From here, you can see the lights of Newport Harbor and the bay. “It’s a turnkey product with a fantastic location,” Shapiro says. Other touches that come with the house include an outdoor beach shower, backup residential battery system, a Tesla charger and solar panels. The two-car garage includes a separate portico to park a golf cart.
About that idea for developing a port. Shipping businessmen James and Robert McFadden were the ones who favored building a “new port” in the late 1800s. Although their plan never panned out, the name stuck.
The house sells for $7.6 million, with furnishings.