The Helmet House

Today I am proud to share a house that my family has christened "the Marvin Martian House." My family has walked past this home located on South Bayfront on Balboa Island countless times and we have always likened it to Marvin Martian's helmet.

The resemblance is uncanny! The real estate listing says that this home was built in 1980 but this home definitely has a groovy feeling. It appears that all the furniture has been removed and replaced with psychedelic furniture. While not exactly the most fashionable house on the block, whenever I see it i feel like I am at home.

The Guest House

This beautiful little building, located on my favorite island ever (Balboa Island), sits on prime South Bayfront Drive. This prime example of a fun and functional home is really the complimentary guesthouse for the house next door. The owners of these lots own the most coveted and rare possessions on all of Balboa, a grassy front yard.

Normally I'm not a huge fan of the whole nautical motif, such as the shells carved into the fireplace mantel and carved into the tops of the china display cases. But I can make an exception when you have sailboats anchored right outside your window.

The main house is on the left and let me just say that the crisp white trim is perfection! Both buildings are painted the same cool colors and have the same slate roofing. To top it all off the owners have their own private dock. Ah, just another day on the island!

On The Island

Located on the Little Island of Balboa Island in Newport Beach, this home occupies the corner of East Bayfront and Grand Canal. This home is sheer island perfection! Not only does it have a sizable front yard (a rare treat), it also boasts a very private inner courtyard. The massive chimneys, beautiful shingles, and white trim all just make me LOVE this house.

Yes, that behemoth of a yacht is owned by the owners of this house. In fact, they own quite the menagerie of watercraft.

Through the olive tree you can just make out the only bridge onto the island. It should just be named the bridge to paradise.

HOORAY! Who doesn't love a nice conservatory?

The interiors are a smidge hoity-toity for my taste. I mean a mosaic back splash? Oh well, give me a marble counter top and I'll be a happy camper.

The dinning room of this house definitely has that yacht-y feeling with all the wooden built-ins.

I don't think I would really ever need to leave this room. If you look out the windows on the right you get a vista of the bay and if you venture out the doors on the left you reach the courtyard.

Tower room anyone?

BEAMS. LANTERN.

Chinoiserie is beautiful!

Even thought this tub is a little stunted, claw-foot tubs are the epitome of elegance.

Balboa Island has always been one of my favorite places in the whole wide world and I am very happy to share it with you. This home has never been on the market but it has been featured on HGTV. This home just radiates class and sophistication, and I love how it weaves and conforms to its triangular shaped lot. As always, a tour would be much appreciated!