COURTESY OF BALBOA ISLAND MUSEUM
Historic photos and postcards of the island , including the former Ye Island cafe on Marine Avenue ( top right )
Collins had always retained a strip of land around the perimeter so he could control traffic on and off the island . When he failed to pay taxes on this land , it was purchased by Joe Beek and two other island lot owners , bankers H . E . Lyon and E . G . Derby , who donated this property to the city of Newport Beach , ensuring that the public could stroll around the island , which they do to this day . Meanwhile , real estate agents for the banks were selling the island ’ s interior lots to new buyers for $ 25 to $ 50 and some people bought up entire blocks .
The city of Newport Beach — including East Newport Beach , which changed its name to Balboa — incorporated in 1906 and ran fresh water lines to Balboa Island . A few years later , a group of lot owners formed the Balboa Island Improvement Association . This group advocated for the city of Newport Beach to approve bonds and assessments necessary to make proper improvements to the land . From there , island life began to expand with both residents and tourists , and has grown into what it is today .
“ The BIIA has been active since 1918 and is a board of people who put together the activities and decor around the island today — all the cute things that make Balboa Island a fun place to be as a community ,” Dennerline says . “ There isn ’ t another little
community in this area where everyone literally knows everyone else . It ’ s like a small town in the Midwest : Most everyone on the 1,400 lots knows each other and the BIIA has helped that in sponsoring the community activities that bring everyone together .”
SMALL-TOWN CHARM Balboa Island has some of the most lavish homes found in Newport Beach . Days of harborside living revolve around the beautiful scenery , outdoor activities and sophisticated shopping and dining with a small-town vibe .
“ There are beautiful original cottages and gorgeous new homes with expansive rooftop decks . Every house is different and unique , thus adding to the quaintness ,” says Cynthia Shafer , president of the Balboa Island Merchants Association and general manager of the Royal Hen restaurant . “ We have people who live here all year , people with second homes here and lots of visitors as well , keeping it exciting all year long .”
To recognize the island homes that still reflect the original construction styles of the area and offer visitors a peek into the island ’ s history , the Balboa Island Museum began offering plaques to owners of the historic homes in 2015 . For a home to be considered historic , it must have been built prior to
1960 , as well as be the first home built on the land .
From historic cottages to mini mansions — and both homeowners and renters — Pepys says Balboa Island represents complete diversity . In fact , her home was built in 1913 and Pepys has been a resident on the island for 30 years .
“ The lots are small , making this some of the most expensive real estate in the country ,” Pepys says . “ Renting can be more affordable than actually owning .”
In addition to the homes , the island ’ s small , independent shops and restaurants add to its charm . Wilma ’ s Patio owner Sheri Drewry says , since 1914 , she is only the third owner of the building where Wilma ’ s resides . Drewry ’ s parents including her mother , Wilma , opened the restaurant on the island in 1982 and it moved to its current location in 1997 .
“ My parents loved this restaurant and this community , and the community has loved us back ,” Drewry says . “ This is the way it should be : easy . It ’ s Mayberry and people tend to stay here for most or all of their lives . You walk out the door and embrace the day , see the neighbors or visit some of the local shops . Whether you live on the island or work on the island , it ’ s not intense — all the life stresses kind of melt away . This is an escape whether you are on vacation or not .”
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