One of the charming aspects of California beach towns is that homes can be funky and fun. Almost anything goes. A Craftsman bungalow can sit next to a Spanish Revival hacienda across the street from a ranch-style house next to a Cape Cod-inspired cottage.

This holds true in even the most expensive neighborhoods. One such example of this eclectic diversity of architecture is now for sale in the Balboa Peninsula Point neighborhood of Newport Beach. The home stands out for its Dutch Colonial style, prime corner lot and something less apparent from the street, according to listing agent Tara Shapiro of EQTY.

“For anyone familiar with the community, this home is one that is known in large part by virtue of its owner, who passed,” Shapiro says. “Her love of gardening and community involvement.”

The sentiment says a lot about what it’s like to own a home in the seaside enclave. Even though made up of a mix of primary residences and vacation homes, the area is close-knit. “Surrounded by water with the bay on one side and the ocean on the other, the community boasts an ‘old-school’ neighborhood vibe,” Shapiro says, “in terms of looking out for your neighbors.”

Sidewalks, old-style street lamps and events, such as the annual Easter egg hunt, chili cook-off, holiday toy drive, Fourth of July parade and New Year’s polar plunge, add to this sense of cohesion.

The enclave, at the tip of the Peninsula, is near The Wedge shore break, a popular surfing spot with large waves. Residents can enjoy an active and water-oriented lifestyle with swimming, biking and boating close at hand. Restaurants and shops are within walking distance, although golf carts are a popular mode of transportation.

Built in 1947, the home Shapiro has listed displays the style’s classic gambrel roof and sits on more than 3,000 square feet with flowering gardens and fruit trees. That’s about 30% larger than the Balboa Peninsula Point “norm,” she says. Plus, the property has views of the ocean, which is only two doors away. That this stretch of sand has no bike path, public parking, concessions or bathrooms, Shapiro says, all of which contribute to it being “very much a neighborly beach experience.”

The vintage home has been restored and recently updated in keeping with the style. Bead-board wall and ceiling details, two reclaimed brick fireplaces and wood floors are among the features of the nearly 2,000 square feet of interior space.

Beyond the trellis-topped Dutch door entry are a living room, formal dining room and library that open to an enclosed brick courtyard. The kitchen, outfitted with Bosch appliances and quartz counters, adjoins a family room.

In addition to the first-floor guest bedroom and bathroom are three upstairs bedrooms with pitched beamed ceilings. There are a total of three bathrooms.

The detached two-car garage has attic storage. The asking price for 1760 East Ocean Boulevard is US $4.995 million.