Portofino Cove Community of Huntington Beach

Tucked away in the picturesque northwest corner of Huntington Beach, California, the Portofino Cove Community stands as a beacon of waterfront luxury and coastal charm in the heart of “Surf City USA.” This guard-gated enclave, nestled within the serene Huntington Harbour, comprises 77 residences—60 condominiums and 17 single-family patio homes—offering a rare blend of exclusivity, resort-style amenities, and direct access to the water. Built in 1985 along Countess Drive, Portofino Cove is celebrated for its private boat docks, stunning harbor views, and a prime location that places residents just minutes from beaches, dining, and the vibrant pulse of Huntington Beach’s coastal culture. As of March 4, 2025, the Portofino Cove real estate market reflects Huntington Beach’s high-demand dynamics, catering to affluent buyers, boating enthusiasts, and investors seeking a slice of Southern California’s premier waterfront lifestyle. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of Portofino Cove, its current real estate trends, housing features, community lifestyle, and why it stands out as a coveted gem in Orange County.

A Waterfront Legacy Takes Shape

Portofino Cove’s origins are intertwined with the ambitious development of Huntington Harbour, a transformative project that redefined Huntington Beach’s coastal landscape in the mid-20th century. Incorporated in 1909, Huntington Beach—named after railroad magnate Henry E. Huntington—evolved from an oil-rich outpost into a thriving beach town by the 1960s, propelled by its surf culture and growing residential appeal. The Huntington Harbour project, launched in 1963, carved five man-made islands—Admiralty, Davenport, Gilbert, Humboldt, and Trinidad—from the wetlands near Anaheim Bay, creating a network of navigable channels and waterfront properties. This bold endeavor set the stage for luxury communities like Portofino Cove, which emerged two decades later to capitalize on the Harbour’s boating-centric allure.

Constructed in 1985, Portofino Cove was designed as a guard-gated community at 16291 Countess Drive, blending contemporary architecture with a nod to Mediterranean influences—red-tiled roofs, stucco exteriors, and open, airy layouts. The development included 60 condominiums and 17 detached single-family patio homes, with many residences offering private boat docks along the main channel of Huntington Harbour. Unlike the larger island communities, Portofino Cove focused on a compact, exclusive feel, appealing to those who craved waterfront living without the expansive scale of nearby Trinidad or Davenport Islands. Its location—just a mile from Bolsa Chica State Beach and 2.5 miles from downtown’s Main Street—positioned it as a serene retreat with easy access to urban amenities, making it an instant draw for boating enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike.

Over the past four decades, Portofino Cove has matured into a prestigious enclave, maintaining its allure through meticulous upkeep and a strong community identity. Its proximity to Mother’s Beach, shopping at Huntington Harbour Mall, and coastal attractions has kept it in high demand, offering residents a unique blend of tranquility and convenience in a city that continues to thrive.

The Portofino Cove Real Estate Market in 2025

As of early 2025, the real estate market in Portofino Cove reflects Huntington Beach’s broader coastal trends—high demand, limited supply, and a premium on waterfront properties—while offering a range of price points that cater to both condo buyers and single-family home enthusiasts. The median sale price for Portofino Cove residences varies significantly by type:

• • Condominiums: Typically range from $900,000 to $1.8 million, with smaller one-bedroom units (around 898 square feet) starting at $900,000 and larger three-bedroom units (up to 1,650 square feet) reaching $1.8 million, especially those with private docks.

• • Single-Family Patio Homes: Range from $1.8 million to $3 million, with three- to four-bedroom homes (2,800-3,200 square feet) commanding higher prices due to their detached status and 45-foot boat docks.

These prices place Portofino Cove above Huntington Beach’s citywide median of $1.3 million, driven by single-family homes, but below the $5 million-plus starting point for oceanfront properties along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), offering a compelling value proposition for waterfront living.

Inventory in Portofino Cove is exceptionally scarce, with its 77 units rarely yielding more than 1-3 active listings at a time. In February 2025, Huntington Beach reported 350 active listings citywide, meaning Portofino Cove’s share is a tiny fraction—often selling out within 20-40 days when available, faster than the city’s 41-day average. Recent sales data from 2024 shows condo prices ranging from $949,000 for a one-bedroom unit to $1.799 million for a three-bedroom, three-bath condo with a 70-foot V-shaped dock, while patio homes have sold between $1.999 million and $2.75 million, averaging $600-$900 per square foot. Appreciation tracks Huntington Beach’s robust 7-9% annual rate, fueled by its waterfront scarcity, private docks, and gated exclusivity.

Buyers include affluent professionals seeking a coastal retreat, retirees embracing the Harbour lifestyle, and boating enthusiasts—many purchasing for docks accommodating vessels from 45 to 70 feet. Investors also target the community for its luxury rental potential, with condos fetching $2,500-$4,500 monthly and patio homes $6,000-$8,000. Cash transactions dominate high-end sales, particularly for waterfront properties with docks, while financing is common for smaller condos, often FHA-approved. The tight supply keeps Portofino Cove a seller’s market, with prime listings—especially those with harbor views or large docks—often sparking multiple offers, sometimes 2-5% above asking.

Housing Features in Portofino Cove

Portofino Cove’s 77 residences offer a mix of condominium and single-family living, each tailored to maximize waterfront access and coastal luxury:

• • Condominiums: The 60 condos range from 898 to 1,650 square feet, with one- to three-bedroom layouts and one to three bathrooms. Built in a contemporary style, they feature open floor plans, fireplaces, gourmet kitchens with stainless steel appliances, and spacious private terraces or balconies—many with direct harbor views. Upgrades in renovated units include luxury vinyl plank flooring, recessed lighting, and teak-and-stainless stairwells (in multi-level units). Prices start at $900,000 for one-bedroom units and climb to $1.8 million for rare three-bedroom models with 70-foot docks.

• • Single-Family Patio Homes: The 17 detached homes range from 2,800 to 3,200 square feet, offering three- to four-bedroom layouts with three-and-a-half baths. These Spanish-style residences boast expansive living areas, attached two-car garages, and private 45-foot boat docks along the main channel. Renovated homes feature high-end finishes like cherry cabinetry, stone counters, and wraparound patios, with prices starting at $1.8 million and reaching $3 million for premium waterfront units.

Both property types include subterranean parking (two covered spaces for condos, garages for patio homes), with select units offering boat docks—a defining feature that elevates their value. The community’s gated layout, with buildings oriented to capture harbor and channel views, enhances its curb appeal, framed by manicured landscaping and waterfront walkways.

Community Amenities and Lifestyle

Portofino Cove’s lifestyle revolves around its waterfront setting and resort-style amenities, fostering a luxurious yet relaxed atmosphere. Key features include:

• • Guard-Gated Security: 24/7 gated entry ensures privacy and safety, a hallmark of Harbour living.

• • Community Pool and Spa: A large, resort-style pool with a spa and sun deck, serving as a social hub.

• • Sauna and BBQ Area: Additional amenities include a sauna and outdoor kitchen with barbecues, perfect for entertaining.

• • Private Boat Docks: Available with many units, ranging from 45 to 70 feet, offering direct access to boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding in the Harbour.

• • Walkways: Scenic paths along the water, ideal for strolls amidst yachts and harbor views.

Monthly HOA dues vary—approximately $369-$484 for condos (plus $250 extra for dock maintenance) and higher for patio homes—covering amenities, water, trash, sewer, and building insurance. Residents are a mile from Mother’s Beach—a calm, family-friendly spot in the Harbour—and 2 miles from Bolsa Chica State Beach, with downtown’s Main Street (surf shops, eateries like Duke’s, and nightlife) 2.5 miles away. Pacific City (3 miles south) offers upscale shopping, while the Bolsa Chica Wetlands (1 mile north) provide nature trails.

Daily life in Portofino Cove is a luxurious blend of leisure and activity. Mornings might start with a Duffy boat cruise through the Harbour or coffee at AOSA Coffee, afternoons with a poolside nap or beach outing, and evenings with dinner at Red Table Restaurant or a sunset from a private dock. The 70°F climate keeps water and outdoor living central, while events like the Huntington Harbour Boat Parade—viewable from many homes—enhance the festive spirit.

Why Portofino Cove Stands Out

Portofino Cove’s appeal lies in its waterfront exclusivity, resort amenities, and prime Harbour location within Huntington Beach’s pricey market. Here’s what sets it apart:

• • Boating Lifestyle: Private docks (45-70 feet) rival larger Harbour islands at a range of price points ($900K-$3M vs. $5M+).

• • Dual Offerings: Condos and patio homes cater to diverse buyers, from budget-conscious to luxury seekers.

• • Coastal Proximity: Just 1-2 miles from beaches, it’s more affordable than oceanfront properties.

• • Gated Exclusivity: 24/7 security enhances privacy in a tourist-friendly area.

• • Resort Living: Pool, spa, sauna, and BBQ areas offer a vacation-like feel.

Compared to Huntington Beach’s broader market—where single-family homes dominate at 46% of housing stock—Portofino Cove’s mix of condos and detached homes outshines inland options. It rivals pricier Harbour communities like Trinidad Island ($2.3M-$7M) with lower entry points and competes with gated condos like Pacific Ranch by offering direct water access.

Challenges to Consider

Portofino Cove has quirks. Condo prices ($900K-$1.8M) plus HOA ($369-$734 with dock fees) require an income of $165,000-$330,000 annually with a 20% down payment, while patio homes ($1.8M-$3M) demand $330,000-$550,000—steep for some. Traffic on PCH or Warner Avenue can snarl during summer. Older 1985 units may need updates (e.g., plumbing, electrical), and parking is capped at two spaces or garages, limiting multi-car households.

Inventory scarcity—often 1-3 listings—sparks bidding wars, with buyers facing competition. Dock maintenance adds costs, and noise from boating or nearby PCH may affect quieter preferences, though mitigated by the gated design.

Investment Potential

For investors, Portofino Cove is a coastal goldmine. Appreciation tracks Huntington Beach’s 7-9% rate, with flipped condos—like a $1.799 million sale in 2024—showing 20-25% returns post-renovation. Rentals thrive, with condos at $2,500-$4,500 and patio homes $6,000-$8,000 monthly, driven by Harbour demand. Short-term rentals shine with docks, though HOA rules may cap them—long-term leases are a safer bet.

Conclusion

Portofino Cove in Huntington Beach is a waterfront paradise blending luxury, boating, and coastal charm. As of early 2025, its market thrives on scarcity, docks, and a location that captures Surf City’s essence. From cozy condos to spacious patio homes, it suits diverse buyers—all drawn by its gated exclusivity and harbor views.

Challenges like cost and competition exist, but Portofino Cove’s rewards—waterfront access, resort living, and investment upside—dazzle. Whether you’re seeking a home, a boating retreat, or a rental gem, Portofino Cove delivers. Partnering with a local realtor can unlock this coastal treasure, turning a house hunt into a harbor homecoming.