check-in was a breeze at this house, because Jennifer had stashed a key in a lockbox for us and the onsite private boat ramp, meant I didn't have to start my vacation off waiting in line at a busy public ramp in order to Launch. The boathouse and dock had just been rebuilt and they did a great job, so we spent most of our time there catching rays, fishing off the dock, and running around in the boat. The binder that was left for renters included directions by boat to the marina by Eaton Ferry, so I filled up at their gas dock and took the kids to lunch at the grill. It was pretty good as far as bar food goes and I could see it being a fun place to have a beer in the busier peak season, and it was an easy 20 minute cruise from the house. Gaston is a lake where almost all the homes are beautiful and have nice boathouses and water access. I Didn't see a lot of chain link and pit bulls like some parts of Kerr, so that was nice. The docks can be a little bit crowded together as they are in this particular cove but the neighbors were really nice, and it wasn't a problem. We took out the canoe which was fun and we used a few logs from the huge pile of firewood provided to light a nice bonfire to roast smores. The house itself has great views of the lake and was comfortable in a very casual (if slightly kitchy way) with lots of lake themed knicknacks and signs and things. there were a few small challenges with the house- the main floor toilet flushes weakly and requires standing by holding the flusher down, the fire alarms were very sensitive and went off every time we used the oven, but for our purposes, the house was great. We weren't expecting perfection inside because the real charm of this house is looking out toward the lake,.