Fishing, wake boarding, paddling, cannonballing, swimming, floating, rocking, swinging, gazing, tubing, cruising, dozing, grilling...just awaiting your visit.
Originally built as a hunting and fishing cabin in the early formation of Lake Gaston, the concept it to provide hideaway in the natural splendor of the lake.
Much of the original charm remain in great shape because, '...no wet suits allowed on the furniture...' has always been a house rule (and remains so).
The cabin was designed to provide a comfortable and intimate place for family and friends to experience the fun and adventure of lake life. It is not intended to be a luxurious indoor vacation.
Located on the south shore of Main Lake (mile buoy 3), sunrise and sunset views pull you out to enjoy the lake!
Sunrise to sunset, the sun drenches the dock and the trees shade the house and deck.
Rustic wood charm with 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bath, endless hot water. One set of bunk beds and a double bed in the "Bunk Room", and a queen bed in two bed rooms provide for up to 8 sleepers.
Deep water (> 5') on all sides of swimming area of the dock makes cooling off fun and easy. Boat visitors can pick a side. Swimmers use the open areas.
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Children must be supervised. Owner not responsible
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Events
Events allowed
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Pets
No pets allowed
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Roll trash and recycling to the street (between the mailbox and gravel entry). Pickup is early Monday morning and there may not be a traveler arriving immediately after you.
Return porch furniture cushions to the porch box and latch with the carabiner.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Food should be prepared and consumed in the kitchen, dining room, and outside. No eating in the living room and bedrooms.
No pets and no additional people (beyond the registered guests) allowed overnight. Please be conscious of excess noise after 11pm
Clean the house before you leave. The housekeeping team is contracted to sanitize the house after guests. Any additional cleaning fees will be charged
Important information
You need to know
Property # 588882vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 15
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Littleton
Located in Littleton, this holiday home is near theme parks and on the waterfront. Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail and Royal Palace Theatre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Chockoyotte Country Club and Weldon Mills Distillery. Jet skiing, snorkelling and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours nearby.
Medoc Mountain State Park - 34 min drive - 37.8 km
Weldon Mills Distillery - 37 min drive - 38.7 km
Halifax State Historic Site - 37 min drive - 43.4 km
Veteran's Memorial Park - 53 min drive - 71.1 km
Getting around
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) - 101 min drive
Restaurants
Hardee's - 13 min drive
WATERSVIEW - 26 min drive
Grandpa's Kitchen - 14 min drive
Lake Gaston Pizza - 28 min drive
Casa Mia's - 14 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Life by the Week pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Lake Life by the Week?
As of 18 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lake Life by the Week on 22 Aug, 2026 start from S$265, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Lake Life by the Week?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Lake Life by the Week?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Lake Life by the Week?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Lake Life by the Week located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Lake Gaston and Goat Island. Vidant North Hospital and Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail are also within 20 miles (32 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had such an awesome time staying at the lake. The house was perfect and so accommodating. It had everything we needed and more. The dock was great to float off of and to see the sun set every night. We also saw an amazing fireworks display. The homeowner was a joy to deal with. We will definitely be back and hopefully we will be moving down to the area sometime in the future.
My friends and I absolutely loved every second of this trip. Chris was fantastic and even let us know the cleaners were done early so welcomed us to go in early. The house was cozy and perfect for the three of us and the lake was so clear and beautiful for swimming.
Spent 5 days at Nell's retreat. The lake views are the star of the show. Sunset views are amazing. House was furnished with everything we needed during our stay. Communication with the owner was smooth and timely. House was clean and comfortable. This property is on the main lake. If you're bringing a boat, bring some extra bumpers. Thanks to Chris for allowing us to stay here.
Gina K.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Archival
8/10 Good
Haigh T.
5 Jun, 2014
Wedding Weekend
My whole family came to NC for a wedding in Roanoke Rapids and wanted to stay all together in a house rather than in a few rooms at a hotel. This place seemed like a perfect fit from the website and it was. Fully functional kitchen, wifi, close to Roanoke Rapids, and great views of the lake. We didn't get much chance to enjoy the lake but did have a few hours to spend jumping in from the dock, which is spacious, and enjoying the sun. We would definitely come back for "real" lake vacation. The house does not have alot frills and isn't fancy but it is just what you need if you are looking to enjoy the company you're with and the lake.
Haigh T.
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jun, 2022
Thanks for staying with us and for the review!
I'm glad you thought about renting a lake house instead of staying in a hotel in Roanoke Rapids! I'm sure it was nice to have the family together instead of spread out over a few hotel rooms.
Thanks for the comment regarding the "perfect fit from the website"! We consciously want to represent the lake house as it really is, and to present the character that has evolved over the decades.
We have had great times at the lake created by combining great friends and family with the coziness of the house and the adventures offered by the lake. Though there are few places enabling the kids to disappear, there is an endless opportunity for fun!
Thanks again for staying! Please come back when you can enjoy the lake a bit more.
Archival
8/10 Good
15 Jul, 2014
Great little lake house!
We rented for the 4th of July weekend, and loved Aunt Nell and Uncle Ed's cabin. It was not fancy, but cozy and seemed like it could have been OUR Aunt Nell and Uncle Ed. The covered porch is wonderful and we spent many hours just gazing at the AMAZING views of the main lake. Our family enjoyed lots of game playing, and water time. (I told my kids it did not have wi-fi--although it does) So instead of being online the whole time, we did alot of great activities together. We brought our two kayaks in addition to our boat, and the area is great for kayaking as well. My only recommendation would be to add a bumper on the corner of the boathouse--it is a tight fit pulling in especially when the main lake is choppy. I will be checking the calendar to see when we can get back to this great little place!
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jun, 2022
Thank you!!! We're glad you had a great stay!
Its funny. Your description sounds like the way we spend time at the lake! And, it sounds like you used a tactic Aunt Nell used with us when we were young. In fact, Aunt Nell refused to use the Air Conditioner during the day to discourage the kids from loafing on the couch all day! Same was true regarding TV...no TV during daylight hours. Even so, we are not quite as extreme as Aunt Nell; we use the central AC and FWA to make sure the house is comfortable at all hours!
For most, the real adventure is found exploring the lake. Sounds like you found it! We too love to kayak through the cove. The cove is not a high traffic cove, and offers lots of natural shoreline and dock structures to investigate. During a paddle, you may spook a largemouth bass as you glide near the banks, or a grey heron wading in the shallows.
Regarding the bumper suggestion, that is a great idea! I'll check with Boats Unlimited to see what we can install. We're making improvements as we receive feedback from our renters. In fact, I'm flipping the back basement door around (per a recommendation), and replacing the current porch ceiling fan with two new ceiling fans. A few weeks ago we replaced Aunt Nell's original Westinghouse dishwasher with a brand new modern ultra quiet dishwasher (48 db)! Now, the oven is the only remaining original appliance.
We want to balance modern conveniences with the rustic feel of the place (it was Uncle Ed's Duck Hunting/Fishing retreat. The house is an original Lake Gaston Lake House. Many are disappearing on the lake, so ours may reach "Antique" status soon.
I know I appreciate the patina of the real cedar exterior siding, the solid wood interior walls, and solid wood floors! For me personally, the patina helps create the cozy feel you described.
Thanks for so much for the feedback. We are thrilled you appreciated the house's character and enjoyed our part of the lake. We look forward to hosting you again!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Gretchen W.
7 Sept, 2015
This Lake Gaston Cabin is a Relaxing Retreat to Be Enjoyed by Everyone!
My family and I enjoyed an amazing weekend "Aunt Nel's" home. The beds are super comfy. The location is super private. And, the dock and the view --- priceless. We relaxed, we fished, we grilled out, we watched the stars, and we enjoyed everything the lake has to offer. It is perfectly peaceful and private AND has everything you could possibly need for a perfect escape vacation. We definitely hope to return and highly recommend this rental!
Gretchen W.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Connie S.
21 Jul, 2015
Most relaxing cabin!
This cabin was exactly what I was looking for in a vacation......EXACTLY! The cabin was so charming and relaxing. I love the old fashioned rustic feel of all the wood.....I felt like I was coming home to Aunt Nell's place even though I'm not family. The beds were very comfortable....it was the best sleep I've had away from my own bedroom. The view of the lake through the trees was just beautiful. And so many birds!........cardinals are my favorite and I have never seen or heard so many in one place as I did here. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I enjoyed relaxing on the hammock....even napped there. It's a perfect place for a peaceful, relaxing vacation. I was there over the 4th of July and the fireworks from the dock were all around. I couldn't have asked for a better vacation. I will definitely be staying here again.
Connie S.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Melissa S.
9 Oct, 2014
Peaceful, family oriented retreat!
Best sleep I've had in a long time! Very quiet and relaxing! So many things for kids to play with and not to mention the wonderful, spacious back porch! The owners were so kind and helpful the whole time! We are and will be staying here again!
Melissa S.
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jun, 2022
Thanks for the review! We love the porch area too. It is a great place to kick back while also keeping a watchful eye on the kids as they play, fish, or swim.
We recently trimmed the limbs on the trees to clear a few small obstructions. My first response was that the view was like an Imax movie!
Enthusiastic guests are always welcome back!!!!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
1 Oct, 2014
Great family cabin!
Perfect lakeside cabin for our family with private dock and beautiful location (and hungry fish for our young anglers). A cozy and peaceful retreat made for a great family weekend. We couldn't have asked for better.
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jun, 2022
Thanks for staying with us! Sept is a great time of year. The lake is warm as are most of the days. And there are fewer people on the lake! October is great too.
FYI - We have added unlimited Long Distance to our phone plan as a convenience to non-Verizon mobile customers. We also bumped the internet up to 4M download.
Thanks for the review!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Vickie W.
30 Jul, 2014
Great Lakehouse!
We loved this little lake house! It's perfect for people that just want to get away and relax. The view was beautiful, I got some great sunset pictures! We spent some time on the lake in our boat, not too crowded on the water. Did a little kayaking and a lot of fishing from the dock. Caught 3 pretty big catfish, one about 3.5 lbs. and lots of smaller ones. Floated a little out on some floats, left them behind for the next guests. Chris, the owner, was wonderful, very helpful. We will definitely be back!!
Vickie W.
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jun, 2022
Thanks for staying with us!
We're glad the house worked well for you and that you were able to get out of the house (there were a few storms that rolled though during your stay).
We're collecting fish pics. If you want to send any, we may post them!
Thanks again!
When we were growing up, we spent summer weeks at the lake learning to fish, ski, zip sled, swim, and to have all other sorts of fun.
Why they chose this property
This house is a family vacation home, not a professional investment property. There are many elements of nostalgia scattered through the house. The furniture is arranged for comfort and utility. Family rules are still enforced - 'No wet bathing suits on the couch or on the chairs.' Main lake offers great views and access. At mile marker 3, views of the dam are a quick boat ride away. Washburn's Marina is directly across the lake making refueling and supplemental grocery shopping convenient. Goat Island is just around the bend giving a purposeful outing destination.
What makes this property unique
House is an OG lake house! It is a modest cabin that is perfect for a family getaway. The lakeside covered deck overlooks main lake and provides clear views of the dock and swimming areas. Swim area water is @ ~ 5 feet deep at the ladder and deeper towards the end of the dock, so it's great for swimming and fishing. Endless hot water - Tankless hot water heater will provide everyone the choice for a long hot shower. Kitchen renovations include new plumbing, new electrical service, new range, new sink, refreshed cabinets, new kitchen countertops, and tile backsplash. Powder room has new tile flooring, fresh paint, caulking, and comfort height toilet. Full bath has new paint and caulking. Lighting has been upgraded throughout the house. A new HVAC system and Smart thermostat keep the house comfortable. Spectrum internet and Guest Mode Roku streaming devices enable guest accounts to be used while at the lake and are automatically removed on the date of checkout (or when stipulated by the guest). Alexa Echo devices provide voice activated services.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests