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Life & Work with Deana And Jim Gasque of Lake Greenwood, SC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deana And Jim Gasque.

Hi Deana and Jim, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Tell us about your story:
Boathouse Point on Lake Greenwood, SC has been a deeply personal venture for the two of us. This special place began as a family vacation retreat in the late 1940s, when Jim’s grandfather, Roy Gasque, built the original lake house, boathouse, and dock on a wooded four-acre peninsula surrounded by panoramic big water views. For generations, family and friends have gathered at “the lake house” for adventure-filled days on the water and quiet evenings playing games and watching the sun set over the lake as the night sky fills with more stars than you can imagine.
In the 1950s, Jim’s father’s family spent every summer here in a time before air conditioning, when open windows caught the breeze, screen doors slamming had their own gentle rhythm, and lake days lasted until way past sunset. Jim’s dad loved telling his grandchildren how he swam across the lake each day to work as a lifeguard at the state park; one of the many stories that may have grown a little over time as our boys listened in wide-eyed wonder. As our own family grew, we found ourselves creating similar sweet stories with family and friends: spending the days swimming, boating, and fishing, the boys and their friends learning to skip rocks and do flips off the dock, catching fireflies at dusk, taking baths in the lake with Ivory Soap (it floats!), and then sleeping in hammocks under the stars.
A few years ago, Jim and I built our forever home next door, with the plan to keep the original lake house for as long as possible and continue its legacy of bringing family and friends together. We know how special this place is, not just to our family, but to everyone who has gathered here over the years. When the opportunity arose in 2025, we decided to offer Boathouse Point as a private vacation rental retreat so other families could gather, reconnect with nature and each other, and create lasting memories of their own.

What sets you apart from others?
Boathouse Point is now a private, two-acre vacation rental retreat on Lake Greenwood with over 800 feet of shoreline, offering incredible panoramic sunrise-to-sunset big water views. You can watch the sun rise slowly over the cove each morning and enjoy the incredible sun set across the lake each night. The restored 1950’s lake house sleeps 12 and is nestled under tall pines, while the boathouse overlooks a quiet cove, and the 50-yard dock stretches out into the deep fresh water fed by the Saluda River.
The expansive property is perfect for both large and small gatherings. Guests can launch their own boat from the private ramp, fish from the dock, paddle the shoreline by kayak or canoe, or relax in Adirondack chairs enjoying the panoramic lake view. Each morning kids wake up and run outside to play, while adults linger over coffee on the deck, tuned in to the sights and sounds of nature and comfortable conversation. Days can be full of adventure on the water or simply peaceful and relaxing in and around the lake house. Evenings unfold slowly… lawn games in the grass, dinner at the lakeside picnic table, fireflies put on a show every summer, and fireside laughter carries across the lake long into the night. It’s the kind of place where people put their phones down and simply enjoy each other in this beautiful waterfront setting.
As a certified National Wildlife Federation habitat, the property is home to a variety of birds and natural beauty. Eagles, herons, osprey and loons are frequent visitors, and this quiet rural location makes it easy to unplug and connect with nature. Guests are surrounded by pines, wildlife, and water, yet close enough to nearby towns for everything needed for a comfortable stay. For those seeking a little adventure, we also provide a list of excellent restaurants, festivals, and fun destinations in the Lakelands area. This part of the state is rich in history and worthy of exploration.

What’s been your biggest challenge?
Our biggest challenge has been balancing preservation with modern comforts. We wanted to maintain the charm and character of the original 1950s lake house while still offering the amenities guests enjoy today.
Throughout the renovation, we approached each update thoughtfully — adding central heating and air, Wi-Fi, and a fully equipped kitchen, while preserving the original heart pine floors, windows, and doors that tell the story of the home’s history. The goal was not to modernize for the sake of it, but to create a space that feels warm, welcoming and authentic to it’s history.
Ultimately, we focused on maintaining the details that make the property special while adding touches we hope our guests will enjoy. We believe the result is a stay that feels nostalgic without sacrificing comfort.

What are you most proud of?
What means the most to us is having guests experience the same sense of peace and connection we’ve always felt here. Guests tell us they relax almost immediately, tuning in to the surroundings, the beautiful views, and the slow rhythm of lake life. We’ve hosted family reunions, guys’ fishing trips, ladies’ weekends, wedding anniversaries, and birthdays. Groups from two to twelve tell us Boathouse Point was perfect for their gathering.
It’s the kind of place that reminds people of the vacations they had growing up, where time together matters most. Everyone gathers for meals, plays outdoors from dawn to dusk, and conversations stretch long into the evening. Knowing that others are creating their own memories and traditions here makes sharing Boathouse Point incredibly rewarding.

What advice would you give others?
Start with something meaningful. For us, Boathouse Point isn’t just an investment, it’s a place rooted in generations of family memories, and that perspective shapes how we host and care for it.
Focus on genuine hospitality and thoughtful details. Often the simplest touches, lawn games ready to play, a fire pit stocked for the evening, or a s’mores kit as welcome gift, create the most memorable stays.
In the end, what guests remember most isn’t just the place, but how it made them feel. At Boathouse Point, the goal is simple: a peaceful lakefront escape where families and friends gather, enjoy each other and the natural surroundings, and create memories that last long after the trip ends. Come experience Boathouse Point yourself for a week or a weekend… we think you’ll love it here.

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