This family of six resides on Blackberry Lane with their two furry friends, Oakley and Freya. Gates Mills has so much to offer them and they couldn’t be happier about that.

“There is just nothing like the space, amenities, and close-knit community of Gates Mills. I will never forget the adapted July 4th parade and sitting at the end of the driveway with my son during Covid and needing that event and being so grateful the village adapted to that very challenging situation,” shares Scott Forster.

 

When it comes to a wonderful neighborhood, the Forster-Hurle family loves Gates Mills, especially with its green space, the beauty of nature, and all the animals they get to see. They also appreciate the passion of all the elected and appointed officials and the ability to reach them.

 

Talking with the police officers as they patrol the neighborhood, a wave to them or a neighbor while driving through makes it feel like home sweet home. Not to mention the “endless list of available activities and events that the village puts on.”

 

Scott and April are also appreciative of the service team that takes care of everything around them. In addition, they like having Stroll and Pink Book to stay informed and up to date. “Those are some of the reasons we love it here,” smiles April.

 

 

“Scott bought the house three and half years ago and we've been in it as a family for just over a year,” explains April. After recently getting married, they’ve enjoyed blending two families and their traditions into one. From holiday decorating to the foods that they share, it’s been a lot of fun to come together as one united family.

 

Expect special birthday cakes in this close-knit household. In the winter, you can spot their household adorned with a number of different inflatables depending on the season. At Christmas Scott and the kids especially like their 20-foot-high snowman. “But every chance we get, we make every occasion special,” laughs Scott.

 

Scott was born in Berea and grew up in Strongsville. For his education, he attended Baldwin Wallace University both undergraduate and for an MBA. Afterward, he moved around Northeast Ohio for various business opportunities and school for Wesley. For his profession, Scott has owned multiple companies. Now he has settled into real estate and rental properties.

 

As for April, she was born and grew up in upstate New York and attended St. John Fisher University there. While the kids were young, she moved to Shaker Heights. Now she enjoys working as a Controller for a private company.

 

The kids are all blazing their own trails in life. Skyler is a senior at St. Louis University in their nursing program. Sierra is at Kent State in Special Education. Wesley is at Kent State starting Fashion Merchandising and Kyran is a senior at US.

 

 

Time together is always well spent. Everyone enjoys pickleball, golfing, games, cornhole in the backyard, bonfires with s'mores, adventure races and playing in the pool. Other pastimes include listening to live music, attending local festivals, enjoying cookouts, and taking a family walk through the Village. Dinner at Sara’s Place is also a family favorite.

 

Scott also feels the need for speed. April explains, “Scott has been racing cars for a long time and with family support, he and his team won a 14-hour SCCA endurance race this summer.”

 

To relax, Scott and April and their children like walking the dogs, catching up with neighbors, and watching their favorite F1 teams. “With four kids, there is always something going on and we love every minute of it,” smiles April.

 

 

Despite their busy schedules, Scott and April make time to give back to the community. April explains, “Every year we support the Gates Mills fund and are so grateful for all of the employees in the village and as we become empty nesters we will look for more ways to support our community.” They would love to meet more friendly faces in Gates Mills so don’t hesitate to say hello when you see them around!