After an unexpected life change, Kara Gordon embarked on the challenge of restoring and reviving a home, turning it into something truly special. Originally from Louisville, a small town south of Canton, and with a background in mortgage loan origination, she found herself on a new path after a life-altering event.

After a divorce in 2018, Kara sought a fresh start. "I was looking for a place that was safe, comfortable, and private," she recalls. That search led her to Gates Mills, where an open house visit turned into the purchase of a home on Berkshire Road. This marked the beginning of her journey of home renovation in the area.

But she wasn’t entirely alone in this endeavor. Sharing her home is Jenga, her adopted cat, who has her own opinions about the ongoing construction. Jenga, a “one-cat show,” doesn’t always appreciate the many loud noises of construction and often retreats to quieter corners of the house. Despite the disruptions, Jenga seems to understand the vision for their shared space—though she’s much happier when the workers have left for the day.

Having lived in Gates Mills for nearly six years now, Kara has developed a love for the community. "I enjoy walking at night, clearing my thoughts, and planning for the next day. There’s something magical about the old walking bridge over the Chagrin River and St. Christopher-by-the-River at night. My favorite place during the day, though, is my own backyard—six acres of peace and serenity."

Her professional journey began in the mortgage industry, but her passion for real estate and renovation grew as she worked alongside her former partner, a general contractor. This collaboration laid the groundwork for her future in home remodeling, a field she has embraced with dedication.

"I've been a licensed mortgage loan officer since 1998, but over the years, my focus has shifted to remodeling residential homes. The process of transforming a home is something I find both challenging and rewarding," she explains.

Kara’s approach to renovation is unique. She lives in the homes she works on, allowing her to gain a deep understanding of the space before making any changes. "I believe a home tells you what it wants to be. It’s important to listen to the space, to understand the existing footprint, and to work within the walls whenever possible. This approach preserves the integrity of the home while bringing it up to date," she says.

Her projects are comprehensive, often involving a full remodel from top to bottom. "I’ve assisted with building or fully remodeling nine homes over the years, two of which were done on my own in Gates Mills. Each project is unique, and I always consider how a family might live in the space and the amenities they may need."

Kara pays special attention to “righting the wrongs” in each home she renovates. For instance, in her current home, she tackled issues like odd windows and an awkward awning over the garage, opting to beef up the porch posts, add symmetry, and integrate wood accents. "Some girls like diamonds, some like pearls—I'm the odd one who appreciates wood. It brings warmth and beauty to a space like nothing else," she says.

She takes pride in reclaiming and repurposing original materials whenever possible. The now-installed board and batten on the lower front of the home brings a little contrast to the wood siding used elsewhere and adds a modern farm touch. After removing the old material that clad the lower front of the home—3/4" tongue and groove cedar—she sanded it down and repurposed it as the porch ceiling. "I love being able to repurpose wood material for use elsewhere in a home," Kara shares.

Kara also believes in maximizing the budget by capitalizing on existing resources. "It's often laborious, but with a little trial and error, the results can be well worth it." All of the natural stone used in the entryway, beneath the garage posts, and in the front garden sitting area was quarried from the stream in her backyard. She even reached out to the attorney whose family used to own the home to learn about its history. He shared that the 3/4" cherry floors were made from a tree that fell in a storm many years ago. His father had the wood milled, and then he and a friend laid the floors themselves.

Kara reflects on the character of Gates Mills: "This town is so much more than just a pretty face or a pretty place. It's a place full of style and character, where people have always worked hard to make their homes beautiful, often using what nature provided."

Through her years of experience, Kara has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to successfully complete a renovation. "There are three key factors in any project: money, time, and quality. It’s important to be cost-effective, to work within an acceptable timeframe, and to ensure that the work is of good quality."

But perhaps the most important lesson she has learned is the value of trust in a project. "The key to a successful renovation is working with someone you like and trust. If you have that, the process is smoother, and both parties are more likely to walk away happy and satisfied."

While her work focuses on the physical transformation of homes, it’s the sense of community and the peaceful surroundings that make Gates Mills a special place for Kara. "I love the privacy and peace this place offers like no other I’ve ever known. It’s not an easy thing to find, and it’s something I truly cherish."

As she wraps up work on her current home, Kara reflects on the journey that brought her to Gates Mills. "Each project is a new challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to create something beautiful. And in this community, there’s no shortage of inspiration."