After ten years in their home on Via San Angelo, Ryan and Kara Gorney—along with their children Samantha, Kate, and Jon—have a deep appreciation for both their neighborhood and the journey that transformed their house into a place built to last.

Situated along the 17th hole at the southernmost edge of Red Tail, the Gorneys’ home enjoys sweeping views of the golf course and pond, framed by wooded privacy that makes the setting feel like a retreat. It was the home’s open design and distinctive architectural features that first drew them in, but those same features eventually revealed serious structural challenges.

The remodel didn’t begin as a vision project—it began out of necessity. During the initial inspection years earlier, the Gorneys knew water intrusion would eventually become a problem. That reality came into focus when a beam over the front door began to sag. What appeared to be a simple repair quickly escalated when contractors discovered there was no steel beam at all—only severely rotted wood concealed behind brick and mortar. That discovery marked the beginning of a two-year reconstruction of the entire front of the house.

Behind the stone façade, water had been freely entering through windows and siding for years. The front porch had also sunk nearly eight inches due to faulty construction. Rather than patching problems, the Gorneys chose to rebuild properly, redesigning the front entry, garage area, porch, and walkway with improved rooflines, drainage, and durable materials designed to stand the test of time.

After a necessary financial pause, attention shifted to the back of the house, where an indoor pool off the basement presented another serious concern. The pool room had never been properly dehumidified or vented, and structural experts warned that the entire space could collapse within five to seven years if left unaddressed. The Gorneys made the difficult decision to remove and completely redesign the pool and pool room.

The new design corrected the structural issues while allowing for improved airflow and energy efficiency. The remodel also made room for a spacious deck off the primary bedroom. To access the structure, the existing deck and much of the patio had to be removed—areas already failing due to poor installation. This opened the door to a full reimagining of the backyard into a true relaxation and entertainment space.

The final phase of the remodel was one the family could finally enjoy on their own terms. An attic spanning the length of the home was partially finished and transformed into a versatile guest and entertainment space—perfect for overnight visitors, family gatherings, and kids’ sleepovers.

A project of this magnitude required a remarkable team. The Gorneys credit Old World Custom Homes, Simplified Facilities, Schill Architecture (Steve Schill and Stephanie Schill Hayden), DiMarco and Associates, High Tech Pools, Zbin Landscaping (Chris Zbin), Angella Lavertly, and Krissi Kahoun for helping bring their vision to life. One person who stood out from start to finish was contractor Ed Poling, who served not only as builder and project manager, but also as problem-solver and trusted guide throughout the process. His connection to Ryan’s family—having worked years ago with Ryan’s grandfather at Lysaght Builders in Elyria—made his involvement especially meaningful.

The renovation was not without its challenges. On the very first day of demolition, a simple pull of a rope brought down an entire brick structure, setting the tone for what would become a series of unexpected discoveries. Supply chain delays added to the stress, including one that left the family using a tarp as a front door for ten months. Many setbacks were beyond their control, requiring patience, flexibility, and a constant reminder to focus on the long-term outcome.

Today, the Gorneys’ favorite space is the backyard patio, designed for gathering and entertaining. Complete with a fire pit, hot tub, grill, and pizza oven, it has become the heart of family celebrations and social gatherings. The redesigned pool room and patio create a resort-like atmosphere, while the attic offers a welcoming retreat for guests.

Energy efficiency was also a key consideration, particularly in the pool reconstruction, which now utilizes highly efficient systems.

While the four-year process was undeniably disruptive, the results have been worth it. The Gorneys now enjoy a home that not only reflects their lifestyle but is structurally sound and built for the future.

With a few remaining landscaping projects planned for the spring, the family is looking forward to a well-earned pause—one that allows them to fully enjoy their home exactly as it is.