Why Travis Kelce Chose Bratenahl, Ohio: Inside the Midwest's Hidden Luxury Haven

Lucía Torres · 2026-09-17

On the shores of Lake Erie, just 10 minutes north of Cleveland, you'll find Bratenahl, Ohio—a quiet village known for its Gilded Age mansions. Once a retreat for Midwest industrial titans, it's now home to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who purchased a $5.35 million estate this spring with help from The Agency Cleveland's David Ayers and Nick Zawitz. Why are celebrities and high-net-worth individuals flocking to the Midwest? According to David and Nick, it's simple: normalcy (or something close to it). ### A Legacy of Wealth and Privacy Bratenahl is no stranger to affluence. At the turn of the century, steel and iron magnates built grand Victorian summer homes along Lakeshore Drive—now known as Millionaires' Row—to escape the bustle of Cleveland. One standout example is the former estate of industrialist Samuel Mather, which now houses The Shoreby Club, a prestigious members-only retreat. With its historic homes and quiet community feel, Bratenahl offers a slower pace for the uber-wealthy—perhaps even a chance at an ordinary life. > "I think Cleveland and the surrounding area is overlooked a lot, and that's part of the appeal. This is a hidden gem of a place," says Ayers. "These highly visible people can potentially access a level of ordinary that they wouldn't be able to access in a lot of other places. Add in the Midwestern values, phenomenal schools, the tight-knit community—those kinds of elements are priceless." ### Location, Location, Location Beyond the hometown feel, Bratenahl's central location is a huge plus for jetsetters. "I don't think people realize where the Midwest is located, especially Cleveland," Zawitz explains. "We're just a 45-minute flight to LaGuardia. And you can get to Chicago in an hour. We're close to Nashville, Indianapolis, and a 2.5-hour flight to Naples, Florida, and 2 hours to Miami." ### Unbeatable Value The perks don't end there. Buyers can find astounding value for homes throughout the Buckeye State. "The houses we see in Bratenahl you would see in Westchester for $50-$70 million," added Zawitz. "I've had people genuinely ask, 'Do I get all that for $3 million? Along with the acreage and the lake access?' The answer is yes." The Agency Cleveland has seen so much recent traction that a new branch is opening soon in the Columbus area, continuing to serve luxury buyers with an unmatched white-glove, boutique experience. To learn more about Bratenahl and to see available local listings, contact The Agency Cleveland's David Ayers and Nick Zawitz. ### Interested in the Cleveland Market? These 3 Local Listings Are Worth a Closer Look - **3083 Oxbow Road, Richfield, OH 44286** – 3 Beds | 7 Baths. Contact Nicholas Zawitz at 440.567.7068. - **8900 Eagle Road, Kirtland, OH 44094** – 7 Beds | 10 Baths. Contact David Ayers at 917.519.0622. - **3450 Roundwood Road, Hunting Valley, OH 44022** – 14 Beds | 16 Baths. Contact David Ayers at 917.519.0622.