Putting Down Roots in the Natural Beauty of Coldstream
Photography by Stroll Coldstream Photographer Erica Hansen
For Elizabeth and Travis Maier, building their home in the neighborhood in 2021 wasn’t just about
creating a new house—it was about creating a place where family, community, and connection could
thrive.
Surrounded by green space and filled with the sounds of kids playing and neighbors chatting on evening
walks, the Maier family quickly knew they had found the perfect place to call home.
“It feels peaceful and tucked away,” Elizabeth says. “But at the same time, it’s part of a really vibrant
community.”
That balance—between nature, neighborhood, and connection—is one of the things the Maiers
appreciate most about living here.
Roots Close to Home
Elizabeth has deep roots in the area, having grown up in Anderson. Today, her parents and brothers still
live just a few miles away, making the community feel even more like home.
Travis grew up in Madeira, and much of his family also lives throughout the Cincinnati area. When the
couple began thinking about where they wanted to settle down and raise their family, the choice felt
natural.
Coldstream checked all the boxes.
“It has the natural beauty, great schools, easy access to 275, and we’re close to so many friends and
family,” Elizabeth explains. “It felt like the perfect place to put down roots.”
Those roots are now shared with their busy and active family: Caroline, Kate, Aria, and Drew.
Their household also includes two beloved pets—Ninja, age seven, and Samurai (or Sami), age
three—who add their own energy to the family dynamic.
A Home Designed by the Whole Family
When the Maiers began planning their home, they took a unique approach to the design process. Instead
of simply focusing on layout or aesthetics, they invited their kids to help imagine what their dream home
would look like.
“We sat down with a notebook and asked the kids to tell us everything they would want in a home,”
Elizabeth says.
The family wrote down every idea, from practical spaces to fun features, and worked with their builder to
incorporate as many of those ideas as possible.
The result is a home that truly reflects the personalities and needs of everyone who lives there.
“It makes the whole house feel personal,” Elizabeth says. “Every space is intentional.”
While every room has its own special touch, the family’s favorite place to spend time together is outside.
Their backyard, which overlooks a pond and wooded area, has become a peaceful retreat for the entire
family. Whether relaxing in the hot tub, enjoying the qscenery, or simply unwinding after a busy day, it’s a
place where they can slow down and reconnect.
“It’s our little retreat right at home,” Elizabeth says
.
An Old-School Kind of Neighborhood
One of the things the Maiers value most about the neighborhood is the strong sense of community that
naturally comes with it.
“It reminds me of an old-school way of life,” Elizabeth says.
On any given evening, the neighborhood comes alive with activity. Kids ride bikes down the street,
families walk their dogs, and neighbors stop to catch up along the sidewalks.
It’s the kind of place where children spend time outdoors exploring the woods or fishing in the nearby
ponds, rather than staying inside.
“It’s simple in the best way,” Elizabeth says. “And it’s a wonderful place to raise a family.”
A Love Story That Started with Friendship
Elizabeth and Travis’s own story began through a shared connection within the community.
In 2019, a fellow Coldstream resident invited both of them to attend a church conference in Nashville. The
trip introduced them, and the two quickly became friends.
When they returned to Cincinnati, another connection strengthened their bond—their daughters.
“Kate and Aria became instant best friends,” Elizabeth says. “That meant we started spending more time
together, too.”
As the families spent more time together, the friendship between Elizabeth and Travis gradually grew into
something more.
“Before long, the friendship naturally turned into a relationship,” Elizabeth says. “And the rest is history.”
Life with Four Kids
With four kids involved in sports and activities, life in the Maier household is always moving.
Volleyball, baseball, cheer, and track keep the family busy throughout the year. Between practices,
games, and school commitments, there’s rarely a quiet moment—but Elizabeth says that’s just part of this
stage of life.
“Our house is full of activity and friends in and out the door,” she says with a smile. “Which is exactly what
we hoped when we built the house.”
Despite their busy schedules, the family prioritizes time together whenever they can. Travis is a chef, so
family dinners happen at least a few times a week, even if it’s not until 8PM.
Time on the Water
One of the Maier family’s favorite ways to relax and reconnect is by spending time on the water.
They love visiting family in Florida, but some of their favorite memories are made closer to home.
Days spent boating at Lake Lorelei or taking trips to Norris Lake have become a cherished family
tradition.
“Being out on the lake together is one of our favorite ways to relax and escape from commitments and
technology,” Elizabeth says.
For the Maiers, those shared moments—laughing together, unplugging from busy schedules, and
enjoying the outdoors—are what matter most.
A Heart for Service
Service is another important part of the Maier family’s life.
Faith plays a central role in their family values, and Elizabeth and Travis believe strongly in giving back to
the community that has given so much to them.
As a family, they are involved with their church and support several local organizations, including Forest
Hills Schools and the Ronald McDonald House.
Elizabeth has also served the community in leadership roles, including time on the Forest Hills School
Board.
These experiences have deepened the family’s appreciation for the people and institutions that make the
community special.
“We want to teach our kids that being part of a community means caring about people and looking for
ways to give back,” Elizabeth says.
Grateful to Call This Place Home
For the Maier family, the neighborhood is more than just a beautiful place to live.
It’s where friendships grow, where kids explore and play, and where neighbors look out for one another.
And for Elizabeth and Travis, raising their children in a place that values connection and community is
something they don’t take for granted.