Dave Coulier, widely recognized as “Uncle Joey” from Full House, is embarking on a heartfelt journey to build his dream home along the shores of Lake Michigan near Saugatuck.
Set on over 5 acres of waterfront property, the home has been a labor of love for Coulier and his wife, Melissa, as they create a sanctuary that reflects their shared vision and Coulier’s Michigan roots.
The Property: From Rough Terrain to a Slice of Heaven
Coulier purchased the land in 2019, drawn to its breathtaking location despite its initial state of neglect.
The property was covered in trash and dead trees, requiring six months of labor to clear.
What emerged was over three acres of pristine waterfront land, along with an additional acre and a half featuring a cove and breakwater.
“Now I get to take my boat there, get on my tractor, and keep it looking beautiful,” Coulier shared.
Hands-On Construction: Learning to Build from Scratch
Not content to leave the work to others, Coulier took a leading role in the construction process.
He even attended contractor school to gain the skills needed to oversee the project.
“I’ve always wanted to build my family a home,” he said.
Coulier worked closely with architects from Workaday Design, meticulously studying every detail of the plans and learning the intricacies of general contracting.
A Design Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright
The lake house embodies the timeless elegance of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural style, blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings.
Once completed, the home will offer expansive views of Lake Michigan, open spaces, and thoughtful design elements that reflect Coulier’s vision of a harmonious, welcoming family retreat.
A Labor of Love Amid Life’s Challenges
The construction journey has not been without its hurdles.
Coulier admitted that the process has been more labor-intensive than expected, particularly in securing permits and managing logistics.
Despite the challenges, he described the experience as “a blast.”
Alongside this ambitious project, Coulier has faced personal battles, including his journey to sobriety in 2020 and his recent cancer diagnosis.
Fighting Cancer with Strength and Support
In November 2024, Coulier revealed his battle with “very aggressive” stage 3 cancer, diagnosed as B-cell Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Despite the daunting news, he remains optimistic, undergoing chemotherapy with the goal of achieving total remission by early 2025.
Coulier credits his wife, Melissa, for organizing his treatment and providing unwavering support.
“She’s got stuff color-coded,” he joked, highlighting her dedication.
A Return to Roots
Coulier’s lake house holds special significance as it is located near his childhood home in St. Clair, Michigan.
Returning to his roots, Coulier embraces the nostalgia of his upbringing while creating a legacy for his family.
The home is not far from where his late father, David, and brother, Dan, lived, making this project deeply personal.
A Testament to Hard Work and Resilience
From his early comedy days alongside Robin Williams and Jerry Seinfeld to his iconic role in Full House, Coulier has always been a hardworking individual.
This same work ethic is evident in the construction of his dream home.
“A poor kid from St. Clair Shores, Michigan, owns a slice of heaven. It only took four decades of hard work to get here,” he reflected.
Michigan for Life
Coulier’s return to Michigan symbolizes his enduring connection to his roots.
While his Hollywood career took him far from home, his heart has always belonged to the Great Lakes State.
As he continues to build his dream home and fight his health battles, Coulier remains a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of family.
Looking Ahead
As construction nears completion, Coulier’s lake house stands as a beacon of hope and determination.
With staggering views, thoughtful design, and a profound personal story behind it, this home represents not just a dream fulfilled but a life well-lived.
