For many, owning a waterfront home in Michigan is the ultimate dream — a place where morning coffee comes with sunrise views and weekends stretch out across patios, piers and family gatherings by the water. For Brian Cotant, Head of Business Development at Falcon Custom Homes (homesbyfalcon), helping families turn that dream into reality is more than a career: It’s a calling.
A former contractor and carpenter, Cotant quickly became a champion for Falcon Custom Homes’ unique approach to custom building. He knows that creating a home on the water is unlike any other project. With offices in Grand Rapids, Petoskey and Traverse City, Falcon’s focus is on Northern Michigan waterfront vacation homes, but builds all over the state.
“Now is the time to discover your waterfront property and start designing,” Cotant says. “That way, we’re ready for spring starts, and clients get the very best value for their investment.”
Beyond Blueprints
What makes Falcon Custom Homes different is its lifestyle-first philosophy. Cotant doesn’t just ask what kind of house clients want — he asks why. Is the home meant to be a summer retreat? A year-round residence? A legacy property to pass on to the next generation?
“Waterfront living changes everything,” Cotant says. “You’ll have more friends and family visiting, so outdoor living spaces become essential. You’ll need room for water toys, storage, maybe a pool or a sprawling patio. We help families think about how they’ll truly use the home.”
This thoughtful approach ensures that no two Falcon Custom Homes are alike. Each design is tailored not just to the lot, but to the way a family envisions their life on the water.
The Falcon Experience
Falcon’s discovery process feels less like a real estate transaction and more like an adventure. Clients begin with a helicopter ride over Northern Michigan’s glittering shoreline, gaining a bird’s-eye view of potential sites. From there, they step aboard a private boat to see properties from the water’s edge before touring land by van and ending the day with dinner overlooking West Bay.
“It’s immersive,” Cotant says. “You’re not just picking a piece of land — you’re experiencing how life could feel there.”
Once a property is selected, Falcon brings together a handpicked team of architects, builders and designers.
“We believe in assembling the team up front,” Cotant notes. “That way the dream matches the budget, and the process is seamless from start to finish.”
Homes That Capture Nature
Design trends on Michigan’s lakes lean toward modern architecture with clean lines and walls of glass that blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors.
“Michigan isn’t as sunny as other states, so maximizing natural light is huge,” Cotant says.
One Falcon project in Bay Harbor stands out in his mind: a sprawling modern ranch with 21-foot glass walls, spiral staircases and over 680 feet of frontage. Despite its size and drama, the home felt serene, thanks to its connection with the surrounding landscape.
“It captured panoramic views that felt like living art,” he says.
Building a Legacy
From the first aerial tour to the final chandelier installation, Falcon Custom Homes guides clients through a process that’s equal parts thoughtful and thrilling. But for Cotant, the real reward comes later, when families settle in and realize the home they built isn’t just a house, but a legacy.
“Waterfront property is special,” he says. “It’s about creating a lifestyle today and something lasting for the future. When our clients walk into their new home and it feels like it was always meant for them, that’s when we know we’ve succeeded.”
Tips for Buying Waterfront Property
1. Start Early The best time to shop for property is in the fall and winter. It gives you time to design through the colder months and be ready for a spring build.
2. Think Lifestyle, Not Just Lot Size How will you use the home? As a summer retreat? A year-round residence? A legacy for your family? Your lifestyle will drive decisions about outdoor spaces, storage, and even kitchen size.
3. Plan for Visitors Waterfront living attracts friends and family. Extra bedrooms, generous patios and plenty of entertaining space will keep everyone comfortable.
4. Don’t Forget the “Toy Box” From boats to paddleboards, waterfront life comes with gear. Factor in storage solutions — garages, boathouses or even dedicated “toy rooms.”
5. Embrace the View Modern design with floor-to-ceiling glass brings the outdoors in. Natural light and panoramic windows maximize the beauty of Michigan’s lakes and bays.
6. Build the Right Team Bring your builder, architect, designer and financial advisor together early. This ensures your dream is realistic, your budget is clear and your project runs smoothly.
7. Think Long-Term Are you building to sell in five years, or creating a forever family home? Having that clarity upfront helps guide every decision.
“It’s immersive,” Cotant says. “You’re not just picking a piece of land — you’re experiencing how life could feel there.”