“Every old house has a story—it’s our job to make sure it’s told.” — Mike Lemieux
Mike Lemieux (born October 17, 1976) is an American home preservationist, contractor, and TV personality best known for co‑hosting HGTV’s Houses with History alongside Jen MacDonald and Rich Soares. He is also the co‑founder of Full Circle Homes, a Massachusetts‑based contracting firm specializing in restoring historic properties. In 2025, he is trending for his and Jen MacDonald’s ambitious project to restore a 300‑year‑old house in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, after HGTV removed Houses with History from its lineup. His challenges include balancing preservation with modern needs, navigating the financial risks of restoring centuries‑old homes, and maintaining family life while working in a demanding industry.
Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1976 | Born October 17 in Massachusetts |
| 1990s | Developed interest in history and craftsmanship from his father |
| 2010s | Co‑founded Full Circle Homes with Jen MacDonald |
| 2021 | Premiered HGTV’s Houses with History |
| 2023 | Show ended after two seasons |
| 2025 | Trending for restoring a 300‑year‑old Dartmouth home |
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mike Lemieux |
| Birthdate | October 17, 1976 |
| Birthplace | Massachusetts, USA |
| Age | 49 (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Profession | Contractor, Preservationist, TV Host |
| Known For | HGTV’s Houses with History |
| Spouse | Jen MacDonald |
| Children | At least one child (details private) |
| Parents | Father: Bill Lemieux (craftsman); Mother: name not public |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–2 million |
Early Life & Education
Mike Lemieux was born in Massachusetts on October 17, 1976. His father, Bill Lemieux, was a craftsman, and Mike inherited his love for handcraft and preservation from him. Growing up surrounded by old New England architecture, he developed a fascination with history and the stories behind historic homes.
Though details of his formal education are limited, his career path reflects a blend of historical passion and practical craftsmanship.

Career Background
Full Circle Homes Mike co‑founded Full Circle Homes with his wife, designer Jen MacDonald. The firm specializes in restoring historic homes across Massachusetts, blending preservation with modern functionality. Together, they have renovated more than 50 homes, many dating back centuries.
Houses with History (2021–2023) Mike gained national recognition as co‑host of HGTV’s Houses with History, alongside Jen MacDonald and carpenter Rich Soares. The show highlighted the restoration of historic properties in Plymouth, Massachusetts, while telling the stories of the families who lived there.
Though HGTV canceled the show after two seasons in 2023, Mike and Jen continued their preservation work independently.
Post‑HGTV Work In 2025, Mike and Jen took on their most ambitious project yet: restoring a 300‑year‑old house in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, located near a river and prone to flooding.
Trending News (2025)
- Dartmouth Restoration Project: In September 2025, Mike and Jen began restoring a 300‑year‑old house in Dartmouth. The project is challenging due to its location near a river and risk of flooding.
- Post‑HGTV Career: Despite Houses with History ending, Mike and Jen remain active preservationists, continuing to renovate historic homes across Massachusetts.
- Community Impact: Local media praised their commitment to preserving the “fabric of the community” through historic restoration.
Challenges & Achievements
Challenges
- Historic Preservation vs. Modern Needs: Balancing authenticity with safety and functionality.
- Financial Risks: Restoring centuries‑old homes often requires significant investment with uncertain returns.
- Flooding Concerns: The Dartmouth project is complicated by its flood‑prone location.
- Career Transition: Adjusting after HGTV canceled Houses with History.
Achievements
- Co‑founded Full Circle Homes, renovating over 50 historic properties.
- National recognition through HGTV’s Houses with History.
- Continued preservation work despite show cancellation.
- Community impact through saving historic homes in Massachusetts.
Family, Parents, Children & Personal Life
Parents Mike’s father, Bill Lemieux, was a craftsman who inspired Mike’s love for handcraft and preservation. His mother’s name is not publicly disclosed.
Spouse Mike is married to Jen MacDonald, a designer and co‑host of Houses with History. Together, they co‑founded Full Circle Homes and continue to work as a team.
Children The couple has at least one child, though they keep details of their family life private.
Personal Life Mike is known for his humility and dedication to preservation. He enjoys history, craftsmanship, and spending time with his family.
Salary & Net Worth
- Salary: Estimated $100,000–$200,000 annually from contracting and restoration projects.
- Net Worth: Approximately $1–2 million.
Legacy
Mike Lemieux’s legacy lies in his ability to preserve the stories of historic homes while adapting them for modern living. His work on HGTV’s Houses with History brought national attention to the importance of preservation, while his ongoing projects in Massachusetts continue to impact local communities.
His story in 2025 reflects both triumph and challenge: professional recognition alongside the difficulties of restoring centuries‑old homes. As he and Jen tackle the Dartmouth project, Mike remains a respected figure in historic preservation.









