On May 15th, Depoe Hills opened its doors for the Sea Farther Tour, an afternoon of coastal hospitality, community connection, and a firsthand look at one of the Oregon Coast’s most exciting developments. Guests enjoyed locally inspired bites, refreshing drinks, and guided neighborhood tours above Depoe Bay’s harbor and coastline. With Phase II recently approved and new homesites on the horizon, the event arrived with perfect timing, offering visitors a real sense of why homes for sale in Depoe Hills continue to draw so much attention along the coast.
Four Years of Progress and Plenty of Momentum
Developer Chris van der Velde reflected on how far the community has come since breaking ground. “Phase II, another 33 lots, was just approved. Of the first 24 lots, we have two left. With Whale Watch Phase I and Depoe Hills Phase I completed, we are excited about the second phases of both neighborhoods getting underway. Interest in Depoe Hills Phase I has been strong; we only have two lots left and some of the townhomes. We expect Phase II to see even more interest because of the increased variety of offerings.
That momentum is visible across the site. A central plaza welcomes residents and visitors, and a growing number of vacation rental owners are already enjoying their properties. Phase II adds another 33 lots further up the hillside, and as Chris noted, “the further up the hillside you go, the better the views get.”
What Phase II Means for Homes for Sale in Depoe Hills
Phase II signals a major step forward for the community. Chris put it simply: “Phase II is when people on the fence start seeing this is the real deal.”
Developer Erin van der Velde highlighted a new product line opening with this next chapter. “It gives us the opportunity to complete that first area, but it also opens up our single-family primary home section,” she said. “We have 8–10 lots going up the hill with beautiful North Coast views. So we’re starting a new pocket neighborhood of primary residences with the primary bedroom on the main floor, which a lot of people want.”
This expansion introduces dedicated primary-home lots, in addition to the vacation rental opportunities, a significant addition for buyers looking to put down permanent roots on the coast.
Built to Last: Craftsmanship Behind Every Home
Dirk van der Velde of Momentisize, the general contractor behind Depoe Hills, described his team’s building philosophy. “Build today with the mindset of a 100-year tomorrow,” he said. “That means no corner-cutting, no shortcuts.”
Building on a coastal hillside demands careful attention to rain screens, exposure, and grade—challenges our team knows well. Dirk noted that top exterior envelope consultants have been brought on to ensure every structural detail meets a rigorous standard. And one of the most remarkable aspects of the site? “Every lot— and nearly every room—has expansive ocean views,” he said.
Buyers also have real design flexibility. “If you want a beautiful home with a floor plan already dialed in, you can make it your own through your interior finishes,” Dirk explained. “Or, if you want to dream it up, you can work with our design team and bring your own imagination to life.” Both pre-designed plans and fully custom builds are available, supported by an architect, interior designer, and dedicated build team.
A Community Designed for Connection
Erin also spoke about the intentional design philosophy woven throughout the development. Front porches face the street, garages tuck into rear alleyways, and homes are designed to feel like a true neighborhood. Green spaces, pocket parks, sidewalks, and a central plaza create natural gathering points across the community.
“We’re trying to create spaces around the homes that are interesting and exciting to explore,” Erin said. She also shared her excitement about seeing the neighborhood come to life: “Now there’s traction. Seeing lights on at night, cars pulling in — that’s huge.”
Chris echoed that sentiment, pointing to the guiding vision behind it all: “Our motto is Sea Farther, Live Connected. It’s the Oregon coast — you watch storms, take walks, and get together with family. That community connection is what I’ve always believed in as a developer.”
Visit Depoe Hills for Yourself
Chris’s advice for anyone considering a visit? “May or June is a great time to come out. Stay in one of the homes or townhomes, feel the community, go into Depoe Bay, go on a whale watching tour, or mosey around town. It’s so relaxing, and so much fun!Â
With homes for sale in Depoe Bay and an expanding lineup of homesites, townhomes, and buildable lots, the community continues to grow into one of Oregon’s most compelling coastal developments. The Sea Farther Tour offered a window into that vision, and the energy on the ground made one thing clear: this is only the beginning. To explore available properties or schedule a personal tour, visit depoehills.com.