Manzanita, OR
Highlands at Manzanita
Sitting just south of Cannon Beach and only two hours from Portland, Manzanita, Oregon offers classic beach-town ambiance, pedestrian charm, and proximity to three outstanding state parks and an abundancy of recreational opportunities. Stroll the beach and enjoy the spectacular view of Neahkahnie Mountain to the north.
It was here that famed Oregon governor Oswald West was so inspired by the landscape that he declared that Oregon’s beaches should always remain free and open to all. Back in town, Manzanita packs in the culinary excellence with a delightful bakery, fine dining, wine, beer and gourmet groceries.
Rain or shine, exploring this awe-inspiring, forest-filled coastline by foot, bike, or horse, is an absolute favorite among Manzanita locals. Spot a bald eagle soaring overhead as you explore the trails at Alder Creek Farm or watch the gray whales swim the ocean’s shoreline during their migratory seasons.
Details
The Coastal collection was inspired by our love of the Oregon Coast and appreciation for the weather at the beach. The homes in this collection were designed for the mostly north/south orientation of the streets within the Highlands where these homes were built. Each plan has a tall wall with two stories of windows along the common gathering spaces of the gathering room, kitchen and dining that is intended to face south to bring in passive solar gain on those not so warm coastal days. The common gathering spaces have two stories of windows on the east, south and west facing walls which provide an abundance of light year around and during all seasons. The plan collection ranges in square footage from 1365 -2270 and other iterations that are larger. These include, single level, master on the main, all bedrooms up 2 story, daylight basement and a duplex. All plans were designed with a Coastal elevation and a modern elevation. In addition, all plans were designed and built to be zero energy ready as well.
Who We Help on the Coast
We work with homeowners who:
- Are planning a new custom home or duplex and want it designed specifically for the local climate
- Already own a home in Oregon and are considering a major remodel or addition
- Want high-performance, wellness-focused design rather than a basic or short-term build
- Care about durability, comfort, and low energy use as much as views and finishes
Marnella’s Collection was created from a long-standing love of thoughtful design and a deep respect for place, with plans carefully tailored to site conditions, climate, and sun angles.
Why Homeowners Choose Us
- Homes designed specifically for wind, rain, and challenging regional weather conditions
- A building-science approach that treats the home as a complete, integrated system
- Proven experience delivering high-performance, long-lasting homes
- Clear, upfront planning and pricing instead of vague allowances
- A wellness-focused mindset that prioritizes air quality, water, natural light, and everyday comfort
- Local Oregon home builders with real projects and approved permits across the region
Services Available on the Oregon Coast
Custom Coastal Homes
We design and build coastal homes that embrace views and light while protecting you from harsh weather. Tall window walls, covered porches, and thoughtful floor plans are paired with well-detailed envelopes, energy modeling, and right-sized HVAC systems so your home feels bright, warm, and quiet even on stormy days.
Coastal Remodeling & Enhancements
If you already own a home near the coast, we can help you upgrade it to feel more comfortable and resilient. That might include better insulation and air sealing, improved windows and doors, new mechanical systems, and reworked layouts that make better use of light and views.
Additions, ADUs & Duplexes
Need more space for family, guests, or rental income? We create additions, ADUs, and even duplex-style designs (like our Duino plan) that fit into coastal communities and perform well in the local climate, rather than feeling like bolted-on extras.
Coastal & Complex-Site Consulting
Some coastal lots are steep, exposed, or tricky to access. We provide consulting and design-build services that consider structure, drainage, and envelope details from the start, so your home feels stable, safe, and comfortable over the long term.
How We Serve the Coast
1. Climate-Focused Discovery
We begin with a conversation about your site (or the areas you are considering), your goals, and your budget. We talk openly about what it takes to build or remodel including weather, exposure, and long-term maintenance.
2. Climate-Responsive Design
Next, we shape plans that respond to site and climate conditions—south-facing glass for passive solar gain on cooler days, protected outdoor spaces, and building envelope details tuned to wind and moisture. Our Collection was designed with these factors in mind and often serves as a starting point.
3. Detailed Specifications & Pricing
We define structure, materials, windows, mechanical systems, and finishes with long-term performance in mind. From there, we prepare a clear, detailed proposal so you understand exactly what your home will include and why.
4. Coordinated Construction
From our Pacific Northwest base, we coordinate local trades and logistics for regional builds, backed by a long track record of permits and completed homes across the area.
5. Handover & Ongoing Support
When your home is complete, we walk you through systems, maintenance, and best practices for living by the ocean. Our warranty and aftercare support mean you are not left on your own after move-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you only build along certain parts of the Oregon Coast?
We focus on communities where we can maintain our build quality and be on site regularly. When you reach out, we will confirm whether your property is within our current service area.
Are homes in certain locations more expensive than others?
Often yes. Building on the coast usually requires more robust foundations, envelope details, and materials that can handle wind, rain, and salt exposure. We discuss this openly early on and build a project-specific budget around your goals and site.
How does permitting work?
Permitting requirements vary by city and county and may involve coastal or environmental considerations. We design within local codes and help coordinate the documentation needed for your specific jurisdiction.
Are there travel or mobilization fees?
Depending on the location of your property, there may be additional travel or mobilization fees to cover transportation of crews, equipment, and materials. We’ll always outline any such costs clearly in your proposal so there are no surprises.
Do you renovate existing homes or only build new?
Yes. For the right projects, we offer substantial remodeling and enhancement services that address both appearance and performance envelope upgrades, systems improvements, and reworked layouts tailored to coastal living.
Ready to Talk About Your Home?
If you are serious about building in Oregon and want a builder who understands both performance and the realities of local weather, we would be glad to talk.