Aethera: The View Worth Building For in Bend

Clean Lines, Big Horizons, and a Higher Standard of Living on Bend’s West Side

BEND, OREGON — High above the bustle of Bend’s West Side, where the air turns crisp and the skyline explodes with snow-capped peaks, something rare is unfolding. On one of the last untouched ridgelines of Awbrey Butte, a new community is taking shape — one that lives up to its name. Aethera, derived from the Latin for “the clear upper air of the sky,” isn’t just about elevation. It’s about perspective. Here, homes are carved into the hillside with intention, framed by unobstructed views of Mt. Bachelor to Mt. Adams, and designed for those who crave both nature and refinement. This isn’t just living. It’s living above.

A Vision Realized

Unlike most new developments in Bend, Aethera doesn’t offer repetition or predictability. Each of its 24 homesites is being sculpted for a unique residence, with architecture and layout designed to suit the natural topography. The result? A modern, elevated neighborhood that feels personal, private, and impossible to duplicate.

Behind the vision is Winsome Construction, a third-generation Oregon builder known for its blend of timeless design, advanced building science, and high-performance construction methods. Led by Shan and Wendy Stassens, Winsome has brought in an in-house architect and interior designers to ensure each home in Aethera blends seamlessly into the butte and rises above expectations.

    “We’re not just building houses,” says Shan Stassens. “We’re crafting places people will fall in love with every time they look out their window.”

Now Selling: Custom Homes With a View

Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty, Central Oregon’s leading luxury brokerage, is now offering select Aethera homes for sale; each one a signature property, carefully crafted and move-in ready for those who value views, craftsmanship, and space to breathe.

Lot 1 – $2,791,183

High Desert Scandinavian with a 3-Car Garage

•  4 bed / 4.5 bath / 3,534 sq ft living + 900 sq ft garage

•  Lot Size: 20,267 sq ft

•  This custom home features a main-level primary suite with spa-inspired bath, three upstairs bedrooms (two with en suites), a second-story bonus room, and dining views from The Three Sisters to Mt. Adams. A walk-in pantry, open kitchen, and covered outdoor living space complete this luxurious yet serene home.

Lot 8 – $2,769,652

Modern Farmhouse with Private Deck and Junior Suite

•  4 bed / 3 full + 2 half baths / 3,911 sq ft + 541 sq ft garage

•  Lot Size: 13,791 sq ft

•  A beautifully designed residence with a freestanding soaking tub, curbless walk-in shower, and a sunlit chef’s kitchen with hidden pantry and breakfast nook. A junior suite allows for multi-generational living, and a private deck off the primary suite offers breathtaking views.

Lot 17 – $2,130,356

Rustic Elegance with Second-Floor Bonus Space

•  4 bed / 3 full + 2 half baths / 3,108 sq ft + 468 sq ft garage

•  Lot Size: 7,536 sq ft

•  Combining mountain-modern design with everyday function, this home includes a walk-in pantry, a dedicated office, and a large great room with deck access. Upstairs features a spacious bonus room and Jack-and-Jill bath for family flexibility, all backdropped by sweeping views.

More Than a Home

All homes at Aethera are built to perform. Winsome’s “high-performance” construction approach prioritizes durability, comfort, and air quality. Advanced HVAC systems and premium materials come standard. These homes are quiet, efficient, and resilient — built to thrive in Bend’s demanding climate.

    “People want beauty, but they also want a house that works — one that’s quiet, comfortable, and easy to live in year-round,” Shan says. “We build that. We obsess over that.”

Each home features hardwood floors, custom cabinetry, designer lighting, and premium appliances. Many also include the option for elevators, walkout basements, and expansive garages, with plenty of space for collectors or adventurers with extra toys.

    “Some of our clients want room for a Porsche collection,” Shan says with a laugh. “Others want a swim spa, or a golf simulator. The lots give us room to get creative, and we love that.”

A Lifestyle Worth the Elevation

Aethera isn’t about density. There are no fences. No cookie-cutter plans. Native landscaping flows naturally across lots. Wildlife moves freely. It’s quiet by design.

With zoning in the Summit School District, proximity to Northwest Crossing, and just minutes to restaurants, trails, and downtown Bend, Aethera offers rare privacy without isolation.

    “This isn’t a master-planned suburb,” says Wendy Stassens, who also serves as CFO of Winsome and the lead listing agent with Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty. “This is a hand-curated neighborhood built with thoughtfulness and vision. Every detail matters here, and our clients feel that.”

Why It Matters Now

With Bend’s premier developments like Tetherow and North Rim mostly built out, Aethera steps in to meet a growing demand for new luxury homes with authentic design and true views. In a market increasingly driven by formulaic builds, Aethera is a breath of — quite literally — fresh air.

    “We don’t need to be everything to everyone,” Wendy says. “We’re here for the buyers who get it — who see the difference in quality, in craftsmanship, in the feel of the place. This is Bend, elevated.”

For More Information 

www.AetheraBend.com

WENDY STASSENS

Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty

(503) 560-5189

Wendy.Stassens@CascadeHasson.com