Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
Welcome to the progressive home in upstate New York. Persephone Manor where history meets technology and magic. Just hours from New York City, Boston, Toronto and Montreal. Dedicated to unifying history, wisdom and magic.
HISTORIC, WISE, MAGICAL
Why Persephone?
Persephone is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, goddess of the earth. Hades, the brother of Zeus and god of the underworld, abducts the young goddess one day as she is gathering flowers by a stream. Demeter goes in search of her daughter, but is unable to find her. Demeter’s grief causes the earth to die—crops fail, and famine comes upon the land. Zeus intervenes and commands Hades to return Persephone. Reluctant to release her, Hades forces Persephone to eat a pomegranate seed, food of the dead. As a result, she can spend only six months out of the year with her mother; the other six months she is destined to spend in the realm of Hades. To the Greeks, the return of Persephone from the underworld symbolized the return of life in the spring. Each spring, as the earth returned to life, some Greeks observed a sacred ritual in which the story of Demeter and Persephone was enacted.
INSTANTLY FEEL HOME
The Enchanted Intersection of Technology & Magic
A Home that Lives, Breathes, and Changes with the Seasons.
Persephone Manor isn’t just a home—it’s an experience where cutting-edge technology meets the enchanting cycles of nature. Built by the renowned architect George Franklin Barber in the late 1800s, this historic house has been transformed into a living, breathing entity that synchronizes with the natural rhythms of the world around it. From shifting seasonal lights to ambient sounds and fragrances, Persephone Manor uses advanced technology to reflect the passage of time, the phases of the moon, and the changing weather, creating a home that is both intuitive and magical. Welcome to the future—where home, nature, and technology meet in perfect harmony.
Connected Home:
Where Technology Puts You in Control
Persephone Manor’s connected home technology gives you seamless access to your environment at your fingertips. From your smartphone, you can adjust lighting, control room temperature, change soundscapes, and even switch up the seasonal ambiance. The house’s 150+ Hue smart bulbs, 30 Sonos speakers, and Pura diffusers allow you to bring the outside world in, instantly, with just a tap. It’s about staying connected—whenever, wherever.
Smart Home:
Routines That Make Your Life Easier
Persephone Manor takes automation to the next level by creating thoughtful routines that adapt to your lifestyle. Lights brighten or dim according to the time of day, smells shift with the weather, and the house gently eases you from morning to evening with tailored routines. Nest thermostats and Dyson fans monitor and adjust the house’s temperature and humidity, while motion sensors anticipate your needs. In a truly smart home, life happens without you needing to ask.
Wise Home:
In Tune with the Natural World
Persephone Manor transcends being “smart” and becomes a wise home—one that harmonizes with the world beyond your walls. Every season, moon phase, and solstice is mirrored in the lighting, imagery, and ambiance. The house responds to larger timeframes, syncing itself with nature’s cycles, giving its residents a deeper awareness of their environment. It’s a home that gently reminds you of where you are in the grander scheme of things, offering balance, reflection, and an ambient connection to the world outside.
SENSITIVE TECH FOR A HYPER CONNECTED WORLD
The Senses in Harmony: Technology & Tradition Across the Seasons
At Persephone Manor, each season awakens your senses through a blend of technology and timeless elements. Our home is designed to engage sight, sound, smell, and touch in perfect harmony, using both modern smart technology and traditional low-tech comforts. From the warm glow of Hue smart bulbs to handcrafted seasonal soaps, from ambient Sonos soundscapes to delicately scented candles, every detail is carefully curated to reflect the unique energy of each season. Explore how we balance the old and the new to create an immersive, year-round sensory experience.
VALUE-DRIVEN
Where Values Reside.
At the heart of Fonda, NY, stands Persephone Manor, not merely a structure, but a living embodiment of the deeply-rooted values that have united and guided us since our marital vows. With each brick laid, each artifact chosen, and each modern technology implemented, it echoes a deliberate intent. Our home doesn’t just shelter; it speaks volumes about our beliefs, our journey, and our vision.
These values, both timeless and ever-evolving, were forged in the commitment of matrimony and have been nurtured and refined through our consistent reflections and engagements, both in our private spheres and the broader community. They serve as our North Star, guiding our every step and decision. As you explore Persephone Manor, you'll find that it's a manifestation of these principles that span three fundamental realms:
Personal-Centered:
At our core, we believe in the sanctity of self-care and self-awareness. This principle reflects our dedication to nurturing our well-being, understanding our strengths and vulnerabilities, and celebrating our unique identities.
Growth-Centered:
Life, in our view, is an unending journey of evolution. Through every room and every corner, the manor resonates with our unwavering commitment to personal and communal growth, to learning, and to embracing every phase of life with grace and gusto.
Legacy-Centered:
The true testament of our existence lies in the imprints we leave on the souls and sands of time. Beyond the walls of Persephone Manor, our legacy-centric ethos drives us to impact the lives of those we cherish and the community we're intertwined with, ensuring that our influence is both profound and positive.
Join us in exploring Persephone Manor, where architecture meets philosophy, where rooms tell tales, and where every nook and cranny resonates with purpose.
SENSORY DELIGHTS
Where Nature, Magic and History Meet
BE HERE VIRTUALLY
Seasonal Walkthrough: Experience Persephone Manor Today
Step inside Persephone Manor with our latest walkthrough video, filmed during the most recent season. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of our sanctuary as it gracefully transitions through the seasons, showcasing how technology and timeless design harmoniously coalesce to create an enchanting living experience. Witness the vibrant hues, feel the serene atmosphere, and explore the thoughtful integration of modern comforts and traditional charm that define our home throughout the year.
SIMPLY VISIT
Walk Through The Seasons, History and Magic!
SIMPLY MAGICAL
Esotericism As A Service
Persephone Manor is programmed to practice magic based on the seasons or sabbats, moon cycles and phases. The house uses sensors in the fireplace and uplighting to denote moon phases and shifts to specialized music during high pagan holidays.
All the AI smart speakers have specialized commands to send text messages to the family under the guise of spells. The use of smarts and sensors allow them to intuitively change sound intensity, light hue, and even create gentle breezes on command. By embracing technopaganism, they can practice ancient occult rituals and enhance their strength with technology.
