A smiling Black man with a beard and a woman with long brown hair sitting at a table outdoors in a natural setting with trees in fall colors.

Our Story

We’re Delyse and Jon Berry—partners in life, in business, and in the quiet, beautiful work of making spaces feel like home.

Upstate Down began as a shared dream. We had just moved our young family to the Hudson Valley, trading the pace of the city for a slower, more intentional way of living. What started as a fixer-upper and a love of old houses quickly grew into something more—a way to help others find and shape their own sense of place. Today, Upstate Down is our life’s work: a boutique real estate and design company that blends everything we love—historic homes, soulful renovations, good design, natural beauty, and meaningful connection.

But it didn’t come easy. Our story—like the homes we love—is layered. We’ve weathered financial stress, personal trials, and the long, slow work of growth, both together and as individuals. We’ve raised three beautiful kids—Saige, Jack, and Simone—who inspire us every day with their curiosity, grit, and honesty. Our marriage, like our business, has been built on truth-telling, therapy, shared vision, and a deep commitment to love each other even when it’s hard.

We believe a home should tell the story of who lives there. It should reflect the seasons of life, the imperfections that make things beautiful, and the quiet details that are often felt more than seen. Our work is guided by nature, history, and heart. We choose real materials that age with grace. We seek out light and shadow. We believe in design that feels lived-in and loved, not staged or showy.

Our land here in Rhinebeck has taught us so much—about stewardship, ceremony, ancestry, and the deep intelligence of place. It’s changed how we see the world. We don’t just renovate houses; we honor them. We don’t just sell properties; we match people to land that might become part of their own healing, creating, or becoming.

This isn’t just our business. It’s our life’s offering. Thank you for being here and for stepping into our story.

With gratitude,

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FEATURED IN

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#everythinghome

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