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    Edith Macefield's House

    4.4 (40 reviews)

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    Gina K.

    If you loved the Disney movie Up, you must visit this!! The house does not look like the one from the movie, but this was the inspiration behind it. The house is fenced off so you can't get too close. Can't believe a residential home is still in the middle of industrial buildings. If you're trying to take some photos, the person taking the photo will probably have to stand in the middle of the street to get everything in the photo. Just be careful!! Such a fascinating thing to see in the city, especially. Wish I brought a balloon to tie on the fence.

    Not the same considering the story behind this feisty, wonderful woman (11/11/17)
    Marie B.

    There's quirky landmarks all around Seattle: Lenin statue, The Troll, Waiting for the Interurban, JP Patches memorial, Jimi Hendrix statue, the SAM Sculpture Park, Soundgarten by NOAA, the giant popsicle between 4th/5th Avenues, and then there's Edith Macefield's House. Parked near this home on the way to The Egg and Us on 11/11/17. From HistoryLink.org, here is the fascinating background about the late Ms. Macefield (http://www.historylink.org/File/11092) To succinctly sum it up, this is a reminder of the ongoing gentrification of Seattle.

    #AdventureIsOutThere
    Leland S.

    The house that apparently that inspired the Disney movie, Up. Alright so before you get your expectations high....it's not the most aesthetically (as of right now) site but I do dig the story behind this house. I heard about this spot via social media...it was a pretty inspiring story. Overall: 5 Stars. It may not be most beautiful landmark I've ever seen but it sure does a have a beautiful story. Street parking wasn't an issue for me nor was it touristy populated. A pleasant roadside attraction if you're on this side of Washington. TL:DR Tips: * Bring your own props if you want to take a good picture

    Instructions on how to leave a balloon
    Willy M.

    I haven't seen "Up" but apparently this house was an inspiration to the movie. I had to read up on some of the history of this, Ms. Macefield turned down $1M in 2006 to the developers and continued to live at her home, as the builders built all around her house. She has since passed away and the house is up for public auction. Not sure if it has been sold yet or not. Its not boarded up anymore but there is a fence around it. You can leave notes on balloons and attach it to the fence. I hope they don't tear it down since it's a cool landmark.

    April 2013, house is boarded up.
    Monyca W.

    I was so excited to learn that the house from Up! is here in Seattle. (Ok, I know Up is a commercial, but you know what I mean... the house that inspired Up!) I drove over to Ballard and circled the block a few times, looking for the house. I couldn't wait to get a picture! But, I found it all boarded up. I guess they're renovating it and raising it up, according to the sign. I'm afraid maybe that defeats the point of leaving it preserved, but what do I know? As of right now, don't bother to go looking for it, unless you like boarded up things.

    Still up!
    Camille M.

    I am the biggest fan of Roadside Attractions & when I saw this on whatever social media platform I was on at the moment - I knew I had to visit this place! So long story - short: Ms. Macefield turned down $1M in 2006 to the developers and continued to live in her home, as the builders built all around her house. She has since passed away and the house is up for public auction. I guess it used to be boarded up but it hasn't been since I have been there twice. There is still a fence around it. And it's so weird but amazing to see a small house surrounded by commercial buildings. I plan on visiting this place with some balloons at one point. Apparently this is the house that inspired the Pixar movie "Up." So cool to think about. If you happen to be in the area - it's a nice, quick stop! Just be careful when taking pictures, it's located near a busy street and drivers tend to speed.

    2-26-17. Still here!
    Sarah A.

    2-26-17. Still here. It's empty, but it's still amazing and cool to see the small house surrounded by huge commercial buildings. Much respect to the late Edith Macefield, for standing her ground and fighting for what she so strongly believed in.

    Carrie N.

    Such a small house in between large shopping centers. It was nice for a chance to visit this house but I wish it was fixed up or at least looked like how it did originally back in the day. The house was all worn and wood...there was a gate to block ppl from going inside. Might not be safe to go in any how given it's condition. The balloons looked just as sad as the house. Just a quick 5 minute visit and that was all.

    Katie A.

    A true Seattle Landmark, no doubt. Nestled between (literally) the giant construction of a new shopping center is the tiny house of what was Seattle's Last Super Hero, Edith Macefield. Edith bought the house in 1966 and watched the Ballard neighborhood expand over the last 40+ years. When she was offered a lofty $1 Million for her plot last year, she refused, saying, "I don't want to move. I don't need the money. Money doesn't mean anything," Sadly, Edith passed away last week. No heirs, no living relatives, she's said to have left her home to one of the construction workers who's been taking care of her for the last few years. Stop by and check it out her house while you can. I took a sec today and did so myself. There's loads of flowers and letters tucked in her fence.. very nice to see. It's absolutely worth checking out if you haven't, especially since nobody's sure how long it will remain.

    Monica T.

    It's a must see if you are in Seattle. I came here in June of 2015. The house now is for sale now The house has been stripped down to it's bare bones so there's not much to look at .... but it's a great chance to see the house that inspired the movie UP.

    April 20, 2017 Still Standing Tall #AdventureIsOutThere#EdithMaceFieldHome
    Marlene G.

    I'm Speechless Love The Up Movie. Now I'll be buying the book Under One Roof Hope they Save The House & Restore It

    Nina Y.

    Up House. It's actually somewhat depressing to go and visit because its all boarded up, but it's inspirational to see.

    As of May 2014, no sign of progress
    Jeff P.

    I was hoping they would have at least started on the renovations but as of May 2014, everything is still boarded up with no sign of progress. From the sign out front, it looks like phase one was supposed to be completed sometime in 2013 but there's nothing to show for it. It's a little out of the way from the city center, so unless you're trying to kill time (like we were before heading to the airport), I would skip it for now. There's an overgrown tree right in front of the house that pretty much blocks everything, and the boarded up look isn't very picturesque. To top it off, we saw a car get broken into with the windows smashed right across the street, so please be careful around this area. The concept itself is pretty cool and reminiscent of the Disney UP! movie.

    As of September 2nd, 2015, the house is still here!

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    13 years ago

    A must-see for any resident or visitor to our fair city. Ms. Macefield was true to herself, and true to Ballard.

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    Ask the Community - Edith Macefield's House

    Review Highlights - Edith Macefield's House

    Prior to visiting, I read that the Edith Macefield house was the Inspiration for the Pixar Movie UP.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

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    Fremont Troll

    Fremont Troll

    (836 reviews)

    Fremont

    A fun experience, a bit off the beaten path in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle…read more We ventured from downtown to check out the troll. Very easy access via a city bus route. After a short stroll down a well-designed dirt path, we found the giant troll. The troll is great for photos and has a sign that describes the history of the troll. My kids enjoyed climbing around the area, too. Facing the opposite direction from the troll is a very cool bridge that creates some awesome cathedral-like architecture. There is lots to do in Fremont, and even though the troll is kind of a one-and-done deal, it's worth checking out simply to explore the rest of the neighborhood and awesome surrounding businesses. Enjoy your troll hunt!

    A visit to the Fremont Troll under the Aurora Bridge is a fun and quirky Seattle stop. Sculpted in…read more1990 by four artists after a competition launched by the Fremont Arts Council to help combat the garbage and clutter that had been collecting under bridges, the troll has become one of the city's most iconic public art pieces. It's a great destination to bring out-of-town visitors--like me--to check out another troll! As a fan of the whimsical trolls created by Thomas Dambo, this was a must-see. Street parking is available nearby, making it an easy stop while exploring the neighborhood. I'd personally recommend not climbing on the troll due to safety concerns, although many people were doing so when we visited. Either way, it's a unique photo opportunity and a classic Seattle experience.

    Sky View Observatory - Elevator entrance

    Sky View Observatory

    (555 reviews)

    Downtown

    We were able to purchase timed tickets earlier on the same day to access the observation deck and…read morelounge near sunset. We timed it for a half-hour prior to sunset and wish we'd made it an hour before since it was a wait at times to capture photos due to so many people. The views were incredible and very enjoyable to walk the entire outer deck perimeter and then go inside to the lounge. The interior space was exciting to see clear glass floors with views of the gears working to rotate the outer lounge. It was a disconcerting feeling to walk on the glass, but definitely a memorable experience. We easily wandered around the observatory for at least an hour. Would have liked to maybe grab a drink and sat for a while, but it was fairly crowded. There is also a restaurant space if visitors want a dining experience with a fantastic view.

    If you're thinking about going to Sky. View or the Space Needle for the view, I highly recommend…read moreSky View. I (unfortunately) paid $24 for parking right in the Columbia Center although there is street parking and other lots near/around Columbia Center. When I came around 4:30pm on a weekday, the building was dead - the food court was all closed. After scanning your ticket, you get in the elevator that takes you to the 73rd floor. Everything is indoors and you get a 360 view of the PNW. It's great if you're able to catch the sunset on a cloud free day. If you get the cafe voucher, you can combine them together to spend on food, drinks, or souvenirs. The space is a little dated but the views are worth it. Overall, a better option for PNW views than the Space Needle however there's no outdoor area.

    Edith Macefield's House - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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