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25 Magical Details Inside The Real-Life UP House: A 2025 Guide To Carl And Ellie’s Home

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Step into the vibrant world of Carl and Ellie Fredricksen! For fans of the beloved 2009 Disney-Pixar film Up, the iconic, brightly colored house is more than just a setting—it’s a symbol of adventure, love, and never giving up on a dream. As of late December 2025, the most famous real-life replica of the house is still standing and thriving in Herriman, Utah, inviting brief stops and photo opportunities for those who wish to see a piece of cinematic magic brought to life.

This meticulously crafted structure is a full-scale, architectural marvel, built with stunning precision to match the animated home down to the smallest detail. From the distinctive color palette to the vintage fixtures, this house captures the spirit of the film and answers the curiosity of millions who have wondered: what would it be like to actually walk through Carl and Ellie’s front door?

The Profile of the Real-Life UP House: Builder, Owners, and Inspiration

The story of the real-life Up House is a fascinating blend of corporate ambition, architectural creativity, and personal passion. It actually involves two key structures: the house that inspired the film and the house that flawlessly replicates it.

The Real-Life UP House (Utah Replica)

  • Official Name: The Real UP House
  • Location: Herriman, Utah (a suburb of Salt Lake City)
  • Builder: Bangerter Homes
  • Year Built: 2011
  • Initial Purpose: Featured in the Salt Lake City Parade of Homes
  • Current Status: Private Residence
  • Current Owners: The Hamblin Family
  • Visitor Access: Limited to brief stops for exterior photos; professional photo shoots can be booked through the owners.
  • Architectural Style: Victorian/Folk Victorian, replicated with permission from Disney/Pixar.

The Original Inspiration (Whitewood Cottage)

  • Name: Whitewood Cottage
  • Location: Seattle, Washington
  • Owner: Edith Macefield (Passed away in 2008)
  • Significance: This small, 108-year-old farmhouse became a global icon when its owner, Edith Macefield, famously refused a $1 million offer to sell her home to developers, leading to a commercial shopping center being built around it.
  • Connection to Film: While Pixar has never officially confirmed a single inspiration, the story of the lone, defiant house resonated deeply and is widely believed to be the primary inspiration for Carl Fredricksen’s stubborn refusal to sell his home.

The Masterminds Behind the Replica: Bangerter Homes

The Utah replica was the brainchild of Bangerter Homes, a Utah-based construction company run by three brothers, including Blair Bangerter. Their goal was to create a memorable, full-scale model for the 2011 Salt Lake City Parade of Homes. The project was executed with an obsessive level of detail, requiring official authorization and collaboration with Disney to ensure every element was accurate.

The exterior alone features the distinctive color scheme of the animated house, using a specific palette to match the vibrant, almost cartoonish hues. Inside, the dedication to the source material is even more profound, capturing the emotional core of Carl and Ellie’s life story. The house quickly became the most popular attraction in the Parade of Homes that year, eventually selling to the Hamblin family who continue to preserve its magical state.

25 Movie-Accurate Details Inside the UP House Replica

What sets the Herriman, Utah, house apart is its commitment to recreating the interior of Carl and Ellie’s home. It’s a treasure trove of Easter eggs and architectural details that transport visitors straight to Paradise Falls.

Here are 25 details found within the house that mirror the film:

  1. The distinctive, bright blue exterior walls.
  2. The vibrant yellow window and door trim.
  3. The iconic mailbox, complete with Carl and Ellie’s handprints.
  4. Natural finished flooring throughout the main living areas.
  5. Wood cabinetry painted to match the movie’s coloration.
  6. Vintage 1950s appliances in the kitchen.
  7. The living room fireplace, a focal point of the home.
  8. The colorful artwork along the stairway.
  9. The upstairs nursery, detailed to look exactly as it did in the film's montage.
  10. Ellie’s small, round reading chair.
  11. Carl’s familiar recliner.
  12. The Adventure Book, often displayed prominently.
  13. A replica of the "My Adventure Book" cover.
  14. The house’s distinctive chimney.
  15. The weather vane on the roof.
  16. The intricate porch railing design.
  17. The specific type of shingling used on the roof.
  18. A globe or map feature, hinting at the Paradise Falls journey.
  19. The use of specific wallpaper patterns from the film.
  20. The small, charming front garden.
  21. The exact placement of the front door and windows.
  22. The vintage telephone on the wall.
  23. The framed photographs of Carl and Ellie’s life together.
  24. A nod to Russell's Wilderness Explorer badges.
  25. The overall cozy, lived-in feel that defines the movie house.

Visiting the Real-Life UP House in 2025

The Herriman, Utah, replica remains a popular, albeit private, tourist attraction. The Hamblin family is very gracious, allowing fans to stop by and snap photos of the exterior, but it is crucial to remember that this is their actual home. Visitors are asked to be respectful of their privacy and the neighborhood.

For those looking for a more in-depth experience, the owners offer the option to book a professional photo shoot on the property. This provides a controlled way for fans to get closer to the magic without disturbing the residents. The house stands as a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of the film and its themes of love, loss, and adventure, symbolized by a little house that dared to dream big.

25 Magical Details Inside the Real-Life UP House: A 2025 Guide to Carl and Ellie’s Home
pictures of the up house
pictures of the up house

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