You’ve seen the movie. You probably cried during the first ten minutes—everyone does. But most people don't realize that the iconic pastel-colored home from Disney-Pixar’s Up isn't just a digital creation sitting on a hard drive in California. It’s a real, physical building standing in a suburban neighborhood in Utah. Specifically, the Up house in Herriman is a custom-built residence that captures every single nerdy detail of Carl and Ellie’s home, from the custom weather vane down to the handprints on the mailbox.
It’s weirdly surreal to see it in person.
Driving through the Rosecrest community in Herriman, everything looks like a standard, modern subdivision. Tan stucco. Neutral tones. Lawns that look exactly the same. Then, you turn a corner and there it is—a literal explosion of pink, yellow, and green. It looks like it was dropped there by a giant. Honestly, the first time you see it, your brain kind of glitches because the proportions are so spot-on to the animation that it feels like a 2D object sitting in a 3D world.
How the Up House in Herriman Even Became a Thing
This wasn't some promotional stunt by Disney. It was actually the brainchild of Bangerter Homes, a local Utah builder. Back in 2011, they decided they wanted to do something totally different for the Salt Lake Parade of Homes. They didn't just want "another nice house." They wanted something that evoked a visceral emotional reaction.
They reached out to Disney for permission, which is usually where these things die in a pile of legal paperwork. Surprisingly, Disney said yes, provided the builders followed the specs to a T. The Bangerter brothers—Adam, Blair, and Jordan—obsessed over the details. They watched the movie hundreds of times. They paused frames to count the number of pickets on the fence. They measured the distance between the windows. They even sourced vintage-style shingles and custom-mixed paint colors to ensure the "Daybreak" color palette was identical to the film's lighting.
When the house opened for the Parade of Homes, it was a circus. People didn't just walk through it; they stood in the living room and wept. It tapped into that collective memory of Carl and Ellie’s life together. After the parade ended, many wondered what would happen to it. Would it be repainted? Torn down? Nope. A couple named Clinton and Lynette Hamblin, who were massive Up fans (obviously), bought it for about $400,000. They still live there today. It’s a private residence, which is something a lot of tourists forget.
Breaking Down the Architecture
The house is about 2,800 square feet. It's not a tiny cottage, though it looks small from the curb because of the way the gables are scaled. Inside, the builders recreated the layout as faithfully as possible while still making it a livable home for a modern family.
- The Living Room: This is the heart of the house. It features the two armchairs—Carl’s sturdy one and Ellie’s more delicate, floral one—sitting right in front of the fireplace.
- The Mantle: The "Paradise Falls" jar is usually there. It’s the little things that get you.
- The Nursery: They even built the room with the mural Ellie painted in the movie.
- The Exterior: The house features a very specific "candy-colored" palette that requires constant maintenance. Utah’s high-altitude sun is brutal on bright pigments. The owners have to stay on top of fading to keep that "animated" look.
Basically, it’s a masterclass in nostalgic architecture. But it's also a functioning house in a real neighborhood with HOA rules and neighbors who are just trying to get to work without hitting a tourist.
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The Reality of Visiting a Viral Landmark
Here is the thing about the Up house in Herriman: it is located on a normal street. If you go there expecting a theme park experience with ticket booths and a gift shop, you’re going to be disappointed (and you’re probably going to annoy the owners).
The Hamblins have been incredibly gracious over the years. They allow people to take photos from the sidewalk. They often keep the iconic mailbox out front so fans can get that perfect shot. But they’ve also had to deal with some pretty invasive behavior. Imagine trying to eat dinner while people are peering through your front window or sitting on your porch steps for a TikTok. Don't be that person.
If you’re planning a trip, keep it respectful. Stay on the sidewalk. Don't climb the fence. If the owners are outside, say hi, but don't expect a guided tour. They have lives, jobs, and kids. The best time to go is during the "golden hour" right before sunset. The way the light hits the yellow siding makes it look exactly like the "Spirit of Adventure" is about to lift off.
Why Herriman?
People often ask why this house is in Utah of all places. There’s no real "Disney" connection to the state, other than the fact that Utahns are notoriously big fans of family-friendly media. Herriman, specifically, was a booming area in 2011 with a lot of new construction. It provided the perfect blank canvas for a project this ambitious.
The house is located at 13218 S Herriman Rose Blvd, Herriman, UT 84096.
It has become a local landmark. Even if you aren't a die-hard Pixar fan, it’s worth a drive-by just to see the contrast between "real life" and "animated life." It’s a reminder that you can actually build something whimsical in a world that often feels a bit too beige.
Common Misconceptions and Legal Hurdles
A lot of people think Disney owns the house or that it’s a museum. It’s neither. It’s a 100% privately owned residential property.
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Another misconception is that it’s the only one. While there are other houses inspired by Up around the world, the Herriman house is the only one that was officially licensed by Disney/Pixar to be built as a replica. That’s a huge distinction. Other "Up houses" are usually just painted versions of existing Victorian homes. This one was built from the ground up using the digital assets from the movie.
The legal side of this was fascinating. Disney is notoriously protective of its Intellectual Property (IP). The agreement with Bangerter Homes was very specific. They were allowed to build this one house for the Parade of Homes, but they couldn't just start a franchise of Up houses across the country. It is a one-of-a-kind structure. If the Hamblins ever decide to sell, the next owner buys into that same legacy—and the same responsibility to keep the grass green and the fence white.
Is It Worth the Trip?
If you’re in the Salt Lake City area, absolutely. It’s about a 30-to-40-minute drive south of downtown SLC.
You can pair it with a visit to the nearby Oquirrh Lake in Daybreak or some hiking in the Herriman hills. It’s a quick stop—maybe 10 or 15 minutes to take some photos and soak in the vibe.
What’s really cool is how it changes with the seasons. In the winter, the bright colors pop against the white Utah snow. In the fall, the surrounding trees sometimes match the warmth of the house. It’s a photographer's dream, provided you have a decent lens and stay off the grass.
Honestly, the Up house in Herriman represents something bigger than just a movie. It’s about the idea that "adventure is out there," even if that adventure is just in your own backyard. Or in a random suburb in the Salt Lake Valley.
Technical Specs for the Architecture Nerds
For those who care about the "how," the house isn't just a shell. It’s built with high-quality materials because Utah weather is extreme. We’re talking 100-degree summers and sub-zero winters.
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- Siding: It’s a mix of fiber cement siding (like James Hardie) which holds paint way better than wood. This is crucial for maintaining those vibrant blues and pinks.
- Roofing: The scalloped shingles were a nightmare to find. They had to be specially ordered to match the Victorian "Queen Anne" style seen in the film.
- Foundation: It’s a standard concrete foundation, but the house includes a full basement—something you definitely didn't see Carl Fredricksen utilizing.
- Interior Design: The fireplace is a custom masonry job designed to look slightly "chunky" and hand-built, just like in the movie.
The builders even made sure the floor plan was functional. Most Victorian houses have tiny, cramped rooms. The Herriman version uses an open-concept flow in the main living area while keeping the aesthetic of the separate rooms from the film. It's a clever bit of architectural "cheating" that makes the house actually livable.
Local Impact
The house has put Herriman on the map for travelers who do "set jetting" or "location scouting." It brings a steady stream of people to the local shops and restaurants. Most locals are used to it by now. You’ll see people jogging past it without even glancing up, while a family from out of state is across the street having a full-blown photoshoot with colorful balloons.
It’s a weird collision of the mundane and the magical.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you are actually going to make the trek to see the Up house in Herriman, here is your checklist for a successful, non-annoying visit:
- Check the weather: Utah wind can be crazy. If you’re planning on bringing your own bunch of balloons for a photo, make sure you aren't going to get blown into the next county.
- Park around the corner: Herriman Rose Blvd can get busy. Don't block the neighbors' driveways. Park a block away and walk up. It’s better for the flow of traffic.
- Respect the "Private Property" signs: They are there for a reason. The porch is off-limits.
- Golden Hour is king: If you want that Pixar-glow, arrive about 45 minutes before sunset. The sun sets behind the mountains to the west, creating a soft, diffused light that makes the pastel colors look incredible.
- Bring a wide-angle lens: The house is surprisingly tall, and because it’s a residential street, you can’t always back up as far as you’d like without standing in someone else’s yard.
When you're done, check out the nearby Yellow Fork Canyon for a hike. It’s a great way to round out a day in Herriman. The house is a beautiful tribute to a story about love and aging, and seeing it in the real world is a reminder that some stories don't have to stay on the screen.
Just remember: it’s a home first, and a landmark second. Treat it with the same respect you’d want if you lived in a house made of memories.
Final Thoughts on the Legacy
The Up house in Herriman has survived over a decade now. That’s a long time for a "novelty" house. The fact that it’s still meticulously maintained and still draws crowds speaks to the power of the original film. It’s a piece of physical fan art that you can actually walk past. Whether you’re a Pixar superfan or just someone who appreciates weird architecture, it’s one of those rare places that actually lives up to the hype. It’s bright, it’s cheerful, and it’s a little bit stubborn—just like Carl himself.
Plan your route, grab your camera, and go see it. It's one of those things you have to see once, just to prove to yourself that it's actually there.
Next Steps:
To make the most of your trip to Herriman, check the local weather forecast for the Salt Lake Valley, as sudden snow or rain can obscure the mountain views that serve as the house's backdrop. Additionally, consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the weekend crowds and get a clearer shot of the exterior without other tourists in the frame.