One of our favorite animated films is “Up,” and at the heart of the story is the little house the elderly widower lifts off on an unforgettable journey.
Today you can visit a real-life version of that house in Harriman, Utah. It was built by Blair Bangerter, son of Norman H. Bangerter, who served as governor of Utah from 1985 to 1993. Blair saw “Up” two years ago and—an avid fan of both animation and houses—became determined to recreate the film’s cheerful Victorian home in full scale.
Bangerter Homes, known for custom-built residences, marketed the 2,800-square-foot recreation as the Disney/Pixar “Up” House. The company used stills from the film and the official Disney and Pixar logos in the listing, setting an asking price of $400,000. Interest from serious buyers was limited, but thousands of people were eager to see the interior: roughly 27,000 visitors paid $10 each for a tour, with the majority of the proceeds donated to charity.
The project captured attention because it married pop-culture nostalgia with architectural craftsmanship. Recreating the house involved matching the movie’s color palette, ornate trim, and playful proportions, while adapting the design to real-world building codes and functional living spaces. The result is a whimsical yet livable home that honors the original design while offering modern conveniences.
Beyond the novelty of a film-inspired home, the “Up” House demonstrates how storytelling and place-making can intersect. Fans of the movie recognize the house as a symbol of adventure, memory, and the emotional center of the film’s story. For visitors and potential buyers, the replica offers a tangible way to connect with those themes—stepping inside feels like stepping into the world of the movie.
Although marketed with Disney and Pixar imagery, the house also highlights the builder’s craftsmanship and marketing acumen. Opening the home to paid tours provided both publicity and a charitable benefit, turning a creative passion project into a community-minded event.
Whether viewed as a faithful tribute to an animated classic or as an imaginative example of themed architecture, the Harriman “Up” House stands out as an instance where fandom and design combined to create something both eye-catching and meaningful. For anyone who loves the film or appreciates distinctive homes, it remains a delightful destination and a conversation piece that brings a beloved story into real life.