While the exact original purchase cost of Edith Macefield's house is not publicly detailed, she famously garnered and rejected offers totaling up to $1 million from developers seeking to acquire her property for a commercial development. Her steadfast refusal to sell, despite these substantial offers, brought her international recognition as a symbol of defiance.
A Stand Against Development
Edith Macefield (August 21, 1921 – June 15, 2008) became a worldwide phenomenon in 2006, not for what her house originally cost her, but for the significant sums she turned down to preserve her home. Her small, two-story house, located in the rapidly developing Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, became an unlikely symbol of resistance. She refused to sell her property, which stood directly in the path of a large commercial project.
The Offers She Rejected
Developers aiming to construct a shopping complex and parking garage around her residence made multiple offers to purchase her property. These offers reflected the high value placed on her land due to its strategic location for the new development.
| Offer Type | Amount | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Reported Offer | $750,000 | Originally reported as a package deal |
| Later Offer | $1,000,000 | The highest offer she famously turned down |
Why She Held Out
Macefield's decision to remain in her home, even when faced with offers reaching seven figures, stemmed from a deep emotional attachment to her property and a desire to live out her final years in the familiar surroundings she cherished. Her refusal forced the commercial developers to build their project around her 108-year-old farmhouse, leaving it standing alone amidst the new construction. This act of defiance captivated the public and media globally, earning her the moniker "the Up House" by some, inspired by the animated Pixar film.
Legacy of a Small House
Edith Macefield's story highlights the power of individual resolve against large-scale urban development. Her home, though small, became a monument to personal independence and drew attention to issues of property rights and community preservation. Her principled stand made her house far more valuable in public perception than any monetary offer could represent. For more details on her extraordinary stand, you can explore the extensive coverage of Edith Macefield's story.
