At a certain stage in life, money loses its value! A happy home is much more precious.
That’s obvious! Edith Macefield, an octogenarian, turned down a million-dollar offer to give up her house.
She compelled the developers to build a shopping center around her house. What a remarkable character! Let’s learn more about this famous story
Here we go! The scene takes place in Seattle, Washington, in the United States.
An octogenarian who had been living in her house for over seventy years declined a relocation offer for a few thousand dollars.
A small house is located in the northern area of the Ballard neighborhood, between a shopping center and a fitness center.
It belongs to Mrs. Edith Macefield.
The 84-year-old woman, who had acquired the property in 1952 with her mother, was attached to her house.
She wanted to avoid the anxiety of moving by refusing to leave.
But that’s not all! She turned down a million-dollar offer. Even though the house was worth almost nothing, the company initially offered her $750,000 before increasing it to $1 million.
But to no avail!
This unwavering determination made Edith Macefield an iconic and famous figure.
Throughout the long negotiations, the elderly lady formed a friendship with the construction superintendent, Barry Martin.
Edith Macefield continued to live her life in this modest house, which she acquired in the 1950s, until her “departure.”
As cranes towered over her roof, she would turn up the volume of her television or play her favorite opera music.
Barry Martin supported Edith, who was losing her health, for two years in intensive elderly care. He spent many sleepless nights taking care of her.
After a prolonged battle with pancreatic illness, Edith peacefully passed away in 2008.
Having lost her only child at the age of thirteen, she didn’t want to leave her house to anyone other than Martin.
Being unemployed, he was forced to sell the property. Edith authorized him to sell it before she left forever.
In 2009, Disney producers attached balloons to the house’s roof and used it as a promotional tool for their movie “Up.”
