Winchester Mystery House
Published On: Mar 14, 2006

Winchester Mystery House
525 South Winchester Blvd.
San Jose, California 95128

For those that have an insatiable craving for odd folklore, the Winchester Mystery House Tour is something that you can't miss.

Tour 110 of the 160 rooms and check out all of the unusual and bizarre features that have led to the enigma that is the Winchester House. Windows built into the floor, stairs heading to nowhere, door that open to reveal blank walls. These are all things that guests can check out and were part of Sarah Winchester's orders as she kept carpenters working 24 hours a day for 38 years. The belief is that Winchester had become convinced by a medium that the constant building was the only way that the spirits killed by the Winchester Rifle would be appeased.

Once you get your fill of the oddities inside the house, take a stroll outdoors and check out the Victorian gardens. Eight full time gardners spent their day importing trees, shrubs and flowers from around the world at the behest of Winchester. Nearly 14,000 plants provide year round shade while statues and fountains. The self guided tour includes a map so you can hit 10 points of interest and a tape will give you the history and significance behind each of the stops.

A behind the scenes tour is also available for those craving a little more insight into the Winchester mystery. Patrons will learn how the 160 acre estate was kept going for over 75 years by checking out areas such as the stables, plumber's work area, an unfinished ballroom and one of the basements. Of course safety is of the utmost importance during this tour so safety hats are required and the tour is restricted to those 10 years old and older.

In a house full of mystery and curious things, one thing is for sure. The Winchester House will continue to draw people to it as they continue to try and unravel the mysteries and solve the riddle of the house.

Print This Page