Winchester Mystery House

Activity Overview

There is no other house on the planet quite like the Winchester Mystery House. The story behind its construction is filled with mystery and strange stories. It was the work of Sarah L. Winchester, who when her husband and child died paid a team of workers to begin construction of the house. From this point on work never stopped so that by the time Mrs. Winchester died in 1922 the seven story mansion contained hundreds of rooms and miles of hallways complete with secret passageways she would use to confuse any evil spirits who may have been following her. You can now visit the house and hear about the many stories about its construction and about Sarah L. Winchester's eccentric behaviour.

Things to Do

• During your visit you can walk through 110 of the 160 rooms that make up the Winchester home. As you wander through the labyrinthine house you can take in the architectural wonder of the Mansion. Aside from its 160 rooms it also contains 6 kitchens, 13 bathrooms, 47 fireplaces, 47 stairways, 2,000 doors and 10,000 windows. There are also a great many strange details that only add to the eerie feeling of the House.
• Mrs. Winchester took the same obsessive approach with the grounds and gardens surrounding the home. There are plant species from over 110 countris, all arranged in geometric patterns typical of the Victorian era. You can explore this garden along with a trip to the Museum of Winchester rifles in the house.

Winchester Mystery House Insider Tips

• The House offers three guided tours that focus on different aspects of the house and grounds that last from 45 minutes to two hours in length. You can find details on the tours and book them in advance here.