LexTalk

This past summer, my family and I had the opportunity to visit the iconic Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California. From the moment we arrived, I felt an immediate connection to this enigmatic mansion. It wasn’t what I had expected though – rather than being secluded, it was surprisingly close to local businesses. I had imagined this sprawling mansion would be hidden away, isolated in the middle of nowhere, but its urban surroundings somehow added to the mystery.

We signed up for an afternoon tour, which was well-paced for our large group. Our tour guide was fantastic, full of energy, and passionate about the history of the mansion. She kept us entertained with stories that spanned decades, mixing historical facts with the eerie legends that surround the house. Walking through the beautifully kept grounds, full of lush gardens, bushes, and towering trees, it was hard to imagine the house once stood the aftermath of an earthquake that left parts of it in ruins.

Inside, the mansion was even more incredible. The stained-glass windows varied in shape, color, and design, each one more breathtaking than the last. What struck me the most were the stairs that led to nowhere and doors that opened to solid walls. These architectural oddities sparked my curiosity- why build a staircase to a ceiling or a door to nothing?

The history of Sarah Winchester is as fascinating as the house itself. Sarah was haunted by the guilt of the deaths caused by the Winchester rifle, believing that the spirits of those lost were after her. She famously built and rebuilt her home in an effort to confuse and evade these restless spirits. The result was a massive, convoluted mansion full of dead-ends, hidden rooms, and peculiar features with no clear explanations.

One of my favorite rooms in the house was the “Blue Room”, where, according to urban legend, Sarah conducted nightly seances from midnight until 2 a.m. in an attempt to communicate with the spirit world. Whether or not those seances actually happened, there’s no denying the house holds an energy that makes you wonder what really went on within its walls.

As the tour came to an end, I was both disappointed and satisfied – disappointed that it was over but satisfied with the depth of the experience. Naturally, I couldn’t resist a visit to the gift shop, where I indulged in a ghoulish shopping spree. I snagged a tank top on sale, a couple of coffee mugs, reusable water bottles, and adorable earrings inspired by the mansions stained-glass windows.

Later, I learned that the Winchester Mystery House was an inspiration for the Haunted Mansion ride at Disney – one of my all-time favorite rides – and was even used in the filming of 13 Ghosts. How spooky is that?

If you ever find yourself in San Jose, the Winchester Mystery House is on the list of must-see. The mansion also offers wedding packages, perfect for those wanting a truly unique, spooky venue for their big day. Have you ever visited or plan to? If so, I’d love to hear what your favorite part of the tour was!