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Winchester Mystery House: A Victorian Labyrinth

Explore the bizarre and legendary Winchester Mystery House, a Victorian mansion filled with architectural oddities and haunted tales in San Jose, California.

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The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose is a sprawling Victorian mansion famous for its bizarre architecture and the legends surrounding its construction. Built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the Winchester rifle magnate, the house is a testament to her eccentric vision and the continuous construction that lasted for nearly 38 years.

A brief summary to Winchester Mystery House

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-12 am
  • Saturday 10 am-12 am
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Book your tour in advance, as tours often sell out, especially during peak season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs.
  • Arrive early to allow time for parking, which can be limited due to nearby construction.
  • Check for special events like Halloween tours for a unique experience.
  • Photography is permitted during the tour, so bring your camera to capture the mansion's unique features.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Winchester Mystery House is located at 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128. From I-280 South, take the Winchester Blvd exit. Turn left at the stoplight onto Winchester Blvd. The house will be on your left after two stoplights. Free parking is available on-site, with overflow parking behind the estate off Olsen Drive. Additional parking is available at the Winchester Garage (330 Winchester Blvd) and the parking garage at 377 Santana Row. Parking is complimentary.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines serve the Winchester Mystery House. The nearest bus stops are Winchester & Moorpark (N) and Moorpark & Winchester (E), both a 6-minute walk away. Bus lines 60, 25, 23, 59, and 523 all stop near the mansion. From downtown San Jose, take the line 23 bus towards Stevens Creek & Valley Fair / Santana Row. A single ride on VTA costs $2.50.

  • Walking

    The Winchester Mystery House is located near Santana Row, a large outdoor shopping and dining complex. From Santana Row, walk east on Stevens Creek Blvd, then turn right onto Winchester Blvd. The Winchester Mystery House will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. Be mindful of pedestrian crossings.

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Discover more about Winchester Mystery House

The Winchester Mystery House, located in San Jose, California, is more than just a historical landmark; it's a captivating architectural enigma. This Victorian mansion was once the personal residence of Sarah Lockwood Pardee Winchester, the widow of William Wirt Winchester, who inherited a significant fortune from the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Following the death of her husband and infant daughter, Sarah sought guidance and was reportedly told by a medium that she needed to move west and continuously build a house to appease the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles. Construction began in 1884 and continued until Sarah's death in 1922. The result is a sprawling mansion with 160 rooms, featuring oddities such as staircases leading to nowhere, doors that open onto walls, and windows overlooking other rooms. The house also has 10,000 windows, 2,000 doors, 47 stairways and fireplaces, 17 chimneys, 13 bathrooms and 6 kitchens. Some believe these architectural quirks were designed to confuse or appease the spirits, while others suggest they simply reflect Sarah's eccentric personality and unlimited budget. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake caused significant damage to the house, and Sarah chose not to fully restore it, adding to its unusual layout. Today, the Winchester Mystery House is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the globe. Guests can explore 110 of the mansion's 160 rooms on guided tours, immersing themselves in the myths, lore, and legends surrounding the house. The house has been owned by the same family since 1923 and has been open to the public almost continuously since then.

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