Winchester Mystery House: Inside the California mansion 'built to confuse spirits'

Sarah Winchester, an American philanthropist, passed away 104 years ago on September 5, 1922, after building a sprawling mansion that has become one of America's most unusual properties, often believed to be haunted. The construction of the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, began in 1886 and continued until her death, transforming an eight-room farmhouse into a labyrinthine architectural marvel.

Legend has it that Winchester, widow of William Wirt Winchester, consulted a medium who advised her to move west and continuously construct a house to confuse the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, yet it has contributed to the mansion's reputation as a haunted property for over a century.

The mansion's construction spanned 36 years, resulting in a structure with 10,000 windows, 2,000 doors, 52 skylights, 47 stairways, 17 chimneys, 13 bathrooms, and six kitchens. Among its most peculiar features are staircases that abruptly end at ceilings, doors opening onto walls, and windows in unusual locations. These unique design elements have helped maintain the mystery and allure surrounding the property.

The 1906 San Francisco earthquake caused damage to parts of the mansion, altering sections of its upper levels. After Winchester's death, the property was opened to the public less than a year later, on June 30, 1923. Today, the Winchester Mystery House stands as a historic landmark and tourist attraction, drawing visitors intrigued by its architectural eccentricity, rich history, and enduring ghost story.

More than a century after construction ceased, the enigma of why Winchester built such an unusual home continues to captivate the property's visitors.