Beyond the Ghost Stories of the Winchester Mystery House

With its witch’s hat turrets, spiderweb windows and Gothic spires, Sarah Winchester’s 24,000-square-foot Victorian house in San Jose, California, draws tourists from around the world.
They hear tales of its construction inspired by guilt and its haunting by ghosts. But to the rifle fortune heiress, it was simply her hobby house. From 1886 to 1906, she lavished time, attention and considerable cash on the workshop where she unleashed her ambitious architectural fantasies using the most luxurious and innovative materials of her time.
See a spooktacular POV fly through of this home. • A Spooktacular POV Fly...

[@edithiepeal]

This is the first time I’ve heard of Sarah Winchester referred to as an innovative pioneer and not some crazy, insane, haunted, troubled woman. Thank you for this respectful depiction!!

[@WTJDProductions]

This is the first video I've seen that's treated the Winchester House as a proper house and not just some creepy ghost destination. Great video, that house is architecturally amazing!

[@hoodytoad9732]

If there are really ghosts in that house, those ghosts must be have a high taste of art and really appreciate her works

[@2Orangess]

Ultimate hide and seek venue

[@reneebarger5194]

Thank you so much for providing a more honest portrail of Sarah and her home. I have been researching her and the Pardee, Merriman, Winchester families for over 20 years. She was not crazy or haunted. The was a brilliant, college educated, independent women at a time when women had no rights. She ran a working farm, orchards and dehydrating plant. She paid her workers well and provided benefits at a time when it was unheard of. A truly wonderful person who does not deserve to be slandered and have the macabre be her legacy.

[@dorothymerrell6091]

Sarah was an engineering genius, she sure knew how to make life easier for herself and for the house staff. That house is beautiful and an engineering marvel.

[@cartooncolee]

Wow have a completely different opinion on her and that house now. She really was a creative spirit.

[@sofiaml2002]

I want those corner pieces😁😁 this house is a museum of decoration, and she was probably one of the first interior designers ever

[@dishappywithlife2556]

I Lived on Santa Row, and my balcony faced the Winchester house. It was definitely a cool neighbour to have.....the tour is very cool, it's definitely a must see!!

[@chrisw8627]

D Ishappywithlife I have always been fascinated and intrigued by the Winchester house, I can only imagine stepping out on my balcony and there it is!!!!

[@MK_1Ultra]

Ahhh. The good old days. My first job. I had some wild ass times working at that house. Made some awesome friends. My favorite thing to do in the house besides giving the tours was cleaning time, when some of the guides would break up slow days and clean. If you think its truly haunted, it's not really. Peaceful actually. Nice and quiet and beautiful on sunny winter days. Cleaning the ballroom was always fun with my headphones on and just slipping around. Of course the 3rd floor is the least appealing, but it was the servants quarters after all, and also mostly blocked off by really hard to see through glary reflected window panels. I enjoyed working at the WMH. Good ass times man.

[@Bandiaolta]

I loved that it was about her and not about the crazy ghost fearing nut job people make her out to be

[@LovinLife-pv7op]

I am most impressed with the stairway corner pieces which blocked dust. You don't here of a lot of super wealthy people who show any concern for their servants. I hate that they have made up this ridiculous horror movie because that is what people will remember of her.

[@davidmarlow8269]

My great grandmother was a house maid there during Mrs.W's day

[@21whichiswhich]

What an amazing woman she is ahead of her time. Her home is a work of art. ❤️

[@mrimmri]

I love that they weren't focused on her supposed 'ghost issues' where she was using the house to hide herself or build for 'spirits.' We don't know that for certain. But here, they are focused on the way she adapted, the way she thought, her aesthetics and gave an insight into the way she lived, and I think that is amazing! She was way ahead of her time, amazing with engineering and smart! Who knows how quickly the world could have adapted or evolved its engineering if everyone was as good at coming up with new ideas such as these?

[@aranaemantsal8109]

Wow! I love haunted house stories, but this perspective of Sarah Winchester as an endlessly creative innovator with a passion for Aesthetic design is even more fascinating. I'd love to see and hear more.

[@LoveNaisa]

This house alone being built in the late 1800s was so creative. Imagine her being an architect in a time like today. She was really wise that’s what’s spooky to me. Completely ahead of her time.

[@Lil_Angry_Bitch]

I love how this video talks about the beauty, history, & innovation of the house & Mrs. Winchester in a positive light instead of trying to make it seem so mysterious, creepy & scary like many other depictions of her & her house.

[@debbiesenada1141]

i hope she is now at peace with her family beautiful lady

[@0Flow0]

As a kid I used to look at black and white pictures of this house in a ghost book my sister had in the 90's. It's cool to see actual video from it.

[@Nirrrina]

I love the idea of making even everyday items beautiful somehow. These items were made by true master craftsmen. They built her a work of living art & she was a genius at design too.

[@rsoubiea]

it’s so refreshing to not hear about spirits and ghosts. i look upon this house as Sarah’s R & D house where she was constantly trying out new products and ideas. Amazing testimonial to a brilliant woman.

[@LisaElevateDJ]

So lovely to see the true story about this legendary “ghost” house, she was ingenious! What a dame!

[@P1DiscoGina]

I grew up near this house! Love that it's making a Hollywood debut! Actually, San Jose has quite a few very interesting sights! There's an Egyptian museum, and Japanese tea garden.

[@nb2577]

this kind of explanation about Sarah Winchester and her house is what I LIKE. Salute.

[@atomickitten4648]

when she liked something she just went for it all the way, amazing 👏👏

[@263Adder]

When I went to San Jose, Winchester Mystery House was at the top of my places to visit. So worth it! I went at Christmas when it was open late and decorated for the holidays, it was spectacular!

[@mr.penguin4614]

wow that house is actually incredible, i just thought she was crazy but actually she's an ingenious designer

[@JJNeeps2024]

This is lovely. Though I'm a fan of ghost stories, it's so refreshing to hear about the woman and her house without the ghost element. What a cool house on its​ own.

[@mamajacquelinebts9776]

What a wonderfully smart woman! This is extremely intresting!

[@zxcytdfxy256]

honestly it would be a dream come true to play hide and seek in that house

[@fiercefrida]

I am fortunate enough to have attend such unforgettable event, the Winchester Premiere Party and a chance to see inside the house for the first time! 🖤

[@irishis3]

One thing I found amazing was how she used the skylights to create natural light on the ground floor. In spite of the fact that she had electricity she also had natural light from overhead sources. She was able to employ artisans from all disciplines to practice and perfect their craft as a benefactor

[@williammead4646]

I'm inspired by Sarah Winchester's Creation. It's like a maze. A very elegant maze.

[@JMac7395]

Great video!! Luv'd that the focus was on the logistics of the house. Most videos focus on the myth surrounding Sarah & her house. I liked the realistic reasoning for why she was so into physics & séances. Present day observers continue to make it seem like she was the odd ball for participating in such activities, when actually during that time such activities were VERY popular. So popular in fact that pyschics were used for entertainment at large parties. By the 1920s their popularity had died down due to investigaters exposing some as frauds.

[@jennifer9084]

It was cool learning about this side of the Winchester House vs just the haunted side that everyone knows.

[@socialmoth4974]

When I visited California 3 years ago. I made a special trip to the Winchester mansion. It was a place that I had wanted to visit ever since I was a child in the 80s and saw it featured on Ripley's Believe it or Not. It did not disappoint.

[@TCOSTA96]

Just started working there as a tour guide I’m very stoked to be able to see this place on a daily

[@merchantman3955]

I first toured the Winchester House in 1969 and Their was No Talk,Rumors,Of it being haunted.Curious as to why it is now considered to be one of America’s most haunted houses.Tourism?

[@jeanzipagan4978]

Wow an architect ahead of her time. I came looking for anything related to Sarah Winchester after knowing that there was a movie about the house,and I came across this video upload. All I can say is how majestic the Manchester house is. Sarah is a genius.

[@pamelahicks517]

What an interesting an informative video. I knew about the mystical side of Mrs. Winchester and how it related to her house, but learning about the fascinating design era she lived in and the brilliant adaptation of making her home functional not only for herself, but for her staff is very impressive. I now want to plan a trip to California to take a tour(s) of her home and learn more extrodinary information about her and her house. Thanks for this wonderful video.

[@redlionbluecat]

Thank you for this. I'm in awe. I love this side of her that only a few knows about. I will never see her as the crazy lady again. You opened my eyes to something magical.

[@heatherschaffer1286]

SARAH had a intriguing/intresting mind. Loved how she worked through her ideas. This lady could teach us a few things today.

[@Mskaytee]

The architecture and craftsmanship of this home is simply amazing! I've always heard the ghost stories but it's nice to see the house appreciated for its uniqueness and detail.

[@Charlie-zu9wz]

what an inspirational, innovative and creative lady! thank you

[@Britty0189]

I want to go there sooooo badly!

[@BOBO-ht2vz]

I don't feel scared, I FELT LOVE!

[@vinh_g_nguyen]

What a refreshing take on Sarah Winchester and this beautiful house. I live down the street from it and never really cared for the ghost stories. Now I'm consider revisiting it to see its beauty and splendor, and to learn more about this phenomenal woman, ahead of her time.

[@kimbnguy6209]

I love how they give information about this house without making it really scary 😂🙃

[@pixie7435]

My heart breaks for Sarah - losing her baby girl . Losing those she loved . I feel so deeply for her ❤️

[@StEmS509]

Wow!! What a beautiful story I didn't know this side of it, makes me want to go there even more so!!

[@mewsingsbynatk]

Damn. This woman was ahead of her time. 💙

[@Tadpole_Plyrr2]

Sad how everyone around her thought “such a weird house, she MUST be crazy” instead of “such a weird house, she’s so artistic!” Did anyone even speak to her about this wonderful and beautiful art piece? Maybe if they did they wouldn’t have judged her so harshly… It’s clearly vent art. This video is like the only time I’ve seen someone speak of Sarah so politely

[@elaineburch5397]

I have looked at pictures and videos of this house in the past. Happy to see the house in a new light. Very colorful Love all the small details.I think she was a genius 😃

[@author505]

Wow! What a masterpiece of extreme architecture. Mind boggling.

[@tiyaht2158]

Wow, wow and wowwww...... Just brilliant. And beautiful--the house and its owner! But how sad she lost her baby and husband so early.

[@neonennui]

How charming! I wish I could visit the house, it must be stunning.

[@everydayeveryday982]

This home is so very unique colorful and not creepy as they often said. It is very beautiful and very complex. Thank you for presenting it in such a special way. Most interesting indeed.

[@kaykray4692]

I went to this house yesterday (10 • 29 • 18) and this house is just so wonderful, and I went on the mansion tour and the explore more tour, (sadly not the candlelight). Everytime the guides of the tours let us sit down on Sarah’s furniture, I then say thank you to Sarah.

[@tonyvasconi]

Awesome ... SaraW had the "je ne sais quoi" that IS this Valley. She is first on my list of "The Women of Silicon Valley" ... before Marissa Mayer, before Sheryl Sandberg, before Sister Assumpta (well maybe not her ... 2nd grade teacher BTW). I worked the "house" as a kid and I'm here to say that this video tells an authentic story. The story nails it exactly the way I lived it ... told from the inside like only the few who worked all 160 rooms ... "keeeeep building" ...

[@beverage7335]

She sounds like she was a fun woman! I imagine she just enjoyed the motion of life, and the constant change as well. Like she saw problems and could think of solutions. A creative thinker :)

[@nunyabeezneez7769]

I visit this home every time I go back home for a visit. I can never get enough. I love to be taken back in time and envision how life used to be. This home is an absolute architectural marvel. Sarah was so innovative.

[@Wakara101]

It’s nice to see people showcasing the innovative aspects of her house. She was a woman ahead of the times.

[@yuriharck3087]

Sarah would be FLOORED if she knew that all of the orchards around her house, are now shopping, restaurants, Santana Row. Crazy how time marches on and on...

[@juliaangelicaa5395]

The way she was portrayed by many as being "eccentric." Well, who would've thought she's also a clever woman way ahead of her time. Thanks for sharing this video 👌🏻

[@CensoredByYouTube965]

Growing up in the Bay Area I had always heard of the Winchester House since I can remember. But never thought much of it. I guess I believed the stories and thought it was just wacky with no other appeal. Boy, am I glad I ran into this video. I couldn't have assumed more wrongly. This is the most beautiful house I ever seen. I'm sorry we never went to see it when I was still in Cali.

[@kamolchanokandersen1331]

I'd like to visit once in my life...Sarah is so genius. It's so different from movie's image. I like her.

[@cfaz6763]

Living in San Jose for 8 years back in the early 2000's...this house is one of my most fondest memories of the area.

[@BadKittyNoMilk]

I've been to that place several time as a child. One of my favorite places. Good memories. I was so curious and amazed.

[@wolfsmith2865]

One of my very favorite places. I've toured at least 5 times (including the Behind The Scenes tour) and always see something new. I hope Sarah rests in peace as she has left us a rare and wonderful gift.

[@JoleneSugarbaker]

What a very well done video, thanks so much for sharing : Loved the way it was done..

[@ambermullenax9813]

The video quality is AMAZING! Her house is even more beautiful! I would LOVE to see it in person and take a tour!

[@stx11uh73]

I've toured this house before and it is soooooo beautiful and interesting!

[@drea6717]

Sarah was definitely my kind of gal! I love everything with details on it as well, no matter if it’s just a doorknob.

[@bridgettleigh2912]

Its an amazing work of art.

[@kaylaball6482]

I love this tour! This is not a creepy ghost house. It's a nice house with a lot of charm

[@jolenehauck7019]

Thank you for sharing this tour! This home is brilliant!

[@kiranaujlay8686]

Wow. I'm blown away by the detail. She thought of everything! I also appreciate that she built the house to suit her accessibility needs.

[@princessmimithepug6719]

She was an amazing, innovative, creative, articulate, educated woman, xx

[@missyrose2154]

So cool to see the features of the house and hear about her genius without focusing on ghosts and craziness . Thank you

[@monkleyface]

I love the way her story is told here. I wonder had she been born in a different era she could have been a great architect.

[@Just.J.00]

Amazing house and an amazing woman!

[@Kate4267]

I’m glad to see so many similar comments in that this documentary shows Sarah as an innovator not a frightened nor psychotic widow. Bravo!

[@mercurialpierrot7073]

American Horror Story NEEDS to do a season about this!!!

[@jameslipke354]

This house is just stunning with all of its beautiful details and stained glass!!! When I was a kid my Dad was a new home/remodel construction foreman. More than that he was a Master Trim Carpenter, and he was a very gifted one, just as those who were part of the remodeling and additions to this house. Sarah Winchester was definitely a visionary and quite creative. You can see that through the entire home. WOW!!! It is truly incredible! I'll be honest though, with the doors to nowhere, etc., the house reminds me a bit of the house in Stephen King's miniseries Rose Red.... ~ APRIL LIPKE

[@allieh3444]

Wow certainly the best made video I've seen on this incredible house. Sarah was an engineering genius!! Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@nadiagraveran3289]

She should get more recognition like this! This is truly showing her in the light she deserved :)!!

[@lindacalaicone1783]

Your depiction of her is much more respectful than the tour we just took last week. As property administrators please give her the due justice she deserves at being brilliant, albeit eccentric, but still brilliant while guiding us through her home.

[@loverrlee]

When I visited this house for the first time, I was blown away! Even though I was born in the same city the Winchester house was built, I had moved away very young and I had never actually been able to visit until I was 28! I instantly fell in love with the house, and I really felt a connection to Sarah. We share a lot of the same interests. She had a very creative mind. But I was there with my mother-in-law and I will never forget when she called Sarah “crazy.” 🙄 I think she was a genius! But I guess most geniuses have been called “crazy.” It takes a special kind of mind to create a lasting impact on this world, even after death. Some people just can’t appreciate fine art and craftsmanship I guess. Luckily I think most people would disagree with my incredibly negative MIL. Nobody who wasn’t considered “crazy” ever changed the world. ❤️

[@syeager2389]

The Winchester Mystery House. It’s an amazing.. stunning place.. Been there a couple of times.. an experience you’ll never forget.. I’ve never seen anything like it! Excellent video..thanks for sharing.

[@KaltrinaDemiri]

Thank you for this video. It explained so much more than the tour ever did that I went on years ago. This tells you the actual history of the home and the woman and how much love she put into the home.

[@cruxivar6026]

Mrs Winchester wasn't insane! She's innovative to make it easy for her house staff. An employer would never thought of making a servant's life less unbearable At least in her time.

[@hiranyawijesekara5206]

Finally a house tour of this mansion! Not a ghost hunting video. I wanted to see the amazing architecture in the day time! So picturesque.

[@princessmarlena1359]

Been there. Very beautiful. If I ever make a lot of money, I’m gonna make my own version of the “Winchester Mansion”. Secret passages, hidden rooms, towers, and more.

[@littlejack6123]

Thank you, for showing Winchester House in a more positive light as a beautiful yet many faceted and strangely unique house.

[@nathaliechalon8692]

A quite interesting video . Sarah's Winchester house was actually amazing , innovative and far ahead of its time ! My students really enjoyed watching this video.

[@HouzzTV]

Awesome! Please let us know where you teach.

[@belindabutcher7925]

Interesting house...I loved the stained windows,her indoor gardens and I just love those old doorknobs...Genius.she was.....😃

[@kyriaaalynn]

Her house is so beautiful 🥺😍🥰you can tell she was a loving person

[@kateg7298]

I grew up in San Jose and I've been through the Winchester house dozens of times. Back in the 80s you could take pictures or video and in almost every room, pictures would have hundreds of orbs in them. You also had access to rooms not available to the public now, but I never felt uncomfortable in them. The house is absolutely beautiful. A note to those who take the tour though. The basement is terrifying even if you only have a smidge of 'other' awareness. On my first visit, the energy was so thick there that I ran out as quickly as I could, headed straight to the parking lot and left. So, while this is an architectural tour, the whole haunted aspect is definitely real.

[@catchert2909]

Great tour of the house, the stain glass is amazing