The Winchester Mystery House is an architectural wonder and historic landmark in San Jose, CA that was once the personal residence of Sarah Lockwood Pardee Winchester, the widow of William Wirt Winchester and heiress to a large portion of the Winchester® Repeating Arms fortune.
The historical experience at the estate is a great way for kids to learn about Victorian architecture, Sarah Winchester and her influence on the Santa Clara Valley, and what life and work was like on the estate in the late 1800’s.
Winchester Mystery House History
Shortly after both her infant daughter death and the death of her husband to tuberculosis, Sarah left their home in New Haven, CT and moved out west to San Jose, CA. There, she bought an eight-room farmhouse and began what could only be described as the world’s longest home renovation, stopping only when Sarah passed on September 5, 1922.
From 1886 to 1922 construction seemingly never ceased as the original eight-room farmhouse grew into the world’s most unusual and sprawling mansion, featuring:
- 24,000 square feet
- 10,000 windows
- 2,000 doors
- 160 rooms
- 52 skylights
- 47 stairways and fireplaces
- 17 chimneys
- 13 bathrooms
- 6 kitchens
Built at a price tag of the $5 million dollars in 1923 or $71 million today
The Mansion Tour includes
Guests are taken through 110 of the 160 rooms of Sarah’s stately mansion. The tour guide-led experience allows guests to access areas of the mansion, including the 3rd and 4th floors which are purportedly the most paranormally active areas of the bizarre mansion.
Tour Duration: 1 Hour.
Educator Package: Includes educational resources, interactive project ideas, trip organization, direct experiential opportunities to help better connect the experience with your students and complimentary chaperone ticket. Does not include student ticket.
Student Package: Includes engaging pre and post educational visit activities, trip organization and student ticket.
Winchester Mystery House
Once you submit an order for tickets with your charter school, they will reach out to us with your request. You will be receiving your e-tickets and educational materials in an email within 1-2 days after we receive that request. Please make sure to check your email spam folder if you don't see your tickets in your inbox by that time. Submitting your order at least 7-14 days prior to your trip date is generally best unless you are trying to book a venue that requires more advanced planning.