Author – Daisy Luu – Technical Writer

Dscf1770She lived with dozens of servants around the clock, and still, she was alone. In 1884, a wealthy widow named Sarah Winchester began commissioning for a mansion to be built – an endeavor that went on for 38 years. The mansion ended up with about 160 rooms, utlilized some surprisingly modern technology (plus a strange mix of architecture), and cost $5.5 million.

William Wirt Winchester, Sarah’s husband, was the heir to the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, the artillery weapon dubbed “the gun that won the west.” Because it was responsible for taking so many lives, a curse followed the Winchester family. Sarah’s only daughter died as an infant, and fifteen years later, tuberculosis claied her husband’s life. Obsessed that the vengeful spirits would target her next, Sarah began a mission to build her house, believing she would remain safe as long as construction continued.

Dscf1677That’s what the legends say, anyway. Winchester Mystery House is rooted in oddities. Sarah employed up to 25 carpenters at once and added strange elements such as upside-down banister poles, that led to nowhere, skylights built into floors, and repetitive motifs such as the number 13 and spider-web designs.

Winchester Mystery House has drawn millions of visitors since it was made a public attraction in the 1930′s. As you gear up for some good spooks this Halloween, here is a fun website you can visit to find haunted houses around your area.

Be sure to use TeleNav to get there!