Winchester House, San Jose, CA was built by the widow of William Winchester, the owner of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. who died at the age of 42, she inherited an estate of about $20 million and sufficient shares in the Winchester Fire Arms Co. to give her an income of $1,000 per DAY.

Construction began in 1884 and continued uninterrupted 24/7 for 38 years. It is thought that she believed the continuing construction would please or provide a home for the spirits killed by Winchester rifles. The original cost of the building was $5,500,000 with the estate consisting of 161 acres of land. The house contains 160 rooms, 10,000 windows, 2000 doors and 40 staircases totaling 367 steps.

Sarah Winchester built a home that is an architectural marvel. Unlike most homes of its era, this Victorian mansion had modern heating and sewer systems, gas lights that operated by pressing a button, three working elevators, and 47 fireplaces. From rambling roofs and exquisite hand inlaid parquet floors to the gold and silver chandeliers and Tiffany art glass windows, you will be impressed by the staggering amount of creativity, energy, and expense poured into each and every detail.