When I was about ten years old living on the East Coast the Winchester House was featured in “Disney Magazine”, a short lived magazine they used to sell at Gulf gas stations. The advertisement was really creepy.
Fast forward to when I was 26, living in Los Angeles. We were driving back from a trip to San Francisco when I stopped in San Jose for gas about 2:00 in the afternoon. We were supposed to be in San Simeon that evening to see Hearst Castle the next day. I saw a little sign saying “Winchester House” with an arrow. It was right next door. I told my girlfriend “We have to go”. So we did. It was worth the trip, but since I’ve lived in the Bay Area for a couple of decades now I’ve never gone back.
The Hearst Castle is a fascinating place. I enjoyed the tapestries. I have wondered since then if anyone has ever picked an orange there. It was a no-no at that time. I was ever so tempted!