I used to live by there.

DON'T!! DON'T TAKE THE TOUR, its beyond lame, its just a lot of walking, the guides are about as bad as the actors in this movie, all the furniture in the house has been replaces because the original was sold after Sara's death. The house its self, its pretty cool and big, but, that's about all. you cant even go in all the rooms, u have to stay on this " path", it was a waste of time. If u really wanna go somewhere scary, find a haunted tour of SF or Santa Cruz,Those are pretty creepy.

I do live in the bay area by the real Winchester Mystery House. You should take the tour if:

1. you can appreciate the craftsmanship in the house (some of the parquet floors are stunning), or the general craziness of the buildings;
2. you have an interest in Victorian architecture and/or furnishings;
3. you don't expect to see a ghost (because you won't).

No, you don't get to go in all the rooms because people have actually gotten lost. Also, not all the rooms have complete floors, walls etc., due to age and/or earthquake damage. Take the flashlight tour (night) only after you've seen the house during the day. The tour guides are just tour guides -- not actors. Years ago they used to make them dress up in Victorian costume, but not any more.