Reddit mentions of Captive of the Labyrinth: Sarah L. Winchester, Heiress to the Rifle Fortune

Unfortunately, the actual history of Sarah Winchester is contrary to what the house's current story is. She was a brilliant but secretive woman who had arthritis which made it hard for her to get around. When the house was purchased from her estate after her death it was purchased with the sole purpose of advertising it as a ghostly haunted house to make money instead of telling Sarah's actual story. The current director of the house came from Disney (who, when we asked if they were going to tell the real story, said that it wasn't good for business to tell her story truthfully) if that is any indication of their direction. I recommend going to the house for it's architectural features and its important place in the history of San Jose and do enjoy the story they are presenting but please know that the history of that house is not exactly what you are being told. Good bedtime reading if you are interested, please note that last I heard this book was not available in the gift shop at the house for obvious reasons. The book was heavily researched using the archives at Campbell Historical Society which include her personal letters as well as information pertaining to the building of her house and the philanthropic legacy she left behind.

https://www.amazon.com/Captive-Labyrinth-Winchester-Heiress-Fortune/dp/0826219837

A lot of the people who live in San Jose that I have spoken to know this history for the Winchester House, although a lot still do not know this story. That might help to explain why some locals do not go to the house. Enjoy your trip!