Hammer is to produce a a film based on the story of the Winchester Mystery House – considered the “world’s most haunted house”.
The California property is a popular tourist destination thanks to the legend of Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester Rifle fortune, who was haunted by the spirits of those killed by “the gun that won the west.”
After consulting a Medium, Winchester built a house in Northern California to appease the spirits.
Known as the “house built for the spirits”, there have been many ghost sightings and to this day visitors share their terrifying stories of having been in the presence of these departed souls who continue to roam the grounds of the intricate and enigmatic house.
The house hosts regular “Fright Night” events every October which are organised by Imagination Design Works, Inc.
Imagination will work with Hammer to develop and produce the film alongside Nine/8 Entertainment/ Production will be overseen by Tobin Armbrust from Hammer’s parent company Exclusive Media.
“The Winchester House has a rich and compelling history. The story behind how it was built has attracted a great deal of attention over the years and we are excited to bring that mythology to film,” said Armbrust.
“We are also thrilled, and terrified, that the House has allowed us to film on the premises”.
Brett Tomberlin, President, Imagination Design Works, added: “We are extremely excited to be partnering with Exclusive Media to bring the story of the Winchester Mystery House to a global audience.
“For many years, the mystique and history of this unique venue, and its owner Sarah Winchester, could be experienced only by those visiting the site. Now, with a film shot in and around the House, Sarah’s spirit will be brought back to life, and the audience will see first-hand this stunning and bizarre house.”