The Shape Of Whimsy

Three structures that bring fables and fantasy to life.

- Rumela Basu

Children’s books, stories of magic, and even personal idiosyncrasies often inspire architecture that seems out of place in the regular scheme of things. Often described as “bizarre,” “eccentric,” or “enchanting,” here are three structures—homes and commercial spaces— that will tickle any traveller’s fancy.

WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE, U.S.A.

Winchester mansion in California’s San Jose Bay area was built in the late 1800s by Sarah Winchester, heiress of the Winchester Repeating Arms company fortune. Counted among the most modern buildings of its time, the mansion’s elegant Victorian facade reveals nothing of its eccentric interior.

It took years to build the 161-room expansive property with brightly coloured window panes. Even after construction was complete, Winchester insisted on introducing odd additions to the interiors. She commissioned doors that lead nowhere, staircases going up to the ceiling, and a cabinet that runs uninterrupted through 30 rooms.