America's Castles: California Dreamers  (2006)

Theatrical Release Information:
America's Castles: California Dreamers

Californians have long enjoyed building homes that at least partially reflect the beauty of the nearby Pacific Ocean, mountains, palm trees, and other natural delights. This A&E program seeks to share some of these estates with viewers as it journeys to the unusual Winchester House that was built with part of the fortune made from selling rifles and the place that's come to be known as Scotty's Castle in Death Valley. Sarah Winchester's Victorian home, purchased in 1884, was still undergoing additional construction when she died in 1922. It now has 160 rooms, obviously far more than the eight it had when she purchased it. Far smaller is Scotty's Castle with 20 rooms that was modeled after various Spanish homes. Its eccentric luxuries are as interesting as the stories that surround prospector Walter "Scotty" Scott and his apparent partner from Chicago, millionaire Albert Johnson. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide