The Winderbourne Mansion, a stunning Victorian-style residence, was built in 1884 by Enoch and Mary Totten. Enoch, a Civil War veteran and well-known Washington lawyer, joined forces with Mary, who came from a family of significant means. Mary’s father, Timothy Howe, held a prominent position as a senator from Wisconsin. Additionally, Timothy Howe was the cousin and beneficiary of Elias Howe, the inventor celebrated for refining the sewing machine. It was Elias Howe’s creation of the Bobbin-Winder that inspired the name of the mansion.
The original appearance of Winderbourne featured a charming pink hue complemented by dark rose trimming. The Tottens, renowned for their love of gardening, maintained a team of gardeners year-round to care for the exotic plants they imported from around the world.
Local legends often recount tales of hauntings at the mansion, partly due to the tragic events that occurred within its walls. All three of the Totten children fell ill with Typhoid fever, likely due to contaminated drinking water. Sadly, one of the children lost their life to the illness. Another sorrowful incident involved Edith Totten, a daughter who later became a doctor. She adopted a daughter of her own, who met a tragic end after sliding down a long banister in the house, presumably falling off in the process.
The transition of ownership in 1929 marked a new era for the Winderbourne Mansion, as Edward and Beulah Pickrell became its custodians. Their son, Edward Pickrell Jr., eventually inherited the property and made it his home until his passing in 2004. Despite efforts by his brother Paxton Pickrell to sell the deteriorating estate over the years, no suitable buyer has emerged.
Currently, the mansion sits abandoned, devoid of any restoration plans. Nevertheless, its decaying state renders it a compelling subject for photographers. Nestled within nine acres of land, the property’s backyard is adorned with several vintage muscle cars, surrounded by verdant trees and blooming flowers. Adjacent to the Black Hills regional park, it offers a picturesque vista of the water.
Venturing into the mansion reveals a scene suspended in time, with relics of the past strewn about – old furniture, letters, magazines, and clothing narrate the history of the house.
While the allure of exploration may beckon, it’s imperative to heed the numerous “No Trespassing” and “Private Property” signs adorning the area. Respecting the property’s current status entails admiring the Winderbourne Mansion from a respectful distance.
