Just curious as this is a bit vague and I would like some clarification.

The house objective says: "control Winterfell and 5 or more areas with Castles or Strongholds". Our group interpreted this as needing 6 total areas (Winterfell's stronghold doesn't count towards total) with castles or strongholds because of the card's use of 'and' .

However, I am seeing in a couple places that many people are interpreting it as 5 total - with the stronghold counting towards the total.

What is the way this is supposed to be interpreted?

well as written on the card you need Winterfell and 5 other areas with strongholds and castles, why is there a missunderstanding?

Because it doesn't say "other", and at least one player says that FFG told him the 5 castles INCLUDE Winterfell.

I can confirm now that the Stronghold in Winterfell DOES count towards the 5 total, so You need to hold Winterfell and 4 other castles/strongholds - which would bring your total to 5.

Official email I got from a Game Producer:

"The stronghold at Winterfell does count towards that total. So, in effect, the card is requiring you to hold Winterfell + 4 other castles/strongholds. I agree, the use of the emphasized "and" is indeed confusing. "