In October 2021, Glen Elmy, a foundry worker from Walsall, experienced what he thought was a life-changing moment when he won Stealth House, a stunning James Bond-style mansion in Devon. Complete with an infinity pool and breathtaking ocean views, the property initially seemed like a slice of heaven. However, just three days after receiving the keys, Glen returned them, citing concerns about the house's proximity to a potentially dangerous cliff.
"I'm totally gobsmacked. The only thing we've ever won before was three pounds at a Bingo night on holiday... this house is so spectacular we’re going to enjoy our first family holiday for two years right here," Glen had exclaimed at the time of his win. His excitement was palpable, as he expressed that if he could design a house from scratch, it would look just like Stealth House. "We absolutely love the house—if I could have designed one from scratch, it would look just like this—it's like something from a Bond film," he added, hinting at the unique architectural allure of the home.
Despite his initial joy, Glen made the difficult decision to hand the keys back to Omaze and request cash equivalent to the house’s £3 million value. This choice was reportedly influenced by concerns about coastal erosion. A source reported, "The corner of the house goes almost to the cliff edge; it's about two metres away from the edge." This unsettling realization reportedly led him to feel uneasy about the stability of Stealth House.
Local residents voiced similar concerns, suggesting that the house might be uninsurable due to its location. An anonymous neighbor remarked, "I never see anybody going in or out since the win. There is all sorts of speculation that it can't be insured because of how close it's been built to the sea and on the cliff edge. There is a problem with coastal erosion all along the coast here. There are signs around the beach warning about falling rocks." This anxiety was compounded by the history of the property itself, which, five years prior, had been on the market for £2.5 million without a buyer.
In response to the fears surrounding Stealth House, an Omaze spokesperson firmly denied allegations that the property was at risk of falling into the sea, stating: "As with all its properties, Omaze carried out extensive professional surveys, searches, and inspections prior to purchasing the house in Devon. Omaze can confirm that none of these reports raised any material concerns with the property, including in relation to coastal erosion. The property is fully insurable." This official statement sought to alleviate anxieties surrounding the environmental risks associated with the luxurious residence.
Unfortunately, Glen Elmy isn't alone in experiencing unexpected challenges after winning a dream home through Omaze. Uttam Parmar and his wife Raki won a £3 million home on the Cornish coast in August 2022 but reportedly vacated the residence just eight weeks later due to financial concerns regarding upkeep, a claim that Omaze disputed. Another winner, 74-year-old June Smith, purchased a six-bedroom property in Fowey, Cornwall, in May 2023, but decided to sell it after only one visit, finding it too exposed and akin to a “fishbowl.”
While there have been stories of winners encountering adversity post-win, there are also more uplifting tales. For instance, last year, 24-year-old Lauren Keene became the youngest ever Omaze winner after being awarded a stunning five-bedroom Hollywood Hills-inspired home in the Wirral. "The house is unreal! It really does feel like something you'd find in the Hollywood Hills! It's made for parties, and we can't wait to get everyone we know up here for a big bash!" she shared, highlighting the euphoria that such unexpected fortune can bring.
As excitement builds for the next Omaze raffle featuring an exquisite Georgian townhouse valued at £4.5 million, it beckons participants from across the UK to dream of their own potential windfall. The property boasts striking views of The Shard and an award-winning garden designed by Chelsea Flower Show Gold winners, with tickets for the draw starting at just £10.
Glen Elmy's experience underscores the unpredictability of winning a luxury home, showcasing that beneath the glamorous surface, unforeseen issues can arise. Each winner must navigate not just the joy of their prize but also the responsibilities and uncertainties that accompany such significant assets. As they embark on their new journeys, they remind us that luxury, while appealing, can come with deeply rooted challenges.
