I Won a £3M James Bond-Style Omaze House in Devon, But Returned It in Just Three Days
Imagine winning a sleek, multi-million-pound, James Bond-style house perched on the stunning cliffs of North Devon, complete with an infinity pool and breathtaking sea views. It sounds like the ultimate dream, right? Well, for foundry worker Glen Elmy, this dream turned into an unexpected dilemma when he won the luxury property, only to hand the keys back just three days later.
Glen, from Walsall in the West Midlands, was beyond shocked when he found out he had won the ultra-modern Stealth House in an Omaze prize draw back in October 2021. Overjoyed, he shared his excitement, recalling how his family had never won anything significant before—just a mere three pounds in a bingo game. This win felt surreal, a true game-changer during a tough time for his family. Glen described the house as something straight out of a Bond film, the kind of place he would have designed himself if given the chance.
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Initially, the plan was clear—this was their dream home, and they were going to keep it. The family even looked forward to spending their first proper holiday in two years at the stunning property. However, within days, concerns about the house’s location set in. Coastal erosion, which affects many parts of the North Devon coastline, was a significant worry. Reports surfaced that the house sat just two meters away from the cliff edge, raising alarms about long-term stability and insurability. Though an Omaze spokesperson assured that extensive surveys had been conducted with no material concerns raised, Glen was not convinced. He ultimately made the tough decision to return the keys and instead opted for the cash equivalent of the home’s £3 million valuation.
It seems Glen’s case isn’t unique. Other Omaze winners have faced unexpected challenges post-win, from high maintenance costs to concerns over flooding and privacy issues. In Cornwall, a couple who won a £3 million eco-mansion overlooking the Camel Estuary had to move out after just eight weeks, reportedly due to unaffordable upkeep costs. Another winner, a 74-year-old grandmother from Fowey, sold her six-bedroom dream home after visiting just once, describing it as feeling like a "fishbowl."
Despite the occasional difficulties, many winners still consider their fortune life-changing. Take Lauren Keene, for example—at just 24, she became the youngest Omaze winner, bagging a Hollywood Hills-style house in the Wirral. Over the moon with her win, she couldn't wait to throw massive parties and enjoy her new home to the fullest.
For those still hoping to strike gold in an Omaze draw, the latest prize on offer is a stunning £4.5 million Georgian townhouse in London’s chic Borough area. With just a £10 entry, someone will soon get the chance to claim this grand home overlooking The Shard.
Winning a luxury property might seem like a no-brainer, but as Glen’s story shows, reality can sometimes get in the way of the fantasy. So, would you keep it or cash out?
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