Glen Elmy's experience of winning a luxurious property through an Omaze draw has highlighted the unforeseen challenges that can accompany such a prize. In October 2021, Elmy won a distinctive £3 million residence known as Stealth House, located on the North Devon coast. Initially, the house, designed with inspiration from James Bond films and featuring an infinity pool along with breathtaking sea views, appeared to be a dream come true.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News at the time of his win, Elmy expressed his disbelief and excitement, recalling that the only prize he had previously won was a modest £3 at a Bingo night. "I'm totally gobsmacked," Elmy said, adding, "If I could have designed one from scratch, it would look just like this - it's like something from a Bond film." He described the win as life-changing, especially after facing personal tragedies, including the loss of his father-in-law to Covid and his son’s recent redundancy. Elmy indicated that the family would cherish the house, stating, "This house is so spectacular we're going to enjoy our first family holiday for two years right here."
However, the optimism surrounding the prize turned into concern after Elmy only managed to stay at the property for three days before deciding to leave. Reports suggest that worries about coastal erosion near the house influenced this decision. A source reported that the corner of Stealth House is situated just two metres from a cliff edge, raising questions about the safety and long-term viability of the property. Following these concerns, Elmy reportedly handed back the keys to Omaze and requested the cash equivalent of the property’s value instead.
Local residents have since noted that the house appears to be largely unoccupied, with one person commenting, "I never see anybody going in or out since the win." Speculation has arisen regarding the house's insurability due to its proximity to the sea and the risk of erosion, with warnings about falling rocks posted around the beach. A neighbour shared their concerns, stating, "It could just be local rumours, but the person who originally built the building was told it was too close to the edge, and mortgage and insurance might be a problem."
Nonetheless, Omaze has issued a statement refuting any claims that the home is at risk of falling into the sea. A spokesperson clarified that extensive professional surveys and inspections were conducted before purchasing the property and all reports associated with the house, including those concerning coastal erosion, did not raise significant issues. They further confirmed that the property is fully insurable.
Glen Elmy is not the only participant in the Omaze draws to face challenges after winning. In August 2022, Uttam Parmar and his wife Raki won another £3 million house on the Cornish coast but reportedly had to vacate after just eight weeks, a claim that Omaze has contested. Similarly, June Smith, a 74-year-old grandmother who won a six-bedroom house in Fowey, Cornwall, in May 2023, also decided to sell the property shortly after visiting, describing it as resembling a "fishbowl."
Amid these challenges, there have been positive outcomes as well. For instance, Lauren Keene, the youngest winner of an Omaze draw, won a five-bedroom house reminiscent of the Hollywood Hills in the Wirral. Elated with her win, she said, "The house is unreal! It really does feel like something you'd find in the Hollywood Hills!"
As the next Omaze raffle approaches, which offers a Georgian townhouse with breathtaking views of The Shard, potential participants remain hopeful for a life-changing turn of events, much like Glen Elmy experienced initially, despite the subsequent complications.
Source: Noah Wire Services