A man in his sixties, Ian Roberts, has won a £4.5 million property in Yorkshire through the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, surprising his wife who was unaware of his participation. The lavish estate includes features like a boating lake, swimming pool, tennis court, and equestrian facilities, situated within 16 acres of landscaped gardens with scenic views of the Vale of Mowbray and Yorkshire Moors.
Having retired after a lengthy career in London, Ian purchased his winning ticket for a mere £25 as part of an Omaze subscription. The property, which is debt-free and includes £500,000 in cash for settling expenses, has the potential to generate a monthly rental income of around £10,000 according to local real estate experts.
Previously residing in London for nearly four decades, Ian and his wife Viv, also 66, have recently relocated to Warwickshire. The couple, who have three children in their mid-30s and three grandchildren under five, were initially taken aback when informed of Ian’s victory while they were busy preparing dinner.
Expressing his astonishment, Ian likened the property to owning a real-life Downton Abbey and emphasized the uniqueness of every aspect of the house, from the spacious rooms to the elaborate pool house. The unexpected win has left the family in disbelief, with plans to cherish the property for family gatherings and potential future decisions.
Furthermore, Omaze’s partnership with Refuge, a leading domestic abuse charity in the UK, has resulted in a guaranteed £1 million donation from the Omaze Community to support survivors of domestic abuse by providing safe homes and specialized services.
Comedian and Refuge supporter Sara Pascoe commended the community’s contribution, highlighting the impact it will have on offering secure accommodations for abuse survivors and their families. The funding is expected to benefit up to 60 families over the next five years, enabling them to rebuild their lives free from fear.