**Seaside Town of Blakeney Transformed by Omaze Home Raffles**
In the scenic coastal enclave of Blakeney, Norfolk, business owners and residents are noting a marked shift in their community’s fortunes—one they attribute to the arrival of high-profile property raffles conducted by Omaze. Over the past two years, this US-based company, known for teaming up with various charities, has chosen Blakeney as the stage for not one but two of its much-publicised luxury home draws.
Omaze has captured widespread public attention across the UK, offering the chance to win multi-million-pound homes in exchange for raffle ticket purchases, and simultaneously contributing a portion of proceeds to charitable organisations. Blakeney, more accustomed to tranquil tides and traditional fishing boats than national media attention, has found itself thrust into the limelight as a direct result of these raffles.
The impact on the local economy has been significant, as reported by Blakeney’s traders and independent business operators. Many say they’ve witnessed an influx of both visitors and potential homebuyers, prompting a much-needed boost to footfall in shops, cafes, and market stalls. For a town renowned primarily for its natural beauty and wildlife, this surge in interest is something of a sea change.
Daren Bell, originally of Bournemouth, was the first to win a Blakeney property through Omaze in 2023. His reward was an opulent £4.5 million residence and a supplementary £100,000 in cash—a life-altering windfall by any standard. Notably, Omaze covered the home’s stamp duty, legal fees, and even the mortgage, enabling Daren to sell up in Dorset and relocate to Norfolk with a substantial nest egg. Despite his newfound wealth, Daren describes himself as a “workaholic” and continues to work full time, though he concedes he may reassess his work-life balance in the coming years.
A second high-value property, even grander with an estimated worth of £6 million, was more recently offered as part of a draw in support of Comic Relief. However, handover to the winner has been marred by a planning dispute with North Norfolk District Council. The property reportedly did not entirely adhere to approved design plans, leading to a delay that has seen the winner left in limbo for now.
Despite this hiccup, local firms have reported that the media interest generated by Omaze’s competitions has had a clear knock-on effect. Tallulah Darby, aged 21, helps run her family’s fishing stall on the quay. She describes Blakeney as a “hidden gem” and was stunned by the sudden attention: “It’s brought so many more people to the area,” she tells reporters. Even members of her own family were enticed by the rare prospect of winning a home they could otherwise never aspire to own. “We’re more used to hearing of these competitions in Cornwall, Devon or London. Having it here feels surreal.”
Her experience is echoed by James Player, a local entrepreneur who manages holiday lets. At 41, he feels “incredibly fortunate” to live amid Blakeney’s salt marshes and expansive skies. He credits the raffles—and the slick promotional videos and drone footage they generate—with putting the town firmly on the tourist map. “It’s shown the world how beautiful this place is,” he says, observing that the increased exposure has helped his own business while supporting various sectors across the region.
Omaze itself has roots dating back to 2012 in the United States and prides itself on its charitable giving. According to the organisation, a minimum of 17 percent of proceeds from each draw are donated to the designated charity. Their raffles routinely capture national media attention and offer homes in a range of exclusive locations; at present, a £4 million property in Sussex is up for grabs, with that draw set to conclude imminently.
As Blakeney adapts to its new status as a property prize hotspot, locals continue to debate whether this influx of attention will prove wholly positive in the long term. While economic activity has seen an undoubted spike, there remain concerns about affordability and the preservation of the town’s traditional spirit. For now, however, the tide appears to be in the favour of this once-quiet coastal community—thanks, in no small part, to the allure of life-changing opportunities offered by Omaze.