A fortunate dad who recently won a £2 million lavish home through an Omaze draw has made the surprising decision to put it up for sale. Tom Steenson, a 63-year-old man from Maidstone who originally hails from Bolton, clinched the four-bedroom house in Exmouth, Devon, along with a cash prize of £250,000. The contemporary property, boasting a swimming pool and stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline, was bestowed upon Tom without any mortgage obligations, stamp duty, or legal fees. Together with his wife of 35 years, Carol, who works part-time as a cleaner, Tom resides in Maidstone and initially expressed intentions of keeping the house for some time.
Tom, with an extensive 38 years of experience in the motor industry in training and development, shared that despite his significant windfall, he has no immediate plans to retire. He conveyed his enthusiasm for staying occupied with work, mentioning, “This win means we’ll never have to worry about money ever again – it’s a dream come true.” Tom’s family, including his children and grandchildren, are expected to relish the luxuries of the spacious property. However, Tom disclosed that they are contemplating selling the house in the near future to transform the financial outlook for their entire family. The substantial £250,000 cash prize has the potential to support them for up to a decade, prompting considerations of utilizing the funds as a generational inheritance.
Aside from elevating Tom to multimillionaire status, the Omaze Million Pound House Draw contributed £3.5 million towards the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), a charitable organization focusing on suicide prevention. Despite the allure of the dream home in Exmouth, Tom and Carol, currently residing in a two-bedroom house in Maidstone alongside their offspring and pets, decided to expedite the sale of the property. Marketed by Knight Frank at a guide price of £2.35 million, The Hideout features up to five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a gym, cinema room, balcony, and a separate annexe.
Describing the property, Knight Frank highlighted, “Nestled in the picturesque coastal town of Exmouth, this contemporary masterpiece showcases luxury and functionality at its finest.” Outside, the residence is surrounded by panoramic views of the countryside and seashore. An Omaze spokesperson clarified that winners have the flexibility to inhabit, rent out, or instantly sell their prize property, thereby becoming instant cash millionaires. Each house is rendered mortgage-free, and winners also receive £250,000 to cover initial expenses and settle into their newfound abode.
Omaze has facilitated the transformation of 33 individuals into millionaires in the UK, while simultaneously raising funds exceeding £72 million for charitable causes. The Steensons’ decision to sell the house and reallocate the resources to support their family encapsulates the profound impact that such windfalls can have on individuals’ lives. The luxury residence embodies the epitome of modern living, offering an alluring combination of sophistication, comfort, and panoramic vistas for its future occupants.