## Reality Check for Omaze Mansion Winners: Experts Warn of Hidden Challenges Behind Dream Homes
A picturesque £5.5 million mansion in the Cotswolds is poised to find a new owner in the latest Omaze prize draw, offering one lucky individual the keys to a lavish lifestyle many can only dream of. The historic five-bedroom property, dating back to the 17th century, comes with an array of amenities including five bathrooms, two lounges, a spacious kitchen-diner, a boot room, multiple utility rooms, and a separate guest house. Stamp duty, legal fees, and a maintenance fund are all part of this formidable package aimed at making the transition to luxury seamless.
While the allure of owning such an extravagantly appointed home is compelling, experts and previous winners urge prospective prize holders to consider the reality behind the glossy brochure. Past Omaze draws have included equally impressive homes—from airy Cornish retreats to grand Georgian London townhouses. Yet, curiously, a significant number of winners have chosen not to make these prize homes their permanent residence.
Liz Jones, a columnist for the Daily Mail, is one of several voices offering a candid warning to future recipients. Drawing upon her own experience after relocating from London to a sumptuous estate in Somerset, Jones described how her initial excitement rapidly faded. Early challenges included no heating due to an empty oil tank and the surprise expense of purchasing a ride-on lawnmower, necessary to manage vast grounds. “Have you seen the size of your lawn?” her gardener quipped in response to her hesitation about the price.
Her visions of rural bliss were soon interrupted further. Liz’s aspirations to convert a guest annexe into a ‘party barn’ were thwarted by a staggering £26,000 fee for mandated planning permission involving a bat sanctuary. Wildflower meadows became trampled pastures after roaming sheep invaded, courtesy of a neighbouring farmer’s open gate. Even her cherished orchard turned sour when she found the harvested fruit swiftly went bad.
A serious incident involving her dog attacking livestock proved the final straw. The farmer’s suggestion that her pet might be “better off in a London flat” was both a blow and a wake-up call. Disillusioned, Liz decided to move on, relocating to Yorkshire. Yet, steep costs followed—£150 for window cleaning and monthly bills of up to £800 for energy soon sapped the joy from rural living. Ultimately, she sold the estate, cut her losses, and found solace renting, relieved to know repairs were no longer her sole responsibility.
Such stories are not isolated. Uttam Parmar, who won a contemporary cliff-top home in Cornwall via Omaze, also made the difficult choice to sell. Citing unaffordable maintenance costs, Parmar remarked, “It is a fantastic house in a beautiful Cornish location, but keeping it comes with a price we cannot meet.” Instead, Parmar used the windfall to pursue a property more suited to his family’s means.
Similarly, June Smith, a grandmother who claimed a six-bedroom home through the draw in Fowey, Cornwall, decided to sell after only a brief stay. Despite stunning views, the constant flow of car ferries and the practicalities of local life proved deciding factors. However, the proceeds allowed her to support all her children and grandchildren, providing a silver lining to her fleeting brush with opulence.
These experiences underscore a significant point for all hopeful Omaze entrants: a dream mansion can transform into a surprising burden without sufficient resources and ongoing support. The day-to-day costs and energy demands of country estates are considerable, as many find out only after moving in.
Omaze, for its part, assures winners that they are awarded £250,000 to help them settle in and maintain their new asset. Running costs and property details are shared transparently on the company’s website. Additionally, winners are offered flexibility, with the option to rent out the home for income or sell up if they prefer a cash reward over property ownership. All legal ties, stamp duty, and furnishing costs are covered upfront.
As prize home competitions continue to capture public imagination, potential participants are urged to weigh both the glamour and the gritty details before entering. While winning may seem life-changing, careful consideration is essential to ensure that the reality matches the dream. The experiences of past winners remain a powerful reminder: fortune favours not just the brave—but also the well-prepared.