An Inverness mum-of-three has won the keys to an idyllic house in Surrey worth £3m after entering a raffle for just £10.
Childcare worker Rachael Reid has won the latest Omaze Million Pound House Draw and is now the proud owner of a contemporary, five-bedroom house near Farnham, complete with a pool house, gym and sauna.
The 54-year-old’s big win means her husband of almost 30 years, Darren can finally retire from his job in the energy industry, which has required him to work away from home for weeks at a time for almost four decades.
Rachael said: “We’ve probably spent more time apart than together as a family, as my husband has had to work away so often, this win means we can now enjoy a Christmas together.”
The property comes mortgage free, with all stamp duty and legal fees covered. Rachael has also been given £100,000 in cash to help her settle in – and can decide to either live in the house, rent it out for a supplementary income or sell it whenever she wishes to become a cash multi-millionaire.
If she decides to rent it out, local estate agents estimate that the property could achieve a long-term rental value between £9,000 and £10,000 per month.
She and Darren have been married for 29 years and have lived in their current three-bedroom house in Inverness for three years and have three children.
When Omaze first contacted Rachael to tell her she’d scooped a prize, she thought it was her husband’s cousin playing a prank on her.
She said: “When I first got the call from Omaze I was convinced it was my husband’s cousin Kevin doing a windup, as he’s a notorious prankster, but when I poked my head out the door and saw the film crew – I realised it was the real deal.
“We already had friends and family coming over that night, when I said I’ve got something to tell everyone – my friend thought I was pregnant, I said ‘as if’!
“Despite winning a £3m house – we didn’t have anything to drink – so we had to dash out and buy some champagne to celebrate with.
“My husband was away with work – he thought I was pulling his leg at first – he had to double check it wasn’t April Fool’s Day.
“It’s been so surreal – never in my wildest dreams did I ever think we’d own a multi-million-pound house.
“This house is absolutely stunning, walking through the gates and seeing it for the first time makes it feel real – it’s breathtaking.
“I love cooking, so the open plan kitchen is a bit of me, I can’t wait to get everyone together around the table for a family feast.
“I’ve been meaning to book a long overdue spa day for ages, but now we’ve got our very own spa in the garden, I can’t believe it!”
Speaking about what she would do with the property Rachel said: “It’s obviously an unbelievable house – but we’ll most likely sell it to bank the cash, as the huge amount of money will change our lives, and the lives of our children forever.
“We’ve already pocketed £100,000 as part of the win – which would easily cover any running costs here for years – but I think we’ll sell it to release the money and buy another amazing place, or even build a new home near where we already live, which is something we’ve always dreamed of.
“We’ll definitely have a big family holiday here first so we can all enjoy the house together.
“The money from a sale is going to change everything for us – and all from just a £10 entry! – it’s the best tenner I’ve ever spent.”
She continued: “My husband spends weeks and weeks away at a time for his work – he’s had to miss so many birthdays, Christmases and weddings – we’ve probably spent more time apart than together over the past 30 years due to his work.
“He always thought he’d be working til 73 like his dad – but now he can think about retiring early – all because we’ve won this house. He can finally spend Christmas and birthdays at home with us.
“This win means we’ll never have to worry about money ever again – it’s secured all our futures. We can get all our kids on the property ladder – it’s so wonderful to be able to give them the best possible start in life.”
Rachael’s new five-bedroom house is an exquisitely renovated property that comes with a detached pool house – with 10m x 3.8m heated swimming pool, by Roman Pools – complete with a shower, gym, sauna and changing room to offer her a spa-like experience. Bi-folding doors lead into the extensive landscaped gardens.
As well as making Rachael a multi-millionaire, the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Surrey, also raised £3.45m for Prostate Cancer UK – in just six weeks.
The money raised from the partnership with Omaze will help to fund Transform – a major, world leading research programme that will test new ways of diagnosing prostate cancer and lead to the first ever UK wide prostate cancer screening programme for men.
The charity helps save men’s lives by funding groundbreaking research into new tests and treatments, as well as supporting men and their families affected by the disease.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime – and every 45 mins one man dies from the disease.
Laura Kerby, chief executive at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “It’s truly remarkable that in just six weeks the Omaze House Draw has raised a staggering £3.45m for Prostate Cancer UK. It’s an extraordinary sum that will move us closer to a world where no man dies of prostate cancer.
“We’d like to say a massive thank you to Omaze and everyone who entered the draw. By doing so, you’ve contributed an enormous amount to our ground-breaking research trial, which will lead to the first ever UK wide prostate cancer screening programme.
“The funds will also enable us to deliver vital awareness activity, reaching those at greatest risk, and further deliver our expert support services giving men the power to navigate prostate cancer.”
James Oakes, chief international officer at Omaze, said: “Everyone at Omaze is absolutely delighted that Rachael and her family have won this amazing house in Surrey, whilst also contributing to the £3.45m raised for Prostate Cancer UK.
“Omaze gives people the chance to win amazing houses, like this beautiful house in Surrey, whilst also introducing charities to vast new audiences that would otherwise be out of reach – it’s a real win-win for both charities and entrants. We’re incredibly proud that the Omaze community has raised over £47m for good causes across the UK.”
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