Kalpana Sharma
Updated on: October 11, 2024 6:02 pm GMT
Since its inception in 2020, the Omaze Million Pound House Draw has generated excitement among participants eager for the chance to win luxurious properties valued in the millions. However, a striking trend has emerged: most winners are opting to sell their prize homes rather than move in. Yet one winner chose a different path, embracing her new residence and transforming her life in the process.
Omaze’s Charitable House Draw
The Omaze Million Pound House Draw allows participants to enter for a chance to win stunning homes, with ticket prices ranging from £10 to £150. The initiative aims to raise funds for various charities, including Marie Curie and the RNLI. Entrants have seen some astonishing properties won, like a £3 million semi-detached house in Islington and a luxurious estate on the Devon coast. While many winners have the option to receive a cash payout instead of the house, most have chosen to sell their new acquisitions shortly after winning.
Current Trends Among Winners
As of August 2023, of the 14 luxury properties awarded through the Omaze draw, only three remained occupied by their winners, according to reports. The majority have been sold, with one property rented out. Notable winners such as Lisa Morgan, who won a £4.5 million house in Cornwall, and Chris Milnes, who won a £3 million home in Dorset, have publicly stated their intentions to sell in order to secure their financial futures.
Rachel Reid, who also won a £3 million property in Surrey, described the decision to sell as transformative, emphasizing the substantial impact the financial windfall will have on her family’s life.
A Different Approach: Eliza Yahioglu’s Story
In a contrasting move, Eliza Yahioglu embraced her victory with enthusiasm. The 57-year-old, who won a picturesque farmhouse in Harrogate, Yorkshire, was vacationing in celebration of her birthday when she received the life-changing news. “I couldn’t believe Jo from the Omaze TV adverts was standing outside my front door,” Eliza recalled, initially suspecting that there might have been a mistake.
For Eliza, the moment she stepped through the doors of the renovated 17th-century mansion, it stopped being just a house and instantly became a home. She expressed her joy at reconnecting with her Yorkshire roots, stating, “I’ve lived in London for almost 40 years, but I’m a proud Yorkshire lass at heart.”
Building a New Life in Yorkshire
Eliza and her husband, Gokhan, have fully embraced their new life in Harrogate, where they moved with their two adult children, Carl and Leyla. They continue to maintain their London property but have immersed themselves in their new community. Eliza has discovered joy in hosting family and friends at their new home, which is situated near the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The couple has already made cherished memories, including hosting Christmas gatherings with 16 guests, facilitated by the home’s spacious living arrangements. Eliza shared, “It’s a home that’s built for sharing,” noting that not only have her children brought friends over, but the inviting ambiance has fostered familial connections in a heartwarming way.
A Commitment to Community
The Yahioglu family is also committed to using their home to benefit others. Having raised £1,950,000 through the draw to support Blood Cancer UK, they plan to invite individuals and families affected by blood cancer to stay at the farmhouse between treatments. “It was very special to see how much was raised,” Eliza mentioned, expressing her eagerness to share their home with those in need.
Eliza described their experience in the local community as overwhelmingly positive, appreciating the warm reception from neighbors and the friendly atmosphere at the nearby pub, The Queen’s Head in Kettlesing.
A Lasting Legacy
Eliza remains steadfast in her decision to keep the house, viewing it as a valuable legacy for her children. She noted, “Winning something so valuable in bricks and mortar is brilliant. This house is something we can all enjoy together as a family – and is a lasting legacy for my children.”
Her win has already allowed her to assist her son in purchasing his first property and has enabled her to look forward to retirement with renewed optimism. Despite some skepticism she has encountered regarding the integrity of the Omaze draws, Eliza affirms its legitimacy, emphasizing the life-changing impact it has had on her family.
While some winners may find the allure of cash payouts compelling, Eliza’s story serves as a poignant reminder that for some, the greatest wealth lies in the connections formed within the walls of a home, shaping memories that will last a lifetime.
Eliza and the other winners made different choices that show why people enter these prize draws. Their stories reveal a mix of kindness and the joy they feel, which goes beyond just the excitement of winning big prizes.
