A seemingly joyous milestone for Glen Elmy, who won a stunning £3 million property through Omaze, has taken an unexpected turn. Just days after claiming the keys to Stealth House in Devon, Elmy decided to return the property due to concerns over its proximity to a cliff edge.
The modern residence, complete with an infinity pool and panoramic coastal views, initially captivated Elmy and his family. The October 2021 win left the family elated. Elmy expressed his astonishment, stating, “I’m totally gobsmacked. The only thing we’ve ever won before was three pounds at a Bingo night on holiday.” He added, “We absolutely love the house…it’s like something from a Bond film.”
Elmy highlighted the emotional significance of the win, especially following personal losses, saying, “My wife Debbie lost her father to Covid this year, and our youngest son was made redundant last week, so winning this house is just what the family needed.”
Despite the initial excitement, Elmy reportedly spent only three days at the house before leaving, citing concerns about cliff erosion. According to Devon Live, he handed the keys back to Omaze, requesting the cash equivalent of the property’s value instead.
A source familiar with the situation remarked, “I met Mr. Elmy when he was here for the publicity. He was apparently planning to stay for a week but left after three days, and that was the last we saw of him.” The source pointed out that the house is just two meters from the cliff edge, raising alarms about safety.
Local residents have also expressed concerns regarding the house’s location. One anonymous neighbor noted, “There is all sorts of speculation that it can’t be insured because of how close it’s been built to the sea and on the cliff edge.” They mentioned ongoing issues with coastal erosion, stating, “There are signs around the beach warning about falling rocks.”
In response to these claims, an Omaze spokesperson firmly rejected the notion that the property is at risk, assuring that extensive professional surveys were conducted before the purchase. They stated, “Omaze can confirm that none of these reports raised any material concerns with the property, including in relation to coastal erosion. The property is fully insurable.”
Elmy’s experience is not isolated among other Omaze winners. In August 2022, Uttam Parmar and his wife Raki Parmar won a similar £3 million home on the Cornish coastline but reportedly vacated the property just eight weeks later. Their situation prompted speculation similar to Elmy’s, although Omaze has disputed these claims.
In another case, June Smith, a grandmother who won a six-bedroom property in Fowey, Cornwall, in May 2023, also chose to sell her prize quickly after visiting it just once. Local residents reportedly referred to her new home as a “fishbowl.”
Despite these challenges, Omaze has produced heartwarming success stories. One notable winner, Lauren Keene, became the youngest recipient of a property through the competition, claiming a five-bedroom house resembling those in the Hollywood Hills. She joyfully remarked, “The house is unreal! It really does feel like something you’d find in the Hollywood Hills!”
The contrasting experiences of Omaze winners underscore the complexities tied to winning high-value properties. While some find their dreams come true, others face unexpected hurdles that challenge their initial excitement.
