I got the keys to Omaze's latest luxury dream home – but would I keep it?

Daily Mirror

25-05-2025

The latest multi-million pound house raffle from Omaze is a 17th-century Cotswolds farmhouse
The nation has been captivated by the multi-million pound house raffle that has been heavily advertised over the last few years. Perhaps you've even thrown your hat into the ring.
The Omaze house draw offers not just the chance of winning a plush new abode, but the opportunity to become an overnight millionaire, all for as little as a tenner. For the first time, the Express was given exclusive access – a sneak peek inside the latest grand prize before its new owner moves in.
This is the 38th property Omaze has put up for grabs in its five-year history, and many of the previous fortunate winners have chosen to sell rather than move in. Past properties have ranged from a sleek Cornish cliffside dwelling and a stately Georgian townhouse in central London, to a Highlands mansion.
This time around, it's a 17th-century farmhouse nestled in the Cotswolds, boasting five bedrooms, five bathrooms, two living rooms, a large kitchen-diner, a boot room, two utility rooms, a couple of extra rooms, plus a separate guest cottage. It comes mortgage-free, with all stamp duty and legal fees taken care of, plus a handy £250,000 in cash to assist with the bills.
For city dwellers reluctant to ditch the hustle and bustle permanently, an overnight stay at a country pad might scratch the quiet life itch. On Airbnb, there's a Cotswold Manor House, set in its own grounds in a beautiful National Trust Village on the River Thames. It comes with a cool price tag starting from £1,200 a night, but it can fit up to 16 guests, which works out at £75 per person per night.
It has six bedrooms (with 11 beds) and five bathrooms, which makes it ideal for a big group gathering. For days out, look to the National Trust. Much of Downton Abbey's 2019 movie and original TV series was filmed in National Trust places, and fans can visit a lot of the locations, for example, Basildon Park is the real-life Grantham House.
Arriving at the Omaze property, journalist Frances Millar was granted exclusive access to the sprawling manor. Here's her thoughts on the country pad:
With limited time to indulge in the fantasy of being the 'Lady of the Manor', I was eager for a thorough exploration, half-hoping to encounter a loose door handle for a moment of schadenfreude. Yet, disappointingly, perfection prevailed.
The gravel drive crunched underfoot, leading to a stunning Cotswold stone farmhouse engulfed in wisteria and pink roses, immersed in a verdant cottage garden. All around, the tranquillity was palpable, marked only by birdsong and my own awestruck exclamation: "Oh my god, it's huge."
The imposing home spans over 6,000 square feet of luxurious living space set within expansive countryside grounds, boasting a wildflower meadow, an orchard ripe for scrumping in autumn, an enormous greenhouse, stables, outbuildings, and even a heated outdoor swimming pool. Inside, the decor is impeccably tasteful, as if lifted from the pages of Country Life Magazine.
The colour scheme features soothing sage greens, creams, and duck egg blues, complemented by plush furnishings, flagstone floors, and beamed ceilings. It epitomises the idyllic English country living; however, as a true Londoner and someone who doesn't always keep things spotless, contemplation struck me: How would that splendid marble bathroom fare against everyday soap scum?
Or what about the flawless sofa after encounters with a shedding cat? Or the massive custom-made kitchen island strewn with half-finished cups of tea and unopened mail?
Under my supervision, it would only take a day or two for it to become a jumble of odds and ends. However, considering the size of the property, even I might struggle to create chaos.
Next, it was time to view the garden at the Omaze Cotswold farmhouse. I couldn't resist envisioning it filled with an allotment plot, a chicken run, perhaps even a goat. And that enormous greenhouse - the greenhouse of dreams - would be teeming with citrus trees, tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines. I might even try growing melons.
Oh, the variety of plants I'd cultivate. I could almost picture myself presenting a segment for Gardeners' World, trying not to sound too self-satisfied as I explained how I gradually replaced the lawn with a lush herbaceous border to rival Great Dixter.
As for the swimming pool, naturally, I couldn't resist a quick swim - the first person to do so. The water temperature was, of course, absolutely spot on.
That's coming from someone who's usually averse to cold water. And it's so private, you could skinny dip without a care in the world if that's your preference. Heck, you could go full Saltburn, blast Murder on the Dance Floor at maximum volume, and dance naked, with no neighbours around to bat an eyelid.
Every Omaze house raffle is a chance to win big and do good, with the latest draw supporting Guide Dogs UK. The charity is set to receive at least £1 million – a sum that could soar with ticket sales – enough to support 675 puppies in their first two months and aid individuals with sight loss to lead more independent lives.
On my visit, I had the honour of meeting Jean Jordan, a Bristol native who's dedicated an astonishing 32 years to volunteering with Guide Dogs UK. She introduced me to Mazey, a lab-retriever cross puppy at 18 weeks, just embarking on her training to become a guide dog.
Jean juggles running her family's gas engineering business with her passion for nurturing future guide dogs. In her spare time, she provides a warm and caring environment for the puppies, offering them early training and care before they progress to a specialist centre and eventually meet their lifelong human companion.
Jean shared her experience with Mazey: "Mazey has been a joy to raise. She's bright, affectionate, and already showing signs of being a brilliant guide dog," as the pup enjoyed a nap by her feet. It's hard not to get attached, but knowing she'll go on to help someone makes it all worth it."
With two million people affected by sight loss in the UK – a figure expected to double by 2050 – the contribution of volunteers like Jean is truly priceless. But let's return to the million-pound question: is this my forever home?
Would I stay or would I go? Can I envision myself living in this idyllic £5.5m Cotswold dream, just me and my cat Maggie? All those rooms! The hoovering!
I can barely manage my one-bedroom flat. The house is absolutely stunning - but still, I'd take the money and gleefully dash off into the sunset.
*You can participate in the Omaze house draw until midnight on Monday, 26 May by visiting the website: omaze.co.uk. The winner will be revealed on Friday, June 6.