A Life-Changing Win for a Mother-of-Two
A mother-of-two has experienced an extraordinary twist of fate after winning a luxurious £4 million property for just £25. Emily Ward, 48, now owns a four-bedroom home in the exclusive Alderley Edge Conservation Area in Cheshire's Golden Triangle, a neighborhood known for its affluent residents and celebrity connections.
The house, which was won through the latest Omaze Million Pound House Draw, boasts panoramic countryside views, a full indoor leisure suite, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The property is located in an area that has attracted famous names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Sir David and Victoria Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, and Abbey Clancy. Known as the Beverly Hills of the North, the neighborhood has long been a hub for high-profile individuals.
Ms. Ward’s new home comes with no mortgage, all legal fees covered, and an additional £250,000 in cash to help her settle in. The win came as a complete surprise, as she and her husband, Richard, were out buying tent pegs for a new campervan when the Omaze team arrived at their home. Neighbors eventually reached out to inform them of the unexpected news.
Initially, her husband thought they had won a lifetime supply of sausages, but upon realizing it was actually a £4 million house, the couple was overwhelmed. “Winning this house is more a case of bangers and cash,” Ms. Ward joked. She added that she promised to cook all the sausages her husband wanted in their new home, making him doubly happy.
The couple celebrated their win by going to the pub and then having a special dinner with friends, where they splashed out on a bottle of champagne. “My jaw hurts because I haven’t stopped smiling since we found out,” she said. Friends were initially skeptical, repeatedly saying, “You’re joking.” Even now, she finds it hard to believe.
A Home That Offers Everything
The house is described as spectacular, with features that include a swimming pool, sauna, gym, wine store, and incredible countryside views. Ms. Ward expressed excitement about testing out the pool and sauna. “I wish I’d brought my costume,” she said.
While the couple hasn’t decided whether to sell or keep the house, they plan to enjoy it for family holidays, possibly even a big Christmas. “We’re so excited to experience a house like this because it’s not the kind of place you get to visit every day, let alone own,” she said.
For Ms. Ward, who has worked in the same career for 25 years, the win offers the opportunity to scale back on work and spend more time with her husband, children, and family dogs. “People say that money can’t buy time, but winning a house worth millions means we can finally work less and spend more time together,” she said.
The couple recently bought a campervan to travel more as a family, but winning the house is an upgrade. “It’s fair to say winning this house is a bit of an upgrade on a campervan,” she said.
A Home Designed for Luxury
The striking new home features dramatic cantilevers, walls of glass, and recessed balconies, offering over 6,300 sq ft of light-filled living space across three floors. The layout includes a double-height living room with floor-to-ceiling glazed walls and a wraparound, south-facing terrace connected to the landscaped gardens below.
On the first floor, the custom-built kitchen includes high-end Miele appliances. The ground floor houses a full leisure suite with an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and gym, along with dedicated changing facilities. There’s also a walk-in wine store and a fourth bedroom with an additional shower room.
The second floor features the principal bedroom suite, complete with an en-suite bathroom and large dressing room overlooking the garden, alongside two further en-suite bedrooms. The house also includes a standalone home office tucked into a secluded corner of the garden, offering a peaceful spot for Emily to work or unwind.
A Win for Charity and Personal Dreams
James Oakes, President of Omaze, expressed pride in the campaign, which helped raise £3.7 million for Anthony Nolan. He noted that the campaign marks a significant milestone for Omaze, surpassing £100 million raised for UK charities since its launch five years ago.
For Ms. Ward, the win represents more than just a dream come true—it’s a life-changing opportunity. “This win will give us the freedom to go on adventures,” she said. “It changes everything—not just for us, but for our children too.”