12 January 2024 , 08:00
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A family became millionaires overnight after winning a stunning £3million home in a prize draw thanks to a £10 ticket.
Michael Maher purchased the Omaze ticket, but his family did not think they would scoop such a huge prize - and told him he would "only win a toaster". But the 53-year-old dad said he now has the keys to a new mansion as well as £100,000 in cash. He said that when Omaze officials contacted him to say he had won a prize, his teen daughter warned him not to get too excited. She said he had probably won a toaster - but he had actually scooped a massive house in Somerset, which ironically does come with a toaster in the kitchen.
The house Michael won thanks to a £10 ticket (Omaze / SWNS)Michael said: "I had a call from Omaze saying I'd won a prize. Obviously I was intrigued but my daughter was somewhat sceptical and told me not to get too excited as I've probably only won a toaster. Luckily for me it turned out to be a £3 million pound house - that also happens to come with a toaster. We went to the pub to celebrate and then on for a nice curry - it was your average Friday night really, apart from the fact we'd just become millionaires!
"When they told us we'd won the house in Somerset, the first thing my daughter said was that she'd had the best kebab in her life last time she was there, so she was delighted we now own a house in such a culinary hotspot. 'I thought she might be more impressed with the tennis court to be honest, but you can never tell with teenagers!
"I'm actually rubbish at tennis, but maybe I'll improve as I've got no excuse not to practice now. My son and daughter asked us if they can quit their Saturday jobs now that we own a mansion - we said absolutely not, we want them to stay grounded.
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The family became millionaires overnight (Omaze / SWNS)''Going from a rented house in Luton to owning a six-bedroom house in the countryside is just mind-blowing. This house is truly spectacular in real life, the open plan kitchen and living area is spot on for us - and the garden is just incredible, it's so big we'll have to put a bell on our dog otherwise we might lose him.''
Michael has won the latest Omaze Million Pound House Draw – and is a spectacular countryside retreat with a tennis court and picturesque gardens. It comes mortgage-free, with all stamp duty and legal fees covered. Michael is free to either live in the incredible house, rent it out for a supplementary income, or sell it to become a cash multi-millionaire.
It comes mortgage-free - and the family can either live in it or rent it out (Omaze / SWNS)If Michael decides to rent it out, local estate agents estimate that the property could achieve a long-term rental value of between £6,000 - £8,000 per month. Michael - who bought his £3,000,000 winning entry for just £10 - and his wife of 16 years Amanda, 54, have lived in their rented 4-bedroom house on the outskirts of Luton for the past eight years.
The couple live at home with their two children, a son aged 19 and a daughter aged 17 - as well as a four-year-old cocker spaniel called Ludo. Michael also has two sons aged 32 and 27 and a grandchild aged two from his first marriage.
The property has lots of green spaces too (Omaze / SWNS)He has been working in the IT industry for the past 25 years and Amanda is an admin assistant at a local school. Michael joked: "We have family all over the world and plenty of room for them to come and stay now - if we decide to give them the address that is.
"I subscribed to Omaze because it's a great way to support different charities month in, month out. Also, the chance to win a £3 million pound house for a tenner isn’t bad either.
The luxury kitchen in the mansion (Omaze / SWNS)''We've owned property in the past but have been renting for the last eight years - and obviously we've been working towards owning our own property again - this win means that dream has now come true, and our family's future is secure. We're not sure what we’re going to do long term yet - we'll definitely spend some time here and enjoy it as a family - whatever we decide, it's going to change all our lives for the better."
The family's new home is set amidst acres of mature woodlands, an orchard and rolling fields - electric gates reveal a gravel drive leading to the exquisitely renovated property that's framed by a stone walled, Italianate garden. As well as making Michael a multi-millionaire, the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Somerset, also raised £3,500,000 for the RSPCA.
The house boasts great views (Omaze / SWNS)Chris Sherwood, RSPCA chief executive, said: "We are absolutely thrilled that the Omaze house draw has raised an incredible £3,5000,000 for the RSPCA in just six weeks.'' Draw entries for the Omaze Million Pound House Superdraw, Mallorca are available now at omaze.co.uk.
The draw closes on Sunday, January 28, for online entries and Tuesday, January 30, for postal entries. For full terms and conditions, see www.omaze.co.uk. No purchase necessary to enter. Over 18s and UK residents only.
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