26 August 2023 , 13:01
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The winner of a £3million Omaze mansion abandoned his new home after just three days over fears it could tumble down into the sea, it is reported.
Foundry worker Glen Elmy was left "gobsmacked" after finding out he scooped the main prize in the charity draw while visiting his elderly parents in October 2021. The seafront pad in Devon boasts five double bedrooms, six bathrooms, an infinity pool and incredible panoramic views of the ocean from its clifftop location.
At the time, he said: "We absolutely love the house – if I could have designed one from scratch, it would look just like this. It’s like something from a Bond film! We will be keeping it as there’s no other house like it in the country - so why would we want to sell it?"
But just three days after moving into the property, and learning about coastal erosion putting it at risk, he reportedly walked away from the prize - and hasn't set foot inside since. Mr Elmy is said to have returned the keys and asked for an equivalent sum instead.
Foundry worker Glen Elmy was left "gobsmacked" after winning the property in October 2021A neighbour, who didn't want to be named, told MailOnline: "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. There is a problem with coastal erosion all along the coast here. There are signs around the beach warning about falling rocks.
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"It could just be local rumours but the person who originally built the building was told it was too close to the edge and mortgage and insurance might be a problem." The resident said they never see anyone going in or out the property, and told how "nobody wanted it" when it was put on the market five years ago.
Mr Elmy, who works as an operation director at Castings PLC, decided to enter the prize draw after spotting an advertisement for the dream pad on telly, buying a £25 ticket bundle. After scooping the win, he said: "This house is so spectacular we’re going to enjoy our first family holiday for two years right here.
Mr Elmy is said to have returned the keys and asked for an equivalent sum instead"I don’t think we’d find a better place anywhere else in the world!" The house, on the North Devon coast within Exmoor National Park, is just 11 miles outside the market town of Barnstaple. All stamp duty and legal fees were covered, and Glen was also given £20,000 in cash to help with running costs.
As well as making Mr Elmy an instant millionaire, the draw raised £1 million for the NSPCC’s Childline. He added: “I think the partnership between Omaze and Childline is a brilliant idea as it’s raising money to help the charity keep doing the incredible work they do to help children when they need it the most.”
Mr Elmy was the fourth person to win one of the Omaze charity's homes. The latest winner is Will Satherley, 40, who scooped a £3.5million home in the Cotswolds last month. He won the incredible property after buying a ticket for £35.
The Mirror has approached Omaze for comment.