A foundry worker from the West Midlands won a stunning £3million James Bond-style house in Devon through an Omaze competition, only to leave after just three days.
Glen Elmy's prize, known as the Stealth House, featured an infinity pool and spectacular sea views on the North Devon coast.
"I'm totally gobsmacked," he said. "The only thing we've ever won before was three pounds at a Bingo night on holiday," he said days after his October 2021 windfall.
"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."
'I'm totally gobsmacked. The only thing we've ever won before was three pounds at a Bingo night on holiday,' Glen Elmy said
OMAZE
But Elmy's enthusiasm was short-lived - and reportedly handed back the keys to Omaze after just three days at the property.
Instead of keeping the dream home, Glen requested the cash equivalent of the property's £3million value.
A source told the Mirror he made the shock move with erosion in mind - and said: "The corner of the house goes almost to the cliff edge... It's about two metres away from the edge."
While one local resident added: "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."
Omaze has firmly rejected these claims about the property's safety.
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'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' one resident said
OMAZE
"As with all its properties, Omaze carried out extensive professional surveys, searches and inspections prior to purchasing the house in Devon," a spokesman said.
"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."
This isn't the first time that an Omaze winner has been forced to relinquish their prize.
Uttam and Raki Parmar reportedly left their £3million Cornish coastal house after just eight weeks - though Omaze disputes this claim.
While June Smith, a 74-year-old grandmother, sold her six-bedroom home in Fowey after just one visit - with locals dubbing it a "fishbowl".
But it's not all bad news - Lauren Keene, 24, became the youngest Omaze winner last year, receiving a five-bedroom house in the Wirral.
"The house is unreal! It really does feel like something you'd find in the Hollywood Hills! It's made for parties," she said.
The next Omaze draw offers a £4.5million Georgian townhouse in central London, with views of The Shard and an award-winning garden designed by Chelsea Flower Show Gold medallists.
The Grade II-listed property, located near Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and the Tate, could be won for just a £10 entry fee.
