Lauren Keene, 24, became the youngest ever winner of an Omaze prize draw last December
Lauren Keene hit the headlines when she became the youngest winner of a multi-million-pound Omaze prize draw. She won a stunning £3million mansion on the Wirral Peninsula and a £250,000 cash bonus.
However, six months on, the 24-year-old full-time nanny from Gloucester has decided to put the luxury home on the market for £2.5m, £500,000 below its estimated value. The modern six-bedroom property boasts panoramic views of the Irish Sea, a wraparound terrace, and an outdoor heated pool.
Despite being described as “striking” and “something truly special” in its Rightmove listing, Lauren has found the dream home to be impractical.
After buying the winning £20 ticket, Lauren initially considered moving into the mansion with her partner, software engineer Ryan Mitchell. At the time, she was living with her father in a modest two-bedroom flat near Gloucester.
The Omaze win seemed to be a complete transformation for her life, which she celebrated with a McDonald’s meal, reports the Mirror.
“Only last week we were looking at houses we thought we could never afford,” Lauren said after her win. “Now our first property is a £3million mansion. It’s crazy to think we’ll never have a mortgage. It’s life-changing.”
Despite the initial excitement, the couple soon realised that residing nearly 200 miles away from Gloucester and the expenses linked to upkeeping a large house were impractical.
They only managed a few nights in the property before choosing to sell. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here
Lauren’s father, Daniel, aged 46 and employed as a kitchen and bathroom fitter, shared insights about her decision: “It is a lovely house, but the associated costs are significant,” he disclosed to Mail Online.
“For example, although the pool is heated, it’s outdoors and not thermally protected, so the heat escapes very quickly. Keeping it warm in the winter would cost a fortune. They’ve turned it off for now, but we braved it during our visit-and I can tell you that water is very cold.”
Daniel went on to say that Lauren and Ryan are settling on a more modest semi-detached home in Gloucester, investing their savings alongside a portion of the Omaze prize money to put down roots nearer to their family and workplace. He hinted at an approaching move, although Lauren is presently still living at the family home.
“Every week she tells me she’s moving out, and every week she’s still here,” he quipped. “But what’s important is that she’s happy and doing what’s right for her. And in both cases, she is.”
He further remarked: “I’m sure when they do move in, I’ll be asked to fit the new bathroom and kitchen. And it’ll be a pleasure.”
Lauren added: “Winning this house has transformed our lives forever. Whatever we decide to do long-term, we’re made for life now.”
Omaze’s guidelines allow winners complete freedom regarding their prizes, granting the option to rent out, sell off, or inhabit the properties without any mandatory holding period.
The tendency amongst winners to liquidate rather than take on the responsibility of luxurious estates is far from uncommon.
Of the 14 winners, merely three opted for permanent residence in the houses they won.
For instance, in 2023, June Smith, who unexpectedly came into possession of a Cornish mansion valued at £4.5 million, decided to list the property on the market with the intent of financially assisting her children and grandchildren.
Among the few who embraced the Omaze home was Becca Pott, a 32 year old finance analyst. Amidst the hustle of east London in her petite flat, fortune smiled upon her in February 2022 with the winning of a sumptuous £3.5 million abode near Ascot.