Couple Wins GBP3.8 Million Cheshire Mansion in Omaze Competition

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  House and Home on Sat, Jan 03rd, 2026 by Manchester Evening News
      Locale: UNITED KINGDOM

From Lottery Dreams to Reality: Inside the £3.8 Million Cheshire Mansion Won in a Competition

A lucky couple from Widnes, Cheshire, are living the high life after winning a staggering £3.8 million luxury home in a competition – a prize that has sparked both excitement and debate. Gareth and Claire Campion-Wright, along with their two children, are now the proud owners of a sprawling, contemporary mansion in the exclusive village of Ashley, near Nantwich, a prize awarded through a competition run by Omaze. The story is a fascinating blend of chance, luxury, and the complexities of winning a prize of this magnitude.

The house itself is a masterpiece of modern design. Built by Cheshire-based developer, Northstone, it boasts five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen with sleek, handleless units and integrated appliances, a cinema room, a gym, a games room, and a stunning outdoor swimming pool surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens. The property, named 'The Ashley Show Home', was originally intended to be a showcase for Northstone’s design capabilities and high-end finishes. It features underfloor heating, smart home technology, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The interior design, overseen by renowned interior designer, Zoe Christopher, is characterized by a minimalist aesthetic with a focus on natural light and high-quality materials. (You can view more images of the property on the Omaze website: https://www.omaze.com/competition/the-ashley-show-home/).

The Omaze competition, which cost entrants £20 for a ticket, was designed to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity supporting young people with cancer. A significant portion of the ticket sales – £880,000 – will be donated to the charity, a fact that has been highlighted as a positive aspect of the win. This charitable element is a key component of Omaze’s business model, aiming to soften the potential criticism that can arise from such large prize giveaways.

For Gareth and Claire, the win was completely unexpected. They had entered the competition on a whim, initially purchasing just one ticket. "We couldn't believe it," Claire told the Manchester Evening News. "We just kept checking the numbers, thinking it was a mistake. It's absolutely surreal." The couple, who previously lived in a modest three-bedroom house, are now grappling with the reality of owning such a luxurious property. While the financial windfall is undoubtedly life-changing, they also acknowledge the challenges that come with it.

The win hasn't been without its complexities. The Campion-Wright’s are responsible for paying the substantial stamp duty on the property, which amounted to £238,000. This is a significant cost that many potential winners often overlook. Omaze handles the legal transfer of ownership, but the winner remains responsible for these taxes. Furthermore, the couple are now facing the logistical challenges of moving their lives and belongings into a home significantly larger and more opulent than anything they’ve experienced before.

The story has also sparked discussion online, with some questioning the fairness of competitions that require an entry fee, however small. While Omaze emphasizes the charitable aspect and the opportunity to win a life-changing prize, critics argue that it’s essentially a lottery with a different guise. The company defends its model, stating that the transparency of the draw and the significant charitable donations justify the entry fees. They also point out that the odds of winning are considerably better than those of traditional lotteries.

The value of the property has also been a subject of some debate. While the prize was declared as £3.8 million, property values are always subject to market fluctuations. Northstone, the developer, has stated that the house cost around £2.5 million to build, with the remaining value attributed to the land and the high-end finishes. However, the location in a desirable Cheshire village significantly contributes to its overall value.

Despite the complexities and the initial shock, Gareth and Claire are embracing their new life. They plan to use the prize money to pay off their mortgage, secure their children’s future, and potentially invest in a small business. The win represents a remarkable stroke of luck and a testament to the power of chance, while also highlighting the responsibilities that come with such an extraordinary gift. The story serves as a reminder that dreams, even those seemingly unattainable, can sometimes come true, and that even a small entry fee can lead to a life-altering transformation. The Ashley Show Home is now a symbol of that possibility, a tangible representation of a lottery win that has changed one family’s life forever, while simultaneously contributing to a worthy cause.

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