Omaze Winner Sells Mansion £1M Under Value Due to Cleaning Hassle

Chris Milnes, a 61-year-old father of three, found himself the unexpected winner of a luxury mansion valued at £2.5 million after entering the Omaze Million Pound Draw in June 2024. Located near Poole, Dorset, the 4,650-square-foot home has proven to be a double-edged sword for Milnes and his family, leading them to sell it for nearly £1 million below its original worth.

Challenges in Maintaining a Luxury Home

Despite the initial excitement of winning, the daily upkeep of the mansion quickly became overwhelming. Milnes noted that maintaining the property required a full day of cleaning, which prompted him to reconsider ownership.

Pricing and Sale Details

• Milnes first listed the property for £2.3 million in January 2025.
• After several months, the asking price was reduced by £200,000 in June.
• By August 2025, the price dropped to £1.35 million.
• The final sale price was set at £1.6 million, pending completion.

All furnishings and features, which include an open-plan living space, designer kitchen, and cinema room, will be included in the sale. This transaction marks a significant shift for Milnes and his family, who had initially enjoyed the luxury of their new home.

Future Plans for the Proceeds

After the sale, Milnes plans to allocate the proceeds to help his children enhance their life opportunities and purchase a new home in West Yorkshire. He expressed the desire to visit his son Ollie in Australia and meet his first grandchild, viewing the upcoming changes as a positive chapter in their lives.

Reflecting on the Experience

Milnes reflected fondly on their time in the mansion, describing it as a “dream home” and a turning point for his family. He shared sentiments of gratitude for the experience, emphasizing how it transformed their lives. “Winning a multi-million-pound house will always feel surreal,” he remarked, indicating the profound impact this opportunity has had on him and his family.

The Role of Omaze

An Omaze spokesperson highlighted the flexibility winners have regarding their new homes. Winners can choose to live in, rent out, or sell their properties, enjoying cash benefits along with their mansion. According to the spokesperson, Omaze has created 42 millionaires and raised over £100 million for charitable causes in the UK.

The story of Chris Milnes serves as a reminder of the potential ups and downs that come with sudden wealth and how such life-changing opportunities can offer new beginnings.