A Welsh barman has won a stunning £3.5 million clifftop mansion in Cornwall through the Omaze house draw, and he marked the occasion by announcing that drinks were on him.
Surprise Win During a Busy Shift
Darren Summers, 50, was in the middle of pulling pints during a hectic shift at his pub in the Rhondda Fawr valley, South Wales, when the Omaze team arrived to inform him of his life-changing win. He initially dismissed the call, thinking it was a prank, but soon realized it was real when a film crew appeared outside.
Darren, who entered the draw through his Omaze subscription for just £20, is now the proud owner of a four-bedroom contemporary home situated on an acre of land above Downderry Beach. The property boasts sweeping sea views, a heated outdoor swimming pool, and a hot tub.
Celebration and Family Plans
Upon learning the news, Darren said: "First thing I said was, if anyone wants a pint, the drinks are literally on the house tonight." The mortgage-free property includes all stamp duty and legal fees paid, along with an additional £250,000 in cash to help the couple settle in.
Darren, who has been married to Rebecca, 36, an NHS Healthcare Support Assistant, for eight years, plans to host family gatherings at the luxurious home. "We're going to have an awesome summer down here. We love big get-togethers with all our family and friends, and this place is the ultimate house for hosting," he said.
A Life-Changing Moment
Reflecting on the win, Darren said: "It wasn't your average shift, that's for sure. I sometimes get the odd half of beer bought for me, so a £3.5 million house is definitely my biggest tip ever. Winning does mean I can call last orders on any money worries and retire early."
The couple, who have lived in their current three-bedroom house for three years, are still coming to terms with their new reality. Darren added: "The house looks like somewhere a movie star would live, it's absolutely breathtaking."
Property Details
The stunning home spans 3,425 square feet over two floors, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto a coastal dining terrace and a heated swimming pool. The ground floor includes an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space, a home office, a master bedroom with en suite, and a second bedroom with shower room. The lower ground floor offers a spacious lounge and two additional en suite bedrooms.
Outside, the property sits on just over an acre of land, complete with a heated swimming pool, a wood-lined barrel hot tub, and a sculpture garden showcasing ten original artworks. A driveway provides ample parking and an electric car charging point.
Supporting a Good Cause
Omaze partnered with the Eden Project, an educational charity, for this prize draw. In addition to the guaranteed £1 million raised through the draw, Omaze has pledged a further £3.5 million via a separate multi-year grant, bringing the total donation to the Eden Project to £4.5 million.
Matt Pohlson, founder and CEO of Omaze, said: "Everyone at Omaze is thrilled that Darren has won this very special home on the Cornwall coast, whilst also helping to raise crucial funds for the Eden Project. Omaze offers people the chance to win incredible homes, whilst also introducing charities to new audiences that they wouldn't normally reach — it's a win-win for entrants and our charity partners."
