Malcolm Disson, 58, has won a £4 million mansion and £250,000 in the latest Omaze draw, securing a Grade II listed six-bedroom property in Little Ouseburn, Yorkshire, complete with its own lake, tennis court, and a separate two-bedroom cottage.
The dad-of-two, raised in London, won £8 on a lottery a fortnight ago, which he said made him believe his "luck was finally starting to turn." His new home arrives mortgage-free, with all stamp duty and legal fees paid, plus £155,000 worth of furnishings.
Prize Details and Options
Malcolm will also receive £250,000 to help him settle in and can choose to live in the house, rent it out for additional income, or sell it. His winning entry cost £30 as part of his Omaze subscription.
Reflecting on his past luck, Malcolm said: "I've never really thought of myself as a lucky person. For years, the only thing I'd ever won was a goldfish at Hampstead Heath fair. And when I opened the bag it was already dead! That set the tone for the next 46 years as I didn't win a sausage after that."
From Dead Goldfish to Mansion
He added: "Then two weeks ago I won £8 on a lottery and thought my luck was finally changing. I thought I'd peaked with that. I certainly didn't expect to go all the way from a dead goldfish to a £4 million mansion with its own lake... full of fish that are alive and well!"
Malcolm has two daughters, Lilly, 22, and Daisy, 18. Thirty-five years ago, he lived in a three-bedroom terraced property in Watford. He has been based in Newbury for the past 18 years and currently lives in a semi-detached home.
Surprise Visit and Family Plans
When the Omaze team arrived to surprise Malcolm, they initially visited his former address. He had relocated within the same village but had forgotten to update his personal details.
Reflecting on the win's impact, Malcolm said: "This win has transformed my daughters' futures, it's a wonderful feeling to know they're going to be secure no matter what. It's taken any pressure off. I can think about relaxing a bit more and perhaps retiring earlier, but I love what I do and I don't think I'll ever stop working."
A passionate cook, Malcolm plans to bring the whole family together at the property for Christmas. Prior to visiting his new home, he had never set foot in Yorkshire, but has since enjoyed exploring York and is eagerly anticipating sampling the local pubs.
A friend has already given him the nickname the Earl of Tetley, a nod to the famous tea brand founded in Yorkshire. On settling in, he said: "I'd never been to Yorkshire before - what a way to visit for the first time, coming to your own £4 million house! I can't wait to try the local pubs, and beers!"
He added: "I had tennis lessons as a kid and played quite a bit around 40 years ago, so I'll have to dust off my backhand and work on my serve. I can't believe I've got a potting shed and a library too - I haven't had much time to read, but I'll make time now. That's what this win will give me, more time to spend with family and loved ones."
