Darren Summers, a 50-year-old barman from Wales, discovered he had won a stunning £3.5 million clifftop mansion in Cornwall while in the middle of a busy shift pulling pints. He marked the life-changing moment by announcing, "Drinks are on the house."
The Winning Moment
Darren was working behind the bar at his pub in the Rhondda Fawr valley, South Wales, when the Omaze team arrived to reveal his prize. Initially dismissing the call as a prank, he hung up and continued serving customers. It was only when a colleague pointed out a film crew outside that he realized the win was real.
"To say I was shocked is an understatement," Darren said. "They'll have to bleep my reaction as I couldn't help but eff and jeff! I called my wife straightaway, but she didn't believe me."
The Prize
Darren, who entered the draw for just £20 through his Omaze subscription, now owns a four-bedroom contemporary home on an acre of land above Downderry Beach. The property boasts sweeping sea views, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading to a coastal dining terrace. The mansion is mortgage-free, with all stamp duty and legal fees covered, and Darren also received £250,000 in cash.
The house spans 3,425 sq ft over two floors. The ground floor features 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 includes a spacious lounge and two additional en suite bedrooms. Outside, the property has a heated swimming pool, a wood-lined barrel hot tub, a sculpture garden with ten original artworks, a driveway with ample parking, and an electric car charging point.
Family and Future Plans
Darren and his wife Rebecca, 36, an NHS Healthcare Support Assistant, plan to host family gatherings at their new home. "We're going to have an awesome summer down here," Darren said. "We love big get-togethers with all our family and friends, and this place is the ultimate house for hosting."
The couple, who have been married for eight years, previously lived in a three-bedroom house. Darren expressed relief that the win has eliminated financial pressures. "Winning does mean I can call last orders on any money worries and retire early," he said.
Reflecting on the win, Darren added: "Myself and my brothers lost our mum and dad when we were young, so we only had each other growing up. It felt like we were getting nothing but bad news recently, but this life-changing win has come at just the right time."
Charity Contribution
The Omaze draw also raised funds for the Eden Project, an educational charity focused on environmental action. Omaze guaranteed £1 million from the draw and pledged an additional £3.5 million via a multi-year grant, bringing the total donation 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, whilst also helping to raise crucial funds for Eden Project Morecambe. Omaze offers people the chance to win incredible homes, whilst also introducing charities to new audiences."
