With its breathtaking panoramic estuary vistas, meticulously crafted modern interior, and exclusive private beach access, Riverside Avenue stands as one of Cornwall's most coveted addresses. This prestigious street, along with neighbouring Riverside Crescent, ranks among the county's most expensive residential areas, sharing elite status with locations like Polzeath, dubbed 'Chelsea-on-Sea', Rock, known as 'Britain's Saint-Tropez', and Padstow, nicknamed 'Padstein' after celebrity chef Rick Stein.
A Seemingly Unbeatable Opportunity
The chance to win a magnificent four-storey, five-bedroom residence—complete with luxurious amenities including a dedicated yoga studio, a state-of-the-art home cinema, and a relaxing hot tub—for a mere £15 entry fee appears to be the opportunity of a lifetime. However, even within this affluent enclave of Cornwall, the £4.4 million sum paid by Omaze to secure the property last August has generated considerable local discussion and surprise.
Valuation Discrepancies Raise Questions
Notably, this purchase price edges towards being double the valuation of comparable properties situated on either side. One neighbouring home sold approximately eighteen months ago for £2.65 million, while another is currently listed on the market for £2.75 million. Although these examples are somewhat smaller in scale, a six-bedroom house located further along the same road is available for £2.5 million, highlighting a significant disparity.
'I understand the homeowners were absolutely delighted with the offer,' disclosed one long-term resident. 'I doubt they anticipated receiving anywhere near that amount. But when presented with such a figure, naturally, you accept it. I'm not certain what their plans are now... presumably laughing all the way to the bank. I sincerely hope Omaze sells sufficient tickets to justify the substantial investment.'
The Property's Origins and Local Reception
The house was constructed around a decade ago after dentist couple Richard and Sally Hudson purchased a modest existing home on the plot for £785,000 and subsequently demolished it. The strikingly beautiful property that replaced it received planning approval without any objections from neighbours or local authorities.
When approached by the Daily Mail this week, Mr and Mrs Hudson opted not to comment on the sale or the future of the house. Nevertheless, neighbours revealed that not all locals were entirely enamoured with the 5,200 square foot, four-storey structure, having affectionately—and somewhat critically—dubbed it 'the garden shed' in a tongue-in-cheek reference to its distinctive shape and wooden cladding.
Market Context and Community Sentiment
A plot of land directly opposite the house is presently for sale at £425,000, complete with planning permission for a three-bedroom dwelling. Another resident expressed being 'speechless' at the Omaze purchase price, adding, 'There will soon be another house directly opposite. I suppose it won't drastically affect the value, as it's positioned on the wrong side to obstruct the sea views, but it certainly won't enhance the desirability of living there.'
Interestingly, Omaze's own marketing materials value the property at £4 million, slightly below the purchase price. This sentiment found an echo among online commentators, with one Reddit user posting, 'Not particularly fond of this property. I even suspect a future resale here could prove challenging.' Another added, 'The location is superb, and the house is agreeable, but it desperately requires a lift installation, and I cannot see how one could be feasibly added. I'm genuinely surprised it wasn't included in the original specification.'
However, a more pragmatic user countered, 'I would be thrilled to win, even if I ultimately secured only £3 million from a sale. That remains exceptional value for a ten-pound entry fee.'
The Omaze Prize Package and Charitable Impact
Omaze guarantees that the property comes completely mortgage-free, with all stamp duty and legal fees comprehensively covered. The fortunate winner will also receive a substantial £250,000 in cash and furnishings valued at £160,000. Winners retain full flexibility, able to sell the home, reside in it, or rent it out, potentially generating an estimated monthly income of £4,500.
The company, which has thus far given away 45 multi-million-pound homes, has also committed to a guaranteed £1 million donation to GOSH Charity from this Cornwall draw. This forms part of Omaze's broader pledge to raise £12 million to support the construction of a world-leading Children's Cancer Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital. The initiative enjoys the backing of GOSH Charity Patron, Simon Cowell.
Celebrity Backing for a Vital Cause
Cowell has actively encouraged public participation to bolster GOSH Charity's crucial work, describing the prospective cancer centre as 'truly impressive with cutting-edge facilities'. He stated, 'I am immensely proud to support Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity and wish to motivate the Omaze Community to enter the Cornwall House Draw. This will help this extraordinary charity raise vital funds to build a world-leading Children's Cancer Centre. The new centre will be remarkable, featuring advanced facilities, ongoing access to clinical trials, a new hospital school, and outdoor spaces—ensuring children can still experience childhood during treatment. Collectively, we can overcome childhood cancer.'
James Oakes, President of Omaze, remarked, 'This exceptional waterfront home in North Cornwall ranks among the most breathtaking properties we have ever presented. The eventual winner can decide whether to live in this extraordinary house, rent it out, or sell it and depart as a multi-millionaire—the choice is entirely theirs.'
