A Manchester United fan has won a £3.5 million property while celebrating rival Manchester City's guilty verdict on financial charges. Jamie Loveridge, 37, secured the five-bedroom Victorian residence in London complete with a treehouse, garden wellness studio and zip line in the latest Omaze prize draw.
The devoted football supporter has likened Man City's guilty verdict, his new dream home and additional £250,000 cash windfall to "the best treble since '99." Jamie, whose winning £50 entry formed part of his Omaze subscription, currently lives with his wife Katie, 34, and sons Leo, 10, and Harry, eight, in a modest three-bedroom home in Worcestershire.
City verdict and a dream home
Reflecting on his remarkable week, Jamie said: "I thought City being found guilty was the best news I'd get all week - but then I won a £3.5 million house with £250,000 cash, what a result - and I won it fair and square. City found guilty, a £3.5 million house and the cash - that's the best treble since '99. I've been a football fan my entire life - but I never dreamed I'd own a house fit for a footballer."
Manchester City were found guilty by an independent commission of the majority of charges relating to breaches of the Premier League's financial rules. The club deny wrongdoing and have appealed the verdict.
Jamie added: "We're all massive United fans apart from our younger son, who's a big Man City fan. He's obviously had a tough week, but winning a multi-million pound house with its very own zip line should help cheer him up."
Win amid family bereavement
Jamie's new property comes without a mortgage, with all stamp duty and legal costs taken care of, alongside £195,000 worth of furnishings. The win arrived just a day after Jamie lost his grandmother, with the family still grappling with their bereavement when they learnt the news.
Reflecting on the timing, Jamie said: "We lost my nan the night before we found out we'd won the house - so that was all we were thinking about. We never imagined the next day we'd win a multi-million pound house. It feels like she's had something to do with this, like she's done this from above."
On the day Jamie discovered his extraordinary win, he was with his family grieving the loss of his grandmother. The couple were attempting to maintain normality for the boys and were getting ready to take them to football training. Jamie initially dismissed the call from Omaze and blocked the number. Following a second call, he handed the phone to Katie, who swiftly recognised it was a call worth answering.
Family life and future plans
Recalling his reaction, Jamie said: "When we saw we'd won the house we were both absolutely gobsmacked - we just couldn't believe it, you just never expect something like this to actually happen - it was all a blur but I don't think I'll ever forget that moment. When the confetti had settled and everyone had left, we went home and I had to reach for the Kalms to settle myself down, it was so surreal. We were all so stunned we didn't know how to celebrate, so we just ordered pizzas. The boys smashed theirs, but we were still too shocked to eat ours - and we'd already had a big slice of good fortune anyway."
Jamie and Katie have been in a relationship for 14 years and mark their sixth wedding anniversary at the end of October. Both have been Worcestershire residents throughout their lives and have occupied their present home for five years. Katie has been employed at a local family café for 18 years. Jamie has worked in fitness centres since he was 16 and spent considerable time as a personal trainer. The pair devote their weekends and available funds to backing their sons' ambitions of playing football. Leo represents Birmingham City while Harry turns out for Cheltenham Town.
Reflecting on what the windfall means for his family, Jamie said: "All I've ever wanted is to give Katie and the boys the best life possible. This win means I can do that in ways I never dreamed of now. All the pressures of day-to-day life disappeared. It's an amazing feeling. The boys are only young - this has changed their future. It gives us options and security we never imagined. We're only in our 30s. Winning with Omaze at this stage in our lives is incredible. We've got money and time to enjoy it - which is priceless. The boys went straight for the treehouse and zip line and they're already fighting over which room they get, none of us had ever been in a house like this before, it's just amazing that it's all ours."
The property and its features
Jamie revealed that no firm long-term plans had been made just yet, but was certain the stunning property would first be enjoyed with loved ones, adding: "Maybe we'll catch an away game while we're here. Whatever we decide, this win is a generational legacy for our family."
Jamie's spectacular new double-fronted Victorian home is nestled within North West London's prestigious Mapesbury Conservation Area. The interior beautifully blends period charm with contemporary elegance, boasting original stained-glass windows, soaring ceilings and oak herringbone flooring throughout.
A generous open-plan kitchen and dining space features a striking central island and flows seamlessly into the magnificent garden. The property further benefits from a lounge, snug and home office, while the five bedrooms include a principal suite complete with a dedicated dressing room and en suite bathroom. The sweeping garden extends to approximately 310ft, featuring mature trees, Japanese maples and bamboo, alongside a treehouse and zip line. A self-contained contemporary studio offers a dedicated wellness space, with ice baths positioned just outside. Completing the package, the property boasts a garage with workshop space and private off-street parking.
