A social media influencer couple planning to raffle off their renovated flat on TikTok have been targeted in a poison pen letter from neighbours who said they do not want 'riff raff' coming to their mid-Devon village.
The Viral House Giveaway
Nick and Jess Smith, known online as The Smithy Family, undertook a major renovation of a three-bedroom flat in a quiet Devon village. With a combined following of six million people, they decided to offer their followers the chance to win the property in a unique raffle draw.
For an entry fee of just £3, participants could win the keys to the fully renovated home, plus an additional £10,000 to spend on decoration. The couple stated they needed to sell 65,000 tickets to make the venture viable, framing it as an innovative way to help someone get onto the property ladder.
Village Backlash and the 'Riff Raff' Letter
The couple's modern sales method was met with disdain from some established residents. The Smiths revealed they received an anonymous, typed letter expressing strong disapproval on behalf of several neighbours.
The letter branded the raffle 'wholly inappropriate for an established village such as ours' and insisted the area was 'not an experiment or a marketing exercise'. It voiced concerns that the scheme would attract 'riff raff or opportunists who see the property as a prize rather than a place to live'.
The missive, signed 'Your concerned neighbours', urged the couple—former builder Nick, 38, and Jess, 35—to abandon the raffle and sell the flat through a 'traditional' sale to meet village expectations.
Couple's Emotional Response and Defence
Sharing the letter on their Facebook page, the Smiths said the criticism had been 'really upsetting', particularly the assumptions made about their intentions and the future occupant.
They passionately defended the raffle as a genuine attempt to create a 'life-changing chance' for someone locked out of the housing market. Brandishing the letter on camera, Nick Smith responded: 'This isn't about controversy or headlines. It's about building something meaningful... If this helps even one person find safety, stability, and a fresh start, then it's worth it.'
In a detailed post, they argued that no one has the right to decide who is 'good enough' to live somewhere. 'Whoever ends up with the flat will be a real person with a story, hopes, and pride in their home. They won't be 'riff raff',' they wrote.
Public Support and the Future of the Raffle
The couple's online community rallied behind them, with thousands commenting on their post. Supporters labelled the neighbours' letter 'ridiculous' and 'blatant jealousy', encouraging the Smiths to ignore the criticism and proceed with their plans.
Despite the local friction, the Smiths remain committed to their TikTok house raffle. They stand by their belief that the project promotes fairness and offers crucial help in a tough housing climate, vowing to see it through to the draw.
