A British man is raffling his £850,000 Victorian cottage in Buckinghamshire, marketing it to Americans seeking an escape from Donald Trump's presidency. Tristram Biggs, who bought the property three years ago, is selling $10 tickets online in a bid to attract liberal Americans 'terrified' of the political climate in the US.
Biggs said he was inspired by a similar raffle in Ireland and hopes to tap into a growing trend of US citizens moving to the UK. Home Office data shows applications for British citizenship or indefinite leave to remain by Americans hit a record high of over 6,000 in the year to March, with a surge in the first quarter of Trump's presidency.
The five-bedroom house, set in a quintessentially English scene with horses grazing nearby, comes with an unusual bonus: 'Englishness' training from Biggs, who jokingly describes himself as a 'shit Hugh Grant'. Lessons would include how to make tea, stand on the right on escalators, and address a duchess.
Biggs, who wants to move back to London after a breakup, said the raffle has drawn some criticism from Trump supporters but remains hopeful. The winner will be drawn on 31 December, provided at least 150,000 tickets are sold; otherwise, the winner receives 50% of ticket revenue. The competition is legally classed as a prize competition and not subject to the Gambling Act 2005.
