‘I gained an enormous Omaze rural retreat – my husband had no concept I’d even entered’

On Nov 22, 2024

A fortunate mum from Wales has bagged herself the ultimate countryside haven. In her home county, worth a staggering £500,000, along with a cool £50,000 in cash – all for a mere £30 – Sarah Perry, originally hailing from Llanfair Caereinion, struck gold in the Omaze Great Escape House Draw, Wales, and is now the proud proprietor of a modern three-bedroom, two-bathroom abode in Powys, conveniently located near Hay-on-Wye.

Her gorgeous property is tucked away amidst nature and boasts a terrace with chic black decking, sheltered by a corrugated tin canopy. The veranda offers views over four acres of private wildflower meadowland.

Overjoyed Sarah declared that “Christmas had come early” for her family this year following her massive win. However, her husband Richard, 54, who she’s been married to for 18 years, was left “flabbergasted” as he was completely unaware she had entered the prize draw.

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It's a lovely little space — It’s a lovely little space

Expressing his shock when Omaze showed up at their doorstep announcing their win, she said she was “more than a little surprised when Omaze turned up on the doorstep telling us we’d won something but it’s without doubt the best surprise we’ve ever had.” An elated Sarah shared: “I got the call from Omaze and was a little dubious at first, you just never think you’ll be the one that wins something like this so my first instinct was it must be a windup.”

“I just couldn’t believe it when Omaze arrived on the driveway and told me I’d won the house – I was shocked – but my husband was utterly flabbergasted as he had no idea I’d even entered! He said it was the best surprise we’ve ever had.”

“We’ve had a nice bottle of Welsh whisky in the cupboard for years, which would’ve been very appropriate to celebrate with but we didn’t have a chance to crack into it as due to all the excitement we’d forgotten to feed the kids! So, we ended up celebrating by going out for a lovely steak dinner instead.”

On her return to Wales, she expressed: “I’m from Wales and my family still live in Powys, I was actually on my way there to stay with my sister when Omaze came knocking. Now I’ve got this place, she can come and stay at our place for a change. Since I moved away, I try to get back as often as I can, and always dreamed of having a place here one day – this win means I can now return to my roots, it really is a dream come true!

“I work in London a lot – so to have such an amazing place in the countryside to escape to with my family, where I grew up, is fantastic – our sons are going to love all this space – who knows, they might even pick up the accent! All my family are over the moon about the fact I have a house here now, my farmer brother-in-law already has his eyes on the back meadow for his sheep.”

Regarding her new home in Wales, she gushed: “The house is absolutely amazing, even nicer in real life. The main bedroom is huge, I’ve lived in flats that are smaller than that room! The views are just spectacular – this is what Wales is all about.” The lucky winner expressed pure joy, stating: “With all the snow today, the house looked like a Christmas card. When we walked up the drive and saw it, I had to check the date as I thought it was December 25 already!”

Touring around Sarah’s new home, it’s clear she’s bagged herself a slice of serenity. The spacious pad showcases breathtaking panoramic views of Wales, boasting cosy wooden flooring and a homely detailed cream corner sofa situated perfectly for those quaint log-burner gatherings.

The bespoke, freestanding kitchen is bathed in natural light from a skylight and features a solid wood countertop. The main bedroom is spacious with vaulted ceiling windows and a traditional wood burner with a striking stainless steel flue. Additionally, there are two guest bedrooms and a mezzanine study. The modern property, clad in tin, has been designed with environmental efficiency in mind, including an air source heat pump for hot water and zoned underfloor heating.

Besides reconnecting Sarah with her Welsh roots, Omaze is also raising funds for Scouts. Scouts is the UK’s largest youth movement, inspiring nearly half a million young people to step up, speak up and gain skills for life. Much of Scouts’ work is in areas of deprivation, with the fewest opportunities for young people. Being part of Scouts helps young people aged 4-24 feel good about themselves, make friends and dream big.

The money raised from the partnership with Omaze will fund Scouts to open new groups in local communities, especially low-income areas, helping young people of every background believe in themselves and find their place in the world.

Someone is also guaranteed to win the Grand Prize in the Omaze Million Pound House Draw on the Wirral – a Hollywood Hills inspired mansion on the Wirral worth over £3 million – along with £250,000 in cash. Draw entries for the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, the Wirral, are still available at omaze.co.uk. The Draw closes this Sunday 24th November for online entries and Tuesday 26th November 2024 for postal entries.

For full terms and conditions, see www.omaze.co.uk. No purchase necessary to enter. Over 18s and UK residents only.

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