In October 2021, Glen Elmy became the proud owner of Stealth House, a James Bond-style mansion in Devon with cinematic views. Just three days after receiving his ‘life-changing’ prize however, the lucky Omaze winner reportedly handed back the keys
An Omaze winner’s dream allegedly descended into a nightmare after he learned of a worrying fear. Foundry worker Glen Elmy was initially left “gobsmacked” after winning Stealth House in Devon in October 2021, and it’s easy to see why. The chic James Bond-style pad, complete with an infinity pool and heavenly ocean views, looks like a slice of paradise on the surface.
Addressing his win at the time, delighted family man Glen enthused: “I’m totally gobsmacked. The only thing we’ve ever won before was three pounds at a Bingo night on holiday. We absolutely love the house—if I could have designed one from scratch, it would look just like this—it’s like something from a Bond film.
“We will be keeping it as there’s no other house like it in the country – so why would we want to sell it? My wife Debbie lost her father to Covid this year, and our youngest son was made redundant last week, so winning this house is just what the family needed – it’s life-changing for all of us. This house is so spectacular we’re going to enjoy our first family holiday for two years right here. I don’t think we’d find a better place anywhere else in the world!”
‘I won Omaze draw – but one little-known catch ruined everything’
However, Glen, from Walsall in the West Midlands, spent just three days at the property, and reports suggest concerns over coastal erosion could have been a factor. As reported by the Mail Online, Glen handed the keys to the house back to Omaze and instead asked for money equal to its £3 million value. He reportedly hasn’t set foot in Stealth House since.
A source told the publication: “I met the Mr Elmy when he was here for the publicity. He was apparently planning to stay for a week but left after three days and that was the last we saw of him. The corner of the house goes almost to the cliff edge, it’s about two metres away from the edge.”
Meanwhile, an anonymous neighbour divulged: “I never see anybody going in or out since the win. There is all sorts of speculation that it can’t be insured because of how close it’s been built to the sea and on the cliff edge. There is a problem with coastal erosion all along the coast here. There are signs around the beach warning about falling rocks.
“It could just be local rumours, but the person who originally built the building was told it was too close to the edge, and mortgage and insurance might be a problem. When I moved in five years ago, it was on the market for £2.5 million, but nobody wanted it. When the competition was running, we saw cars coming and going, but soon after the winner was announced, that stopped, and there’s been nothing since.”
Reports that the luxurious house is ‘falling into the sea’ have been strongly denied, with an Omaze spokesperson issuing the following statement: “As with all its properties, Omaze carried out extensive professional surveys, searches and inspections prior to purchasing the house in Devon. Omaze can confirm that none of these reports raised any material concerns with the property, including in relation to coastal erosion. The property is fully insurable.”
Glen isn’t the only Omaze winner who has reportedly experienced significant setbacks following the initial thrill of being handed those coveted keys. In August 2022, Uttam Parmar and his wife Raki, from Leicestershire, bought a “fantastic” £3 million home on the Cornish coast, complete with views overlooking the Camel Estuary. However, as per the Mail, they were allegedly forced to move out after a mere eight weeks. Omaze has denied these reports. Meanwhile, after winning a six-bedroom property in Fowey, Cornwall, in May 2023, 74-year-old grandmother June Smith opted to sell up after just one visit to the plush home locals likened to a “fishbowl”.
There have, however, been plenty of Omaze happily ever afters. Last year, Lauren Keene became the youngest winner in the competition’s history last year after getting the keys to a five-bedroom Hollywood Hills-inspired home on the Wirral. The 24-year-old said: “The house is unreal! It really does feel like something you’d find in the Hollywood Hills! It’s made for parties, and we can’t wait to get everyone we know up here for a big bash!”
Hopeful Omaze contestants will still be keeping their fingers crossed ahead of the next raffle. This time around, a gorgeous townhouse with Georgian features is up for grabs, offering striking views of The Shard and an award-winning garden designed by Chelsea Flower Show Gold winners. The £4.5 million property, located in the fashionable area of Borough, could soon be yours for just £10, which allocates you 15 tickets in the Omaze draw. This Grade II-listed mansion is situated close to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Tate Modern, Borough Market, and South Bank.
Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com
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