A 64-year-old marketing professional from Loughborough has experienced a remarkable change of fortune, transitioning from a modest raffle win decades ago to becoming the owner of a £4 million
The prize package is extensive, including the historic, mortgage-free villa, £250,000 in cash, and £140,000 worth of interior furnishings. All associated legal fees and stamp duty costs have also been covered as part of the win. For the couple, who have been married for 18 years and have two teenage children, the news was initially met with disbelief.
From a Humble Cabbage to a Historic Estate
Reflecting on his past, Mr. Wood recalled a 1977 meat draw where he won a single cabbage after purchasing tickets for two pence each. He noted that the cabbage had become a long-standing joke among his friends, yet it served as the start of a lifelong habit of entering prize draws. Despite being an Omaze subscriber for four years, he kept his participation quiet, even from his wife, until he received confirmation of the win.
“I thought I was being ‘punked’ at first, so I didn’t say anything to my wife until I was 100 per cent sure,” Mr. Wood said. His wife, Catherine, admitted she had initially dismissed his messages about a potential win, having grown accustomed to his optimism regarding various competitions. The couple, who had never visited Bath previously, expressed their admiration for the city, noting the irony of moving from a recent holiday at a UNESCO World Heritage site in Greece to owning a home in another UNESCO-listed location.
Property Features and Charitable Impact
The villa, originally constructed in the early 1800s by the architect John Pinch, features a range of period amenities, including a wine cellar, underfloor heating, and a separate Coach House suitable for guests. Catherine, a fan of the period drama Bridgerton, noted the aesthetic similarities between their new home and the settings of the show, which is partially filmed in Bath. She suggested the property’s layout, including its multiple fridges and wine cellar, makes it well-suited for hosting events.
The win comes at an emotional time for the family, as Mr. Wood recently lost his mother. He expressed a wish that she could have seen the home, describing her as his “one in a million.” Beyond the personal windfall, the draw served a philanthropic purpose. Matt Pohlson, CEO of Omaze, confirmed that the campaign raised £1 million for
