REAL Reason Widow Who Won Dream $5.8m Home Sold Up After Just 3 Months

Why is this grandma selling her brand new home?

When June Smith won this spectacular house after paying just $32 in a raffle, she declared she was “definitely going to keep it for a while". However, just three months later the widow from Essex, UK has put the property up for sale for an incredible $5.8 million. The beautiful glass-fronted home is perched on the edge of the Fowey Estuary in Cornwall. Spread over three stories, the incredible home was a prize in the Omaze Million Pound House Draw in May. Not only were the legal fees covered, but June was also gifted around $128,000 in cash to help her settle into her new multimillion-pound mansion. So why is she selling up so quickly?

Saying goodbye to sea views

“We used to come for family holidays in Cornwall and stay in a caravan, but now we own a £4.5 million mansion – it’s just unbelievable," the lucky winner gushed at the time. But the mother of three and grandmother of six has revealed the reason behind her decision to part with the beautiful Cornish gem. June, who was widowed in 2022 after her husband died suddenly from a heart attack, told The Sun that the seven-bedroom, six-bathroom home is simply too big to maintain.

The hidden downside

While the decision shocked many, June's neighbors in Fowey weren't surprised. One local who'd lived in the area for 23 years told DailyMail.com that living inside the home would have its downsides. "You couldn't pay me to move in there, it'd be like living in a goldfish bowl," she said. "It has stunning views of Fowey and the estuary but that goes both ways," she added. "When you go across on the ferry you can see the bed and all the furniture through the windows." One diner in a local cafe joked: "I hope whoever buys that place has enough money left over for curtains."

Life-changing money

However, June and her family enjoyed one "magical" vacation that they'll remember forever before she put the house on the market. "We all came and stayed together and absolutely love the house and Cornwall - and my six grandchildren have certainly made the most of it," she revealed. "I knew winning this house would be life changing for all my family, and that's why I've decided to sell now, as I want to use the money to help all my children and grandchildren with the next chapter in their lives."

Ready for a new owner

The waterfront home is finished to a high standard, with automated blinds, a double-sided fireplace and a glass balustrade that wraps around the deck in order not to spoil the views of the quaint fishing town beyond. At the time of the draw, it attracted so many entries that Omaze raised a staggering $2.7 million for cancer charity Marie Curie. We're sure the spectacular home, known as Pieds Dans L'Eau, will continue to attract a lot of attention now it's on the market.

A new era for the waterfront home

The waterfront home is finished to a high standard, with automated blinds, a double-sided fireplace and a glass balustrade that wraps around the deck in order not to spoil the views of the quaint fishing town beyond. The draw for the impressive house attracted so many entries that Omaze raised a staggering $2.7 million for cancer charity Marie Curie – the biggest donation Omaze has ever made. “Having spent some time at the house, I’m definitely going to keep it for a while," June said after visiting her new home for the first time. "Whatever I decide to do long term it’s a life-changing win for our family." In the meantime, June and her family can enjoy the views and raise a glass to their good fortune.

Read on to discover more houses that were given away for next to nothing...

READ MORE: Winning the real estate jackpot

Dream homes usually come with hefty price tags. But what if we told you that over the years, plenty of incredible properties have been given away for next to nothing? From grand prize giveaways to rural residences listed for the price of your morning coffee, these picture-perfect pads were practically gifted to lucky homeowners. Prepare to be amazed – and, well, just a little bit green with envy...

Cotswolds dream home, Gloucestershire, UK

Can you imagine spending just $45 and being handed the keys to your very own $4.5 million Cotswolds home – not to mention $128,000 cash – in return? It might sound like a fantasy but that's exactly what happened to father-of-two Will Satherley and his wife Carrie after they got lucky in the UK Omaze Million Pound House Draw in early July. "I couldn’t comprehend that I’d actually won the Grand Prize, it was so surreal," Will said. "It’s a life changing win for all our family.” 

Cotswolds dream home, Gloucestershire, UK

"I've completely fallen in love with it," Carrie said as the pair saw their new master bedroom for the very first time, "It's beautiful." Even better, their new 4,250-square-foot home comes mortgage free, with all stamp duty and legal fees covered – and if the couple chooses to rent out their new pad, they could rake in as much as $12,800 a month, according to a local estate agent who spoke to Metro. With a gym filled with high-end equipment and a 32-foot-long pool, we're not surprised!

Cotswolds dream home, Gloucestershire, UK

Three days later, the lucky couple visited their new home for the very first time. A beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary, the four-bedroom countryside retreat stands just outside the idyllic town of Chipping Campden. Inside, the home has a contemporary open-plan design and is decorated in warm tones intended to purposefully match the rolling Cotswold hills outside and the "iconic honey-hued" homes the area is known for. With a five-seat breakfast bar and large dining area, there's more than enough room for the couple's young sons, as well as all their friends and family who will no doubt be queuing up for a visit.

Cotswolds dream home, Gloucestershire, UK

"We both work in finance," Will joked, "so we're not used to this level of excitement at all." Previously, all the couple had won was a packet of cupcakes in a pub quiz. It's safe to say their luck has changed – and they're not the only ones to benefit. The draw raised just under $2.8 million for the NSPCC, Omaze's largest charity donation yet, which will help around 700,000 children. 

Waterfront retreat, Montana, USA

Since 1997, American property network HGTV has been running their annual Dream Home Giveaway competition, giving people across the country the chance to win seriously amazing properties. In 2019, the television station gifted one lucky winner the largest prize in the contest’s history. The victor received a 2019 Honda Pilot Elite, $250,000 in cash, and this custom-built waterfront home in Whitefish Lake, Montana, valued at over $2.3 million.

Waterfront retreat, Montana, USA

From among a reported 135 million entrants, Beverly Fulkerson of Indiana was named the lucky new owner. Surrounded by towering trees and picturesque peaks renowned for their ski slopes, the majestic mountain retreat spans 3,650 square feet and offers unobstructed views across the area's stunning landscape. The two-story home boasts three bedrooms, three bathrooms and plenty of beautiful living spaces that celebrate the indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Waterfront retreat, Montana, USA

While the lounge features floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead out to a shaded terrace, the kitchen comes with a wine refrigerator and top-of-the-line appliances. Outside, you'll find a gorgeous dining area, several lounges, a grilling station, a cedar hot tub and a breakfast bar that's connected to the kitchen. We reckon the only hardship for Beverly would've been deciding where to soak up the scenery...

Waterfront retreat, Montana, USA

For the living spaces, interior design guru Brian Patrick Flynn took his inspiration from the home's surroundings. Blending contemporary and rustic décor, every space is awash with color. From the reclaimed timber ceiling of the dining room to the faux antler chandeliers that embellish numerous rooms, the property is simply stunning. The master suite comes equipped with a four-poster bed, a vaulted ceiling and a walk-in closet. There's also a pet nook and a summer camp-style bunk room for guests. 

Custom-built smart home, South Carolina, USA

On top of giving away a dream home every year, HGTV also runs an annual Smart Home sweepstake. As well as being custom-built and utterly gorgeous, each smart home comes kitted out with the latest technology. In 2018, this dreamy property in Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina, was up for grabs. A reported 95 million people entered the draw and Josephine Montgomery, whose home was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, was declared the deserving winner. 

Custom-built smart home, South Carolina, USA

As well as winning all of the home's fixtures and furnishings, Josephine also got her hands on $100,000 in cash and a brand-new Mercedes-Benz. The coastal-inspired home sits on the edge of the May River and offers a 2,850-square-foot interior that was curated by interior designer Tiffany Brooks, who was crowned the winner of HGTV's Design Star in 2013. From accent walls to statement fabrics, the property is brimming with sumptuous colors, patterns and textures. 

Custom-built smart home, South Carolina, USA

The great room is one of the home's most striking spaces and features modern nautical décor with a palette of taupe, terracotta and tan. Elsewhere, you'll find three bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as a farmhouse-inspired kitchen, a dining room and a screened porch with a drinks station. As for gadgets, this pad is brimming with them. For one, the television in the lounge turns into a piece of art when not in use, and the yard is fitted out with technology that monitors the weather and automates watering.

Custom-built smart home, South Carolina, USA

The whole house is protected by a smart security system, while the telephone line works even in the event of a power cut. Elsewhere, the bedrooms feature foot warmers and technology that adjusts the air pressure in the mattresses, plus there's also a virtual reality room. Yet the main bathroom has the most incredible features: solar-powered skylights, a remote-controlled toilet, a shower screen that turns opaque at the touch of a button, and dual vanity mirrors that double up as TVs. How's that for cool?

Rural €1 homes, Italy

Have you ever dreamt about moving to a sleepy Italian town and spending your days people-watching while drinking espresso? Well, now could be your opportunity. Across Italy, there are hundreds of houses being given away for next to nothing. For just €1 ($1.10), the average price of an Italian cannoli, you could bag yourself an idyllic Mediterranean retreat...

Rural €1 homes, Italy

Back in February 2018, the mayor of Ollolai in Sardinia wanted to breathe new life into his community by selling off the town's abandoned buildings for mere pennies. Now, authorities across the country are following suit. Each village and town offering €1 homes have suffered from substantial depopulation, as their young residents have relocated in search of better career opportunities. With mostly life-long elderly residents left, many Italian towns are facing an uncertain future.

Rural €1 homes, Italy

There are plenty of purchase options to suit house hunters. Those wanting a coastal lifestyle can opt for Cinquefrondi or Salemi, the latter of which can be found on the island of Sicily. While those looking for history and tranquillity can choose to buy in Castropignano or Bisaccia, both situated in the heart of the country. Yet, as with all things that sound too good to be true, there's a catch when it comes to getting your hands on a €1 home.

Rural €1 homes, Italy

Most of the buildings have stood empty for many years, and local authorities haven't had the necessary funds to maintain them, causing them to fall into disrepair. This means a substantial amount of time, effort and cash would be needed to bring them up to scratch. Some of the towns are also asking for renovation works to be carried out within a three-year period, while others will fine any homeowner that fails to deliver. If you're still interested, you can search for your dream Italian home here.

Dutch Colonial-style home, Ohio, USA

It seems the team at HGTV just can't stop giving homes away – and they have our full support! Their annual giveaways now include the Urban Oasis competition. Though similar to the Dream Home and Smart Home sweepstakes, the Urban Oasis giveaway allows one lucky winner the opportunity to get their hands on a newly renovated home in an up-and-coming area. In 2018, the network chose to remodel a rundown, Dutch Colonial-style home in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Dutch Colonial-style home, Ohio, USA

Overhauled by local builders, The English Contractor, architectural firm Platte Architecture + Design and designer Brian Patrick Flynn, the home formed the main part of an enviable package worth over $750,000. 65 million people entered the draw and Detroit resident Lois Anderson was named the winner. Described by the design team as "traditional with a twist", the property spans 2,000 square feet and offers three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms.

Dutch Colonial-style home, Ohio, USA

Playful and eye-catching, the house is a real celebration of color. While the exterior boasts charcoal cladding and a bright red door, the interior is filled with punchy shades like teal and mustard. The open-plan, eat-in kitchen is one of the home's most inspiring spaces. With gorgeous green cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, this modern industrial-style room makes the most of its compact footprint. Meanwhile, the master bedroom is equally as dreamy thanks to its vaulted ceiling and exposed beams.

Dutch Colonial-style home, Ohio, USA

The property also features a stunning outdoor deck that's perfect for cozy nights under the stars. Elsewhere, the yard is home to a detached garage that has been lovingly transformed into a beautiful garden room. Complete with air conditioning, the space would make a fantastic home office. "My sons were a little skeptical when I shared the good news with them, but they know I'm a big believer that the impossible can happen", Anderson told HGTV after her win.

Luxury family home, Cheshire, UK

American for-profit fundraising company Omaze was founded by Ryan Cummins and Matt Pohlson – and their business model is remarkably simple. Omaze customers purchase raffle tickets to be in with the chance of winning everything from celebrity experiences to luxury vacations, supercars and even dream homes. 80% of the money raised goes to charity, while Omaze keeps the remaining 20%. So far, it's generated more than $170 million in the US and $19.6 million in the UK for worthy causes and has awarded countless winners.

Luxury family home, Cheshire, UK

As well as running in America, Omaze branched out to the UK in 2020 and in November of the same year, the company gave this dreamy home away to father-of-three Ian Garrick, who spent just $13 on charity raffle tickets. A very worthy winner, Ian lost his wife a few years prior, so the win gave him the fresh start he was craving. Located in Cheshire in the northwest of England, the million-pound house raffle raised $321,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Luxury family home, Cheshire, UK

The contemporary 3,000-square-foot property offers three floors and no end of luxury décor. There are four bedrooms, four bathrooms, light-filled living areas and a state-of-the-art kitchen. Other standout features include the home's master suite, with its vaulted ceiling and walk-in closet.

Luxury family home, Cheshire, UK

Kitted out with a modern security system, floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and slate flagstone floors, the home is every bit as beautiful inside as it is from the outside. There's also a spacious backyard with a self-contained home office, as well as an outdoor hot tub – the perfect remote-working setup!

Contemporary cottage, Maine, USA

Located in the US coastal city of Portland, Maine, this modern retreat was the prize in HGTV's 2020 Urban Oasis competition. The lucky winner, Arizona resident Fannie Allen, opted to take a $300,000 cash prize instead of the house, despite the property prize package being valued at more than double that amount. Let's take a look at what she missed out on...

Contemporary cottage, Maine, USA

The contemporary cottage was designed by the architects at Briburn and constructed by Big County Built, while the interior design was carried out by Brian Patrick Flynn, who once again created a striking home that beautifully reflects its locality. With a color palette inspired by the life vests that line the docks along the Atlantic Ocean, the 2,000-square-foot property offers nautical touches, chalky tones and rustic timber accents. We're sure the Property Brothers would approve!

Contemporary cottage, Maine, USA

The farmhouse-style kitchen is one of the home's finest spaces and comes equipped with sage cabinetry, wood-paneled walls and a rustic table with mismatched chairs. Sliding doors connect the kitchen with an outdoor lounge space, which has a firepit for romantic evenings under the stars.

Contemporary cottage, Maine, USA

Open-plan and filled with natural light, the property is ideal for entertaining but also offers plenty of cozy areas for intimate family gatherings. The house offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a dining nook, a living room, a laundry zone and a powder room. The main bathroom dazzles with retro-inspired flourishes, coastal hues and vintage light fixtures, while the walk-in shower and clawfoot tub add luxurious touches.

Cape Cod-style home, Massachusetts, USA

We don't know about you, but we're slightly obsessed with HGTV's 2015 Dream Home, which was gifted to Kathy O'Dell from Alabama. Kathy is said to have entered the yearly competition four times a day for almost two decades, ever since the competition first launched. Finally, her dedication paid off when the network crowned her the new owner of this Cape Cod-style home on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. Kathy eventually took the cash prize option instead, but we'd have been hard-pressed to give up this house...

Cape Cod-style home, Massachusetts, USA

Inspired by the history of Martha’s Vineyard, the newly-built home respects the local vernacular and features a white clapboard façade with pretty green shutters. Valued at $2 million, the property sits just one mile from the beach and offers a 3,200-square-foot interior with dazzling cathedral ceilings, exposed vintage trusses and white-washed shiplap walls, blurring the lines between traditional and modern.

Cape Cod-style home, Massachusetts, USA

Custom-designed by architect Patrick Ahearn, the dwelling has three large bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as a double-height great room and a gourmet kitchen. Kitted out with swaths of windows, many of the rooms also boast elegant French doors that lead out to intimate patios. 

Cape Cod-style home, Massachusetts, USA

The stunning master bedroom is located in its own wing at one side of the house. It comes complete with a huge walk-in closet, a separate dressing room and two private courtyards. The stunning master bath features a sage color palette, vintage-inspired light fixtures, his-and-hers sinks, a standalone tub, antique mirrors and a striking barrel ceiling.

Stylish apartment, London, UK

Astonishingly, the average cost of a home in London is $672,000, according to the UK House Price Index for March 2023. With such a steep asking price, it's no wonder that many people struggle to get onto the property ladder. Enter Raffle House, which runs property and lifestyle competitions to help give aspiring homeowners the leg-up they need, while raising much-needed funds for charity.

Stylish apartment, London, UK

In 2020, 27-year-old Niomi Boontam spent $13 on raffle tickets in the hopes of winning a newly renovated two-bedroom apartment in London's Whitechapel neighborhood. To her amazement, she was crowned the winner in August 2020. The chic space came fully furnished and was valued at $642,000. Raffle House took care of everything, from the interior design to the legal fees, meaning Niomi could move in straight away and live completely mortgage-free.

Stylish apartment, London, UK

The plush ground-floor property offers an open-plan kitchen with a dining zone, a cozy lounge and a bathroom. Every space is bright and modern thanks to ample windows and a light palette of soft grays, whites and natural wood tones. Every room also offers natural timber floors, elegant furnishings and top-of-the-line appliances.

Stylish apartment, London, UK

As well as the contemporary apartment, Niomi also won a brand new Land Rover Discovery Sport – not bad for $13! The competition also raised $14,000 for two homeless charities, Housing for Women and Centrepoint. 

Southern-style estate, South Carolina, USA

For many, 2020 will remain one of their most memorable years to date, but for one woman, the year proved remarkable for a much more positive reason. In early spring, Susan O’Gorman of Georgia, USA, was named the winner of HGTV's Dream Home 2020 competition and a $2 million prize package, which included a brand new Honda and $250,000 in cash – oh, and this spectacular, fully furnished home on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.

Southern-style estate, South Carolina, USA

Spanning 3,500 square feet, the property can be found in the private community of Windmill Harbor, just moments from the area's renowned beaches, golf courses and wildlife reserves. The Southern-style estate was custom-built for the competition, with Court Atkins Group taking on design duties. Spacious, light-filled and ultra-contemporary, the property offers a streamlined nautical aesthetic, with ocean tones, tropical prints and plenty of natural wood.

Southern-style estate, South Carolina, USA

With three bedrooms and three bathrooms, the house isn't short on space or wow factor. Once again, the interior design was carried out by Brian Patrick Flynn, while all of the home's furnishings and finishing touches were supplied by Wayfair. Spanning two floors, the new home oozes southern charm and features a double-height entrance foyer, a light-filled great room, a dining zone, a striking kitchen and plenty of entertaining spaces, both inside and out.

Southern-style estate, South Carolina, USA

One of the bedrooms offers French doors, which lead out to a furnished terrace with views over the water. There's plenty more going on outside, too. As well as a spacious lawn, there's also a swimming pool and a furnished porch. O’Gorman was one of 144 million people to have entered the competition. She placed her new home on the market just three months after being named the winner. With plenty of resale value, the house reportedly sold in a mere 20 days for just shy of $1.6 million.

Modern villa, Florida, USA

In 2021, Omaze launched a sweepstake to win this stunning contemporary villa in Lake Mary, on the outskirts of Orlando, Florida. Spanning 5,000 square feet, the mega-mansion was custom-built by Jorge Ulibarri and offers a resort-style backyard and a seemingly endless interior. However, the winner, Atlanta-based Alexa, decided she didn't fancy the move to Florida, even for the $1.5 million dream home, and took the $1 million cash prize equivalent.

Modern villa, Florida, USA

With six bedrooms, five bathrooms and plenty of living spaces for relaxing or entertaining, this mammoth pad is enough to make your head spin. Finished to the highest standard, the property benefits from walls of windows, marble flooring and luxurious furnishings – all of which come included. While the kitchen is equipped with custom stainless steel appliances and quartzite countertops, the adjoining lounge offers a 22-foot fireplace and a bespoke wine closet.

Modern villa, Florida, USA

Akin to a luxurious hotel suite, the master bedroom is an oasis of tranquility. With stylish décor, enough space for a dance troop and its very own outdoor patio, this room is every bit as dreamy as you'd expect. The room's private bathroom also comes kitted out with a double shower and a tub surrounded by Mexican river rocks. Elsewhere you'll find a movie theater and a music room.

Modern villa, Florida, USA

If all this wasn't enough, the house also benefits from an incredible backyard that looks like it was plucked from a Caribbean resort. There's a glistening swimming pool, a hot tub, a pergola with a rain curtain, an outdoor kitchen, a firepit, a solarium, and a living area for alfresco drinks – the ultimate setup for life in the Sunshine State. The raffle money raised over $500,000 for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and the home was later listed for $1.6 million.

Victorian townhouse, London, UK

After giving away a two-bedroom flat in east London, UK, Raffle House came up with an even bigger prize for one lucky winner – the home of the company's co-founder, James Melville. This stunning townhouse, which was being raffled off from $2.70 an entry – can be found in Denmark Hill, south London, in close proximity to the sought-after neighborhood of Brixton. 

Victorian townhouse, London, UK

Looking to buy a larger property for his growing family, James decided that instead of selling his house on the open market, he would raffle it off. As well as ensuring it sells, James had another motive for off-loading his house in such a unique way: "It gives someone who couldn’t otherwise afford it a chance at owning it," he told Metro in August 2020. 

Victorian townhouse, London, UK

As well as a spacious backyard – something that's hard to come by in London – the home offers over 1,000 square feet of inside space. There's a light-filled entryway, a welcoming lounge, a stylish kitchen and dining zone, two bedrooms and two bathrooms, each with floor-to-ceiling marble tiling. 

Victorian townhouse, London, UK

Valued at $963,000, the Victorian townhouse offers a striking interior with pastel walls, pops of color, high ceilings and large bay windows that let in plenty of light. Although modern, the historic home also boasts plenty of well-maintained features, including original fireplaces, tilework and hardwood floors. 

Contemporary ranch, Texas, USA

In 2019, HGTV announced that this stunning brick home in Texas was up for grabs as part of their annual Smart Home competition. Inspired by traditional ranches, the contemporary home is not only stunning but tech-savvy too. Maureen Rustrian of New Jersey was drawn from the 97 million competition entries and crowned the winner of the prize package, which was valued at over $1.2 million. Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth suburb of Roanoke, this bespoke property is sure to blow you away.

Contemporary ranch, Texas, USA

Spanning 3,400 square feet, the one-of-a-kind home was decorated by Tiffany Brooks. The living spaces feature a rich color palette of dusky blues, vibrant yellows and muted purples. The house offers three bedrooms, three bathrooms and plenty of amazing smart home gadgets, including an at-home dry-cleaning unit, a golf simulator and a state-of-the-art storm shelter that offers protection in the event of a natural disaster.

Contemporary ranch, Texas, USA

As well as app-controlled heating, speakers, blinds and lighting, the home is kitted out with other gadgets to enhance everyday living. The kitchen comes with a trash chute and a mixer lift, which raises appliances to countertop level, while the laundry room offers a pooch washing station and a hidden food bowl drawer, which can be tucked away when not in use. The ultimate pet-friendly pad, the smart home also comes with a robotic vacuum for Wi-Fi-enabled cleaning. 

Contemporary ranch, Texas, USA

The master bedroom boasts an integrated TV that blends into the wall, a concealment mirror that can hide valuables, and a smart mattress with pressure relief, temperature controls and a sleep tracker. Elsewhere, there's a library and a games room, as well as a yard with an outdoor theater and a Robomow robotic lawnmower that cuts the grass at the press of a button. Some people have all the luck! 

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