Former Miss Wales finalist secures an astonishing £6m Omaze prize home
By Amy Lewis
Vicky Curtis-Cresswell, a former finalist in the Miss Wales pageant, has experienced a life-changing win as she obtained a striking £6 million home through the Omaze million-pound house draw. At 38 years old, Vicky, who had never owned a property before, now finds herself the proud owner of a New England-style coastal residence in Norfolk, taking inspiration from the architectural styles of Cape Cod and the Hamptons in the United States.
The luxurious property boasts a wrap-around balcony that presents uninterrupted, panoramic views of the coastline, along with a heated swimming pool and a private all-weather astroturf tennis court. Vicky’s new abode comes mortgage-free, with all stamp duty and legal expenses covered. Additionally, she has been gifted £250,000 in cash to facilitate her adjustment to the new lifestyle. The flexibility to reside in the home, rent it out for additional income, or sell it for a substantial profit at any time lies in Vicky’s hands.
Omaze estimates that if Vicky opts to keep the lavish property, the £250,000 cash prize would support the operational costs for almost a decade. Furthermore, the house is fully furnished with fixtures valued at £165,000, providing Vicky with a move-in-ready experience upon receiving the keys. Local real estate agents suggest that should Vicky choose to lease the property, it could command a monthly rental income of £5,500.
The significance of this win is not lost on Vicky, who currently resides in a three-bedroom house in Wales with her husband Dale, 41, and their young daughter while they were in the process of searching for a rental home. Reflecting on her unexpected fortune, Vicky expressed immense surprise and elation upon discovering that she had won the grand prize. The life-altering moment brought about a mix of emotions, with both shock and pure joy overwhelming her and her family.
The newfound financial security has lifted a significant burden off Vicky’s shoulders, who candidly shared the contrast between worrying about their old car breaking down one week and owning a £6 million property the next. Plans for the future include a grand celebratory party at their Norfolk residence before potentially selling it to invest in another remarkable property in Wales. Vicky’s childhood dream of a house with a ‘beranda’ (veranda) has now manifested into reality in the most extravagant manner.
The coastal property stands as a pinnacle of luxury, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including Blakeney Point, salt marshes, and the open sea of the North Norfolk Coast. Every aspect of the nearly 5,000 sq ft house is meticulously designed to maximise the natural light and showcase the scenic beauty through large, hardwood, double-glazed windows. The interior embraces New England style, featuring upscale living spaces ideal for entertaining guests, complemented by a bespoke hand-built kitchen, separate dining room, and a spacious yet inviting living area.
The first floor houses three bedrooms, with the main bedroom opening onto a balcony and boasting views that epitomise tranquillity. The property’s outdoor spaces are equally inviting, with manicured gardens, a courtyard, a tree-lined avenue driveway, and additional amenities such as a summer house, all-weather tennis court, heated swimming pool, and access to a secluded pontoon for launching boats. The village locale offers a charming ambiance, with quaint cottages, local pubs, art galleries, and a range of convenient amenities.
Beyond the personal transformation that Vicky’s win represents, the Omaze Million Pound House Draw in Norfolk raised a substantial £4.1 million for Comic Relief. The funds contribute to the ‘Every Step of the Way’ programme, supporting young individuals at risk to prevent and alleviate the impact of homelessness. The partnership between Omaze and Comic Relief, backed by ambassador Rylan Clark, highlights the dual impact of enriching lives through life-changing prizes while supporting charitable causes.
James Oakes, President of Omaze, encapsulated the community’s excitement surrounding Vicky’s win, emphasising the positive outcomes generated by participants in giving back to society. Omaze’s commitment to raising over £81 million for charitable initiatives stands as a testament to the organisation’s mission to drive positive change and empower individuals to make a difference through meaningful contributions. The recent accolade has garnered attention for Omaze’s upcoming Grand Prize Draws, offering more participants the chance to win and support charitable causes.
In conclusion, Vicky’s story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating the transformative power of resilience and the extraordinary opportunities that life can unexpectedly bestow. As she embarks on this new chapter, Vicky symbolises the essence of seizing the moment and embracing the remarkable possibilities that lie ahead. Her journey from contestant to homeowner reflects a remarkable twist of fate that underscores the profound impact of taking chances and believing in the potential for life-altering surprises.