The Omaze House

[Ridiculous24]

The Cotswolds House.

Mumsnetters always know what's 'wrong' with the house, and why it's being given away as a prize.

What's the story with this one, then? Just out of interest 😊.

Oh! Is there always something wrong with them?

I'd love to know because to me this one looks absolutely stunning and perfect. I put my tenner in.

Oooooh, interested!

@CarrotOfPeace

Apparently they are houses that haven’t sold, so it’s handed over to Omaze. So there is usually a reason they haven’t sold!

I always think with these, the cost of insurance, heating, council tax etc will surely be a nightmare for whoever wins?!

I just can't stand the smug voice of the woman who fronts the adverts.

Why is there always something wrong with them?!

I thought they also gave cash so you could manage upkeep (at least for a bit!)

I think the plot is relatively tiny (third of an acre) for a huge house, plus the layout will not be to everyone’s taste.

Was marketed for 3.75m

Oh! Like the seconds department!

I haven't bought a ticket since reading that they vet the winners before picking one.

Sorry what now?

I know someone that bought an Omaze house from the winner. It was stunning to look at and the location amazing but the winner had rented it out as a party house before the neighbours all kicked off and it had taken a lot of wear/tear hence the winner deciding to sell. They expected the cosmetic changes needed but underneath, the building work was horribly shoddy and they've had a leaking roof, issues with the glazing and the overall finish was horrendous... the style was very much skin deep. Luckily they've got the budget for it but it's taken them a lot of time and money to put everything right. They bought it for a LOT less than it was valued at on the adverts too.....

There is another one in St Agnes but I really don't like the wood cladding look. A stone cottage would have been far more in keeping with the village. I grew up there so still may enter just to have the chance to live there again.

The terms and conditions for the winner are massive. If you have a criminal record, for example, they veto the original ‘winner’ and draw for another person.

The interior is ugly, bits of old pallet nailed to the ceiling! Where abouts in the Cotswolds is it?

I like the Cornwall house. Anyone with local knowledge aware of any issues?

They also give the winner £100,000 to help with costs of running the house.

Looking at the mine shaft behind it, I’d guess subsidence may be an issue. But that will be the same for a lot of properties in Cornwall.

Anyone ever won one?

The Cotswolds one was only built last year, the architect is on Instagram and refers to ongoing snagging in October. The house seemed to go on the market in November. Looking at the company and the other businesses owned by the same Director. One is called Cotswolds Edge which is the same name as the house.
Digging further further seems to have been a charged registered against the property in relation to an mortgage which is then marked as satisfied in December. Possibly had to sell fast to pay the mortgage and Omaze bought it? Nothing wrong with the house but the owner needed to repay mortgage quickly?

How do they make money

There I am clause on it which says it cannot be used as a holiday home which many winners would need to do if they keep it to cover costs

Isn’t the Cotswold in one on a road?? I think that’s why it won’t sell, it’s a beautiful house but I would want it up a private drive so it couldn’t be seen from the road.

it was the same with the Norfolk house. Great house but visible from the road.

So can't Airbnb the Cornwall one or whatever but can use it as a second home yourself? That would be OK with the 100k running costs I think. Although I'd probably be too scared to drink in the local pub.