Glen Elmy, a foundry worker from Walsall, has returned the keys to his newly won £3 million property, Stealth House, just days after claiming the prize through the Omaze competition. What was initially celebrated as a dream come true has quickly turned into a troubling situation, primarily due to concerns regarding cliff erosion and the house’s precarious location.
The sleek, Bond-style residence, perched on the Devon coastline, boasts an infinity pool and stunning ocean views. Elmy expressed his excitement upon winning in October 2021, stating, “I’m totally gobsmacked. The only thing we’ve ever won before was three pounds at a Bingo night on holiday.” He described Stealth House as the perfect home, adding, “If I could have designed one from scratch, it would look just like this.” For Elmy and his family, this property represented a much-needed change after personal hardships, including the loss of a family member to COVID-19.
Concerns Over Coastal Erosion
Despite his initial enthusiasm, Elmy reportedly spent only three days at the house before deciding to leave, citing fears about erosion along the cliff edge. According to Devon Live, he has requested the cash equivalent of the property’s value from Omaze instead of continuing to reside there. Local sources have indicated that the house is situated alarmingly close to the cliff edge, with some estimates suggesting it is only about two meters away.
A neighbor expressed concerns about the property’s insurability, stating, “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.” They further noted that the area is susceptible to coastal erosion, with warning signs about falling rocks present on the beach.
An Omaze spokesperson has firmly rejected any claims regarding the structural integrity of Stealth House, emphasizing that comprehensive inspections were conducted prior to the purchase. “Omaze can confirm that none of these reports raised any material concerns with the property, including in relation to coastal erosion,” they stated. “The property is fully insurable.” This assurance aims to alleviate fears among potential homeowners about the safety of properties won through the competition.
A Pattern Among Prize Winners?
Elmy’s experience is not unique among Omaze winners. Other recipients have also faced unexpected challenges. In August 2022, Uttam and Raki Parmar won a £3 million property in Cornwall but reportedly left the house just eight weeks later, a claim that Omaze disputes. Similarly, June Smith, who won a six-bedroom home in Fowey, Cornwall, in May 2023, opted to sell shortly after visiting the property once, leading locals to label it a “fishbowl.”
Despite these issues, there have been success stories as well. Lauren Keene became the youngest winner of an Omaze competition, securing a stunning five-bedroom house in the Wirral. She expressed her excitement, calling the home “unreal” and perfect for celebrations.
While Glen Elmy’s story reflects the complexities that can accompany sudden wealth, it also highlights the importance of understanding the implications of such an investment. As the narrative unfolds, it remains clear that winning a dream home can sometimes come with unforeseen challenges.
