An exceptional NHS couple has secured a magnificent £4 million mansion by purchasing a single ticket in a prize draw.
During Halloween night, Alistair Walker was anticipating trick-or-treaters when he was surprised to learn that he had won a multi-award-winning smart home in the scenic Surrey Hills.
The 33-year-old, who dedicated nearly a decade to frontline work as a paramedic and now serves in NHS management, invested just £25 in his victorious entry for the recent Omaze draw. He disclosed that he learned about his life-changing triumph on Halloween night, describing it as “the best treat I’ve ever had.”
Alistair’s remarkable new four-bedroom residence is nestled within two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, boasting amenities like a heated outdoor pool, gym, and state-of-the-art renewable technology.
Reflecting on the moment he discovered he would be moving into the mansion, he shared, “It was actually Halloween when I found out I’d won. So when I got the knock at the door, I was just expecting to see a couple of little Draculas and Frankensteins asking for sweets – but I soon realized this wasn’t a trick and it was actually me who would be getting the best treat ever.” Recalling the surreal experience, he added, “As a paramedic, I’m pretty good at keeping calm in high-pressure situations – but finding out I’d just won a £4 million mansion completely floored me.”
Alistair and his wife Naomi, a 32-year-old A&E nurse with a decade of experience, met while working for the NHS in Surrey and have been together for seven years. Originally from Surrey, they relocated to Darlington in 2020 to be closer to Naomi’s family, where they have resided in their current home for two years. The couple has two daughters aged four years and five months.
The luxurious property awarded to Alistair comes mortgage-free, with all stamp duty and legal fees covered, along with £160,000 worth of furnishings. Additionally, he received a substantial £250,000 in cash to assist his family in settling in, with the flexibility to reside in, rent out, or sell the house at any time.
Drawing a comparison to the mansion in the Iron Man films, Alistair remarked, “The house is absolutely spectacular in real life – it’s beyond anything we could’ve imagined. It looks like something Tony Stark would build.”
He expressed excitement about the smart home’s tech features, stating, “I love tech, so this smart home with all the gadgets is definitely my cup of tea.” Alistair also emphasized the sentimental value of the house, mentioning, “I met my wife for the first time just up the road in Guildford when we were working together – the synchronicity of this win is crazy – it feels like it must be fate.”
The modern design of Alistair’s 21st-century home emphasizes natural light and spacious, luxurious living spaces. Its layout includes an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area on the upper floor, featuring Poggenpohl cabinetry, a balcony terrace, and panoramic views of the gardens and Hunters Hill. The lower level comprises four bedrooms, three of which are en suite, a gym, family bathroom, study, utility room, and internal lift, centered around a bespoke atrium and staircase inspired by Romano-British design.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology like ground source heat pumps, solar panels, and a Tesla Powerwall battery, the home boasts a full Loxone smart home automation system, comfort cooling, and seamless connectivity in every room. Situated in Farley Green, the property is surrounded by protected countryside and woodland, offering a serene environment close to picturesque villages and easy access to Guildford and central London.
In addition to transforming Alistair into a multi-millionaire, the Omaze Million Pound House Draw in Surrey raised essential funds for Breast Cancer Now, a leading research and support charity dedicated to breast cancer. The guaranteed £1 million donation will support the Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, advancing lifesaving research initiatives.
Breast Cancer Now ambassador and Olympic gold medallist Dame Denise Lewis commended the Omaze community for their support, recognizing the impact on breast cancer research and treatments. James Oakes, President of Omaze, expressed delight for Alistair and highlighted the charitable contributions made possible by the draw.
Moving forward, Omaze is committed to supporting UK charities through philanthropic grants, fostering positive impact and long-term benefits for various causes across the country. The Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Yorkshire, supporting Refuge, is currently open for entries, offering participants a chance to win a £4.5 million countryside retreat in North Yorkshire alongside a significant cash prize. The draw deadline and further details can be found on the Omaze UK website.
