An NHS worker who struck gold with a £3 million home prize has declared “she’ll never have to worry about money ever again”. She is even enjoying her favourite show, Strictly Come Dancing, in her new cinema room.
Catherine Carwardine, 62, was the lucky winner of the Omaze Grand Prize in 2022. It landed her a six-bedroom house with stunning views over Lake Windermere, all mortgage-free and with legal fees taken care of.
Catherine and her husband Chris, a 62-year-old technical sales representative, had the option to live in the luxury property, rent it out for extra income, or sell it to become an instant cash multi-millionaire. Catherine purchased her winning ticket on Valentine’s Day for a mere £20.
And she “fell in love” with the breathtaking residence from the moment she stepped inside. The mum decided it was a keeper thanks to its incredible features – including a terrace with lake views, cosy log fires, a cinema room, sauna, steam room, a top-notch gym and more.
Recalling the unforgettable day they won, Catherine shared: “I can still remember the moment we found out about the win, it was April’s Fools’ Day and we were away when we got the call, so we thought the kids were playing a prank on us at first.
“But then we soon realised we’d actually won a £3m house – and we were just in total and utter shock. When we got back home the children greeted us on the driveway with champagne spraying everywhere, we felt like F1 drivers!”
Catherine said the Lake District home was all the more magical at winter-time, adding: “As soon as we stepped inside the house it felt like our home. We knew we were going to keep it straight away.
“We absolutely love it up here, it’s so homely in the winter, we love getting a roaring fire going in the living room and settling in for the night, watching the stars reflect on the lake. It still feels like a dream really.”
She added that the cinema room is frequently used, not just for films but also for cosy evenings watching Strictly. “When we’re here, we use the cinema room all the time – not just for movies, it’s where I snuggle up to watch Strictly too,” she said.
“Every morning when we wake up and look out over the lake, we still pinch ourselves, we come downstairs and enjoy a brew with a view. We spent the first Christmas up here with the children making some magical memories.”
They also rent out the home when they are not using it – bringing in substantial extra income. She said: “We let the property out when we’re not using it to generate some extra income, people love coming to stay in an Omaze house. Lots of them actually entered the draw for this house, but obviously didn’t win, and say staying in it is the next best thing.”
The rental income has had a significant impact on their finances with the money they get from it out said to be “life changing. It helps all our children and is paying off the mortgage on our house in Telford faster.
“It really takes all the pressure off us. It means we’re totally sorted for our retirement now and we’ll never have to worry about money ever again – it’s an incredible feeling.
“We’ve been fostering children for seven years and have two children with us currently – we love it and it’s great to share this amazing space with them. I’ve worked for the NHS for 40 years and even though winning this prize has been so life changing, I love my job so much I’m still working. You don’t do it for the money, so winning hasn’t changed my motivation to keep going.”
Catherine and Chris marked their 25th wedding anniversary in the year they won the fully furnished house complete with a terrace offering stunning lake views, cosy log fires, a cinema room, sauna, steam room, a top-notch gym, tiered gardens, and a workshop. The couple have four children – Gareth, Jessica, Joshua, Charlotte – and two foster children, including Mya.
The property boasts a prime location just over a mile from Windermere station. They can indulge in sailing or cruising on the renowned lake, take up cycling and climbing, embark on mountain treks to Brantfell or Orrest Head or much else besides.
From the comfort of their bedroom windows, they might even spot the elusive Bownessie, often dubbed England’s answer to the Loch Ness Monster. The holiday let potential of the property is impressive, with rental income ranging from £5,000 to £15,000 per week depending on the season.
James Oakes from Omaze said: “We’re delighted that Catherine and her family are enjoying all the benefits of renting out their incredible home, whilst also still enjoying it themselves.”
Catherine added: “We entered Omaze as we like to support a lot of charities and have friends who have had family impacted by dementia. The partnership between Omaze and Alzheimer’s Research UK was fantastic as it raised so much money to help the charity continue its incredible work…
“I never in a million years expected to win – but I did – so my advice to anyone thinking about entering is simply go for it!”