A South West woman has hit the jackpot, winning a £3 million mansion after purchasing a ticket on her way to McDonald’s, and celebrated with a Happy Meal. The 24-year-old, Lauren Keene, bagged the grand prize in the Omaze competition, securing a ‘Hollywood Hills’ inspired mansion in Wirral.
The luxurious five-bedroom property offers stunning coastal views, a cinema room and a heated outdoor swimming pool. Lauren was en route to a McDonald’s drive-thru post-work when she received the life-changing call from Omaze.
Lauren, from Gloucestershire, humorously remarked that missing her post-work snack was worth it as “missing that Maccies made me a multi-millionaire.” She did eventually celebrate with a McDonald’s later that evening, adding: “It was a very, very happy meal indeed.”
In addition to the house, the full-time nanny also won an extra £250,000 in cash to help her settle into her new abode. Currently residing with her father in his two-bedroom flat, she joked: “He’s most delighted about the fact I can finally move out now.”, reports Gloucestershire Live.
The property comes mortgage-free and with all legal fees covered. If she decides to rent it out, she could rake in around £8,000 per month.
Lauren, who secured her winning entry for just £20 as part of her Omaze subscription, has been with her partner Ryan Mitchell since they were both 18. The couple have been saving up to buy a house so they can move in together.
Lauren revealed her extraordinary turn of fortune, detailing: “It was just an ordinary Friday really, I was heading for a McDonald’s after work when I got a call from Omaze telling me I’d won something. I was sceptical – and hungry – but went straight home to see what I’d won.
“The next thing we knew, the Omaze team were all there telling us we’d won a £3 million mansion. I was gobsmacked.”
She continued with palpable excitement: “It was definitely worth missing my McDonald’s for, it’s made me a multi-millionaire!” The celebrations were appropriately fast-food themed: “We did end up celebrating with a Maccies afterwards and it was a very, very happy meal indeed.”
Lauren’s new home sits at the crest of the Wirral Peninsula, offering a modern design that invites the outdoors in. The house commands a spectacular panorama of the estuary and Irish Sea from its expansive terrace, with Caldy Beach just moments away.
With a footprint of 4,750 square feet, this celebrated property, which was recognised by RIBA Mansell House of the Year, presents a style reflecting mid-century modern American dwellings while integrating flawlessly into the landscape.
Captivated by her luxurious new property, Lauren expressed: “The house is unreal! It really does feel like something you’d find in the Hollywood Hills! It’s made for parties and we can’t wait to get everyone we know up here for a big bash.”
She finished by confessing her affection for the home’s pool amenity: “I love the pool, it’s a bit nippy today but it’s heated so I was tempted to have a quick dip.”
Lauren and her partner Ryan, a software engineer from Liverpool, had cause for double celebrations as his 25th birthday closely followed the news of her substantial lottery win. Reflecting on their relationship, Lauren said: “We’ve been together since we were 18 and never in our wildest dreams did we ever think we’d end up owning a place like this.”
“Only last week we were viewing houses we thought we could never afford, but now our first property is a £3m mansion. It’s crazy to think we’ll never have a mortgage. We’ve been saving for years so I still live with my dad in his two-bedroom flat – he’s delighted that I’ll finally be moving out now.”
Their new home welcomes visitors with an impressive entrance hall leading to a state-of-the-art cinema room, a downstairs double bedroom with en-suite facilities, a convenient boot room, dedicated laundry room and a sizable double garage.
Ascending the feature staircase to the first floor reveals a spacious, custom-designed kitchen resplendent with quartz worktops, an inviting breakfast island, premium Gaggenau double ovens, and Bertazzoni gas hobs. Other high-end appliances include a Fisher and Paykel fridge and a conveniently Quooker-equipped sink.
Also housed on the first floor is an expansive open plan living and dining area distinguished by a striking sunken sofa arrangement. The opulent main bedroom, boasting an en-suite, shares this level with three additional double bedrooms, a home office, and a well-appointed family bathroom.
The property boasts expansive private gardens with perfectly manicured lawns and towering mature trees. It’s an entertainer’s dream, featuring vast terraces, sweeping full-width balconies, a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen, and a heated swimming pool, all combining to create an unparalleled al fresco living experience.
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Thurstaston Beach, Heswall, and the Parkgate salt marshes along the River Dee are merely a leisurely walk away.
Lauren shared her excitement: “It’s my boyfriend’s birthday this week, I’ve told him the house is his birthday and Christmas present combined this year.”
She also revealed the financial comfort the win has provided: “Thanks to the £250,000 we’ve pocketed as part of the win – we could afford to stay here for many years if we decided to, it’s a great position to be in. Winning this house has transformed our lives forever! Whatever we decide to do long-term, we’re made for life now.”
The Omaze Million Pound House Draw on the Wirral and The Great Escape House Draw in Wales have not only turned Lauren into a multimillionaire but also raised a staggering £3,500,000 for Scouts.
James Oakes from Omaze expressed his delight: “Everyone at Omaze is thrilled that Lauren has won this wonderful house on the Wirral, whilst also contributing to the £3.5 million raised for Scouts. Omaze offers people the chance to win amazing houses, whilst also introducing charities to new audiences that they wouldn’t normally reach it’s a real win-win for entrants and our charity partners.”
He added, proudly highlighting the impact of their community: “We’re immensely proud that the Omaze community has now raised over £67 million for good causes across the UK.”
The Scouts have teamed up with Omaze to raise funds for new groups in local communities, particularly those in low-income areas. Aidan Jones, CEO of the Scouts, said: “The partnership will allow us to help grow our new Squirrel Scout section. The funds generated will help over 16,000 four-and five-year-olds learn key life skills.”
He added: “As well as the funds we had expected to generate from working with Omaze we are blown away by the extra funds that have been created.”
TV presenter and chief ambassador of World Scouting, Bear Grylls OBE, has backed the partnership.
Entries for the latest Omaze Million Pound House Draw, the Lake District, can be made online at omaze.co.uk until Boxing Day, and postal entries will be accepted until New Year’s Day.