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A retired physics teacher has been left utterly gobsmacked after winning a magnificent £3 million Cornwall property and a £250,000 cash prize from Omaze. Jon Dexter, from Doncaster, said the last thing he won was a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang book aged 14 and could not quite believe he'd won such a tremendous prize.
"It was just another quiet Friday night and I was in, expecting nothing more than a wine delivery, then all of a sudden Omaze turned up and I'm a multi-millionaire," he said in an interview following his win. "I thought the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang book was the best prize I was ever going to win, until now of course, winning an Omaze house is truly out of this world."
Jon, with three daughters aged 29 to 33, has lived alone in his Doncaster bungalow for 15 years. Each Christmas, he usually celebrates in a holiday rental with friends, but this year, he has a perfect new house to enjoy.
Remarkably, the 66-year-old even lived in Cornwall 40 years ago before moving back north. He has since always longed to return to the coastal county. "We've been looking for a house to spend Christmas in for months but haven't managed to find anything this year, so the first thing I did was message the WhatsApp group chat to say: 'Christmas sorted'," he continued.
He later added: "I lived in Cornwall years ago and always dreamed of coming back here one day, I never imagined it would be to a house like this. I have fond memories of living here - now, I get to make new ones with the family."
"My three daughters are already planning their first trips down here -- I think they're even more excited than I am." Jon's dreamy new house draws inspiration from two pairs of binoculars, with four angled 'lenses' that offer panoramic views of Will's Rock and the Atlantic Ocean.
The reverse-living design positions the lounge and main bedroom upstairs, maximising the seascape with floor-to-ceiling windows. It also features a cosy built-in fireplace and bi-fold doors that open to the terrace.
Meanwhile, the lower ground floor boasts an open-plan dining area and kitchen with a walnut Roundhouse cabinetry, Corian worktops and integrated Miele appliances. There is a pantry that includes a walk-in fridge, a utility room, and a second terrace, which leads to a lawned garden with a sunken firepit.
Overall, the property features four bedrooms, two with en suite bathrooms. The main bedroom suite includes a sunken bathtub and a dressing area with sea views. Additionally, there is a fifth room configured as a home office offering spectacular views, but it could also serve as an extra bedroom.
Omaze also shared that oak flooring extends throughout the house, which features underfloor heating and smart technology. There is a garage and driveway that can accommodate two to three cars.
Located near Padstow and Newquay, with the South West Coast Path just steps away, this property provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the finest of Cornish seaside living in one of the UK's most desirable areas.
"This place is absolutely stunning, who needs a telly with views like that," Jon continued. "I taught physics for decades, but I could never have calculated the formula for winning this, it's what you call a quantum leap in good fortune. It has put me light-years ahead of where I ever thought I'd be.
"I never taught maths, but £25 for a £3 million mansion is an easy equation for anyone." He also later added: "Winning this house is life-changing for me and my family -- we're all still in shock. I love hosting pub quizzes, but this is one question I never thought I'd answer: how does it feel to win a £3 million home?
"Whatever I decide to do, this win means mine and my daughters' futures are financially secure. I might rent it out, I might move in or I might sell up and bank the cash -- either way, it changes everything for me and the girls.
"Thanks to the £250,000, I could easily live here for years without having to worry -- it gives me fantastic options." Jon won his £3 million prize for just £25 as part of his Omaze subscription.
In addition to making Jon a multimillionaire, the Omaze Million Pound House Draw in Cornwall raised £5.2 million for FareShare. FareShare is the UK's top food redistribution charity, rescuing surplus good food and delivering it to over 8,000 charities and community groups nationwide. It supports meal creation, fosters connections, and provides essential aid to those facing food insecurity.
Grand Tour legend and FareShare supporter James May backed this charitable partnership. Since the pandemic, James has been a volunteer driver for FareShare's network partner, The Felix Project.
He said: "It's brilliant that someone has walked away with a beautiful house in Cornwall, but the real win here is that this draw has raised a staggering 5.2 million for FareShare. I've been behind the wheel delivering food for their network partner, The Felix Project, so I know just how important this support is.
"Instead of going to waste, millions of meals will now end up on the tables of people who really need them and that's something we can all be proud of. So, congratulations to the lucky winner, and a big thank you to everyone who took part, you've helped achieve something genuinely life-changing."
James Oakes, President of Omaze, also added: "Everyone at Omaze is thrilled that Jon has won this spectacular home in Cornwall, whilst also helping to raise an incredible £5.2 Million for FareShare.
"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. We're immensely proud that the Omaze Community has now raised over £106 million for good causes across the UK."
Entries for the Omaze Million Pound House Draw in New Forest are now open at omaze.co.uk. The Grand Prize Draw deadline for online entries is Sunday, September 28, 2025, and for postal entries, it is Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
In addition to the Grand Prize, anyone who enters by midnight on Sunday, September 14, 2025, or by post on Tuesday, September 16, will have a chance to win an 'Early Bird Prize'. This prize includes a Mercedes G-Wagon valued at over £140,000 and £100,000 in cash, with a total value exceeding £240,000.
Entrants can subscribe to Omaze to be automatically entered into each Grand Prize Draw and Omaze Monthly Millionaire Draw. Subscribers get at least five times the usual number of entries and can cancel their subscription at any time.
For full terms and conditions, see www.omaze.co.uk. Entry is free, and purchases are not necessary. Open to over-18s and UK residents only.