When 33-year-old Alistair Walker decided to take a stab at the Omaze raffle for a stunning smart home in Surrey valued over £4 million, he thought why not spend £25 on a ticket? Little did he know this gamble would change his life forever.
To his utter shock, Alistair, an NHS worker, got a knock on his door that no one saw coming—they informed him he was not just a ticket holder but a WINNER! Along with the keys to his new mansion came an additional cash prize of £250,000. His reaction? Completely speechless, he admitted he was ‘floored.’
Picture this: a couple’s pick between settling into luxury, flipping the property, or renting it out. Estate agents reckon that if Alistair and his wife Naomi, who initially crossed paths as paramedic and A&E nurse, decide to rent the Farley Green property, they could be pulling in around £15,000 a month.
Originally from Surrey, Alistair moved to Darlington five years ago to get closer to Naomi’s family. Their journey together has included the birth of two daughters—currently five years old and just four months old.
On Halloween, when he first heard the doorbell, he thought it might be trick-or-treaters at the door. Can you imagine his surprise when he discovered it was much more important news?
Reflecting on the experience, Alistair shared: ‘As a paramedic, I’m pretty composed when things heat up. But learning about winning a mansion? That completely blew me away.’
Now he’s contemplating a nostalgic return to his roots, moving back into a home filled with £160,000 worth of stunning furnishings. Plus, the nearby villages of Shere and Shamley Green are only a stone’s throw away, popular spots that appeared in films like The Holiday and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.
“I know Surrey well and recall my childhood fondly. It’s such a beautiful place, and to now own this outstanding house is just surreal,” he added, mentioning that he first met Naomi nearby when they both worked together.
Alistair’s new digs flaunt modern decor with ample room, an open-plan layout that seamlessly combines the kitchen, dining areas, and spacious living room. Plus, there are four comfy bedrooms—three of which even come ensuite!
But that’s not the end of his surprises; the mansion also boasts a home gym, extra family bathroom, study, utility room, and a lift! State-of-the-art smart features mean you’ve got ground source heat pumps, solar panels, a Tesla Powerwall battery, and a smartphone-controlled home setup.
Clearly still pinching himself, Alistair feels a fantastic sense of relief knowing his daughters now have a secure future. For the moment, they’re keeping it a secret from them, dubbing it just a ‘holiday home,’ since, honestly, they’re still comprehending it all.
At some point, Alistair says, they’ll definitely take the kids down to enjoy some quality family time, especially since his daughters can even learn how to swim in their own pool!
This monumental victory has certainly lifted a weight off the shoulders of Alistair and Naomi, who both work tirelessly in the NHS. “You don’t do this job for the money, it’s about care and compassion. Winning something like this was never on our radar; it’s just wild!” he shared excitedly.
Now they can breathe a little easier and truly relish spending time together as their young family. They have numerous exciting options ahead, and whatever route they take will undoubtedly transform their lives.
“Honestly, I’ve never won anything hefty before—my wife’s grandma has been on a lucky streak with bingo, so perhaps that luck has come our way!” he laughed.
