By Tom Bevan via SWNS
A woman won a $3.8 million home on the way to McDonald’s – and celebrated with a Happy Meal.
Lauren Keene, 24, has become the youngest Omaze Grand Prize winner after securing the ‘Hollywood Hills’ inspired Wirral mansion.
The contemporary five-bedroom house complete with spectacular coastal views, a cinema room and a heated outdoor swimming pool.
Lauren was on her way to grab a McDonald’s drive-thru after work when Omaze called her to say she’d won a prize.
She said she didn’t mind skipping her post work snack as “missing that Maccies made me a multi-millionaire.”
She did eventually celebrate with a McDonald’s later that evening, and added: “It was a very, very happy meal indeed.”
The full-time nanny from Gloucester also scooped $250,000 in cash to help her settle in.
She currently lives with her dad in his two-bed flat and joked: “He’s most delighted about the fact I can finally move out now.”
The luxurious property comes mortgage free and with all legal fees covered and if she decides to rent it out could make around $8,000 per month.
Lauren, who bought her $3 million winning entry for just $20 as part of her Omaze subscription, has been with partner Ryan Mitchell since they were both 18-years-old.
The couple have been saving up to buy a place so they can move in with each other.
Lauren added: “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 skeptical – 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 $4 million mansion. I was gobsmacked.
“It was definitely worth missing my McDonald’s for, it’s made me a multi-millionaire!
“We did end up celebrating with a Maccies afterwards and it was a very, very happy meal indeed.”
Lauren’s new home sits in a prominent location on the edge of the sandstone outcrop of the Wirral Peninsula, bringing the surrounding countryside inside the property in a magnificent example of modern architecture and design.
The exclusive, elevated plot provides stunning views from the wraparound terrace of the nearby estuary and the Irish Sea – as well as being just a short stroll away from Caldy Beach.
The 4,750 square foot property, which was nominated for the RIBA Mansell house of the year, combines elements of America’s West Coast, mid-century modern homes, in an original composition that perfectly complements the surrounding landscape.
Lauren added: “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.
“I love the pool, it’s a bit nippy today but it’s heated so I was tempted to have a quick dip.”
Lauren’s partner Ryan, a software engineer from Liverpool, celebrated his 25th birthday just a few days after they found out about Lauren’s big win.
On her relationship she 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 $4m 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 2-bedroom flat – he’s delighted that I’ll finally be moving out now.”
The ground floor has a welcoming entrance hall, a state-of-art cinema room, double bedroom with an en suite shower and toilet, boot room, laundry room and a double garage.
A feature staircase leads to the first floor, where there is a spacious, bespoke kitchen complete with quartz worktops, a breakfast island, integrated Gaggenau double oven and gas hobs by Bertazzoni. It also features a Fisher and Paykel fridge and a sink fitted with a Quooker tap.
The first floor also provides an open plan living and dining space, featuring a show-stopping sunken sofa. The generous main bedroom with en suite is also on the floor, along with three further double bedrooms, an office and a family bathroom.
The extensive private gardens have manicured lawns and mature Caldy trees. The large entertaining terraces, full width balconies, outdoor kitchen and heated swimming pool create an unrivalled outdoor living space.
Thurstaston Beach, Heswall and Parkgate salt marshes on the banks of the River Dee are all enjoyable options just a short stroll away.
Lauren added: “It’s my boyfriend’s birthday this week, I’ve told him the house is his birthday and Christmas present combined this year.
“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.”
As well as making Lauren a multimillionaire, the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, on the Wirral and The Great Escape House Draw, Wales, raised $3,500,000 for Scouts.
James Oakes, Chief International Officer at Omaze, said: “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.
“We’re immensely proud that the Omaze community has now raised over £67 million for good causes across the UK.”
The money raised from the partnership with Omaze will fund Scouts to open new groups in local communities, especially low-income areas, helping young people of every background believe in themselves and find their place in the world.
Aidan Jones Scouts CEO 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.
“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.
The Omaze partnership was backed by TV presenter and Chief Ambassador of World Scouting, Bear Grylls OBE.
Draw entries for the latest Omaze Million Pound House Draw, the Lake District, are available now at omaze.co.uk. The draw closes on Boxing Day for online entries and New Year’s Day for postal entries.
