An NHS worker has hit the jackpot by winning a £3 million dream home and joyfully proclaimed: “I’ll never have to worry about money ever again.”
She’s even indulging in her favourite series, Strictly Come Dancing, from the comfort of her new cinema room. Catherine Carwardine, 62, scooped the Omaze Grand Prize last year, securing a six-bedroom mansion with awe-inspiring views across Lake Windermere, all without the burden of a mortgage and with legal fees covered.
Catherine and her spouse Chris, also 62 and working as a technical sales representative, were presented with the choice to either move into the opulent abode, rent it out for additional income, or sell it off to become cash multi-millionaires on the spot. The lucky ticket that changed their lives was bought by Catherine on Valentine’s Day for just £20.
Upon entering the grand prize home, Catherine “fell in love” instantly. The decision to keep the house was easy, given its array of stunning features such as a terrace overlooking the lake, snug log fires, a cinema room, sauna, steam room, a state-of-the-art gym, and more.
Catherine reminisced about the day they discovered their fortune: “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 enthused about the enchantment of her Lake District home during winter, saying: “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 also mentioned the frequent use of their cinema room, not just for films but for cosy evenings enjoying popular TV shows. “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,” Catherine revealed to Lancs Live.
The family relishes waking up to the serene views, with Catherine adding: “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 offer the home for rent when they’re not there, which has proven financially beneficial. “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.”
Catherine explained that the rental income has been transformative for their finances, stating it was “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 celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in the same year they won a fully furnished house, which features a terrace with stunning lake views, cosy log fires, a cinema room, sauna, steam room, a top-notch gym, tiered gardens, and a workshop. They are a family of six including four children – Gareth, Jessica, Joshua, Charlotte – plus two foster kids, one of whom is Mya.
Nestled just over a mile from Windermere station, the couple enjoys a prime location. They delight in a range of activities such as sailing or cruising on the famous lake, cycling, climbing, and mountain walks to Brantfell or Orrest Head, amongst other adventures.
From their bedroom windows, there’s even a chance to spot the enigmatic Bownessie, sometimes heralded as England’s very own Loch Ness Monster. Owing to its idyllic setting, the holiday rental potential of their home is considerable, with the income fluctuating between £5,000 to £15,000 weekly, depending on the season.
James Oakes from Omaze enthused: “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 disclosed her motivations for entering, saying, “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…” She added with surprise: “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!”