A grandfather of three from England stunned his wife with the surprise of a lifetime after winning a spectacular $5.7 million country estate — in a competition she didn’t even know he had entered.
Ian Roberts, 66, and his wife, Viv, were at home in Warwickshire preparing dinner for friends when an unexpected phone call changed their lives forever. According to a press release from Omaze obtained by The Bright Story, the retired London worker had won the latest Omaze Million Pound House Draw, securing a six-bedroom Yorkshire property set on 16 acres of countryside, along with $635,000 in cash.
“When I got the call, the last thing on my mind was winning a spectacular six-bedroom house — our main focus was just cooking dinner for our friends. We almost didn’t pick up because we were in the middle of chopping carrots,” Ian said.
“When I answered, the person on the other end of the line said I’d won an Omaze prize. I thought they were having me on!”
Moments later, the Omaze team arrived at the couple’s door to reveal the full scale of the win.
“When I opened the door and saw the cameras, I thought the best-case scenario might be a car or a cash prize.
“Then the next thing we knew, I was the owner of an amazing mansion in Yorkshire. We were completely bowled over — just in total disbelief. I’m not sure it will ever sink in.”
The surprise was even greater for Ian’s wife, who had no idea he had entered the draw.
“My wife didn’t even know I’d entered, so she was doubly surprised,” he said. “We told our immediate family — all 14 of them. They couldn’t believe it either. They were convinced we were winding them up.”
For the retired grandfather, the win felt all the more surreal given his track record.
“I never imagined a $25 ticket would turn into this. I’ve entered competitions my whole life, and the only thing we’d ever won before was two tickets to a concert that ended up being canceled anyway,” Ian said. “I can’t get my head around the fact that I’ve won something so special — it’s like our very own Downton Abbey.”
The sprawling property includes a swimming pool, tennis court, boating lake, wine cellar, extensive equestrian facilities and a separate courtyard flat for guests. Even so, Ian said it was the smaller details that left the biggest impression.
“Everything about this house is special. Even the pool house looks more like an actual house — it’s almost as big as our first flat.
“Now that we have our own tennis court, I suppose I should probably work on my serve.”
Much of the excitement, he said, centers on the couple’s three young grandchildren, all ages 5 and under.
“Our grandchildren will love exploring and having adventures here. It will be one giant playground for them — although we might need walkie-talkies to keep track of them,” Ian said. “It’s going to be an extra-special Christmas this year.”
The timing of the win made the moment even sweeter.
“To be honest, I was already having a good week because Arsenal had just beaten Spurs — and then Omaze came knocking,” he said. “So it’s been a great few days, but winning the house definitely tops it.”
Looking ahead, Ian said the win is less about luxury and more about bringing family together.
“We love big family gatherings, and now we’ve got the perfect house to bring everyone together. It’s our 40th wedding anniversary next year, and I think we’ve found the perfect venue for a party.”
For now, the couple plans to take their time before making any long-term decisions.
“Long term, we don’t know what we’ll do yet, but we’re definitely going to enjoy this incredible place as a family before making any decisions,” Ian said. “We’re very excited. Whatever we decide to do will have a massive impact on our lives.
“The $635,000 means that, if we wanted to, we could actually afford to stay here for years. It’s fantastic to have that option.”
Beyond the life-changing home, the draw also raised significant funds for charity. Omaze partnered with Refuge, the U.K.’s largest specialist domestic abuse charity, which will receive a guaranteed $1.27 million donation from the campaign.
“I’m so proud to be part of the Omaze community that raised so much for Refuge,” Ian said.
Refuge supporter and comedian Sara Pascoe praised the impact of the campaign.
“What an incredible result,” she said. “Thanks to the fabulous Omaze community, Refuge will receive a guaranteed $1.27 million to help provide more safe, accessible accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse.
“This funding will go toward providing self-contained homes for those who aren’t able to access communal refuges, including people with disabilities, larger families, older sons or much-loved pets. It could help as many as 60 families over the next five years.
“A massive congratulations to Ian and his family, who will now have a stunning new home to enjoy. This campaign has helped shine a light on the hidden reality of domestic abuse and will support survivors as they rebuild their lives free from fear.”
James Oakes, president of Omaze, said the outcome reflected the organization’s broader mission.
“Everyone at Omaze is delighted that Ian has won this very special property in Yorkshire while also helping to raise $1.27 million for Refuge,” Oakes said.
“Omaze offers people the chance to win incredible homes like Ian’s while introducing charities to new audiences they wouldn’t normally reach. It’s a real win-win for entrants and our charity partners, and we’re immensely proud that the Omaze community has now raised more than $127 million for good causes across the U.K.”
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