'I visited new £4m Omaze House - I'm puzzled by common decision from winners'

Daily Mirror

19-06-2025

The Mirror's Julia Banim takes a peek behind the doors of the latest Omaze House - a stunning £4 million Alderley Edge property, which contains everything you could need, right down to your cocktail shaker
Although only a 30-minute drive from Manchester City Centre, Alderley Edge feels like another world entirely from the bustling northern metropolis. And for one lucky Omaze winner, this luxury village could well be their new home.
We're officially in footballer territory here, with residents past and present including Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, and, of course, the newly knighted sporting royalty, Sir David and Victoria Beckham.
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And from the plush greenery to the manicured mothers sorting school drop-offs in their polished vehicles, this uber-luxurious 'Beverley Hills of the North' is pure Posh Spice.
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Here, nestled behind rustling trees and thick holly bushes, is a contemporary mansion straight out of a Hollywood movie. Think Cameron Diaz's palatial pad in seasonal classic The Holiday, and you're on the right track.
Incredibly, this £4million property hasn't been earmarked for an A-Lister. It's up for grabs to anyone who enters the latest Omaze House Draw.
There have been plenty of wild rumours over the years about what it's like to be an Omaze winner, but I wanted to see the reality for myself. And when the Mirror was invited behind the shimmering glass doors for an exclusive look, I was only too happy to oblige...
READ MORE: Omaze winner selling £3m mansion at cut price for two reasons
I begin my tour on the south-facing terrace and am immediately struck by the peace and tranquillity of the place. Even if you have no need to hide from your legions of fans, you'll undoubtedly feel like a bona fide celeb as you look out over the landscaped gardens, celebratory glass of prosecco in hand.
Oh, and there's enough room to invite over the entire cast of The Real Housewives of Cheshire, should you be stuck for a bit of local gossip. It's a bright and breezy June day when I rock up, and the outdoor seating area looks heavenly. There is, however, plenty more to see before I can kick back like a true Lady of Leisure.
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The serenity continues inside, where the patio doors take me into the light and airy first floor of the three-storey property, which, I should mention, comes completely mortgage-free, and with all stamp duty and legal fees taken care of.
I'm met with the sort of chic kitchen that I'm absolutely certain would take my culinary skills up to professional levels if I were given a shot. This does not feel like the sort of place where you burn toast.
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With a range of high-end Miele appliances, the gleaming kitchen comes complete with everything you need, including cutlery, so you won't have to run to Tesco for teaspoons on that first night. Although I imagine by this point you'll likely already be a Waitrose shopper.
I move through the stylish dining area into the colossal double-height living room, with a ceiling that seems to go on forever. It's hugely impressive, with a true wow factor that I can't imagine wearing off quickly. It's also very tastefully done, with the light from the floor-to-ceiling wall illuminating the well-chosen furnishings and thick, soft rug.
However, if you feel like kicking back in your most inelegant PJs to watch Netflix, there's also a more cosy and casual TV-watching area to the right of the kitchen.
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I move on up to the second floor, where I take in the principal bedroom suite, complete with en suite bath, a sizeable dressing room with picturesque garden views, and two additional en-suite bedrooms.
It feels very much like being on holiday, especially with the summer sunshine pouring over the balcony. I can also confirm, through important research on my part, that the beds are every bit as comfy as they look. One drawback: it may be even harder to pull yourself out from under the duvet on lazy Saturday mornings.
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By this bit of the tour, I'm feeling a little bit underdressed and feel as though I should really be swanning around in some sort of silk dressing gown, not my jeans. But of course, with £250,0000 of cash to spend on top of the house prize, the lucky winner will have no fear in this department, and will have enough to fill each roomy wardrobe.
There's also a fourth bedroom on the ground floor level, which will naturally suit guests, like myself, who enjoy their own space to recharge and unwind after the party's over. I take a moment to enjoy a cuppa on the mini bedroom terrace, bordered with red sandstone from the local area, and then it's onto arguably the most exciting part of the tour.
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This opulent abode offers a full-blown leisure suite, complete with pool, jacuzzi and sauna. Although I can't imagine you'd have too many woes living in a place like this, it's good to know you could enjoy a spa day every day, should you so choose.
Oh, and the spacious walk-in wine store is just a short walk from the jacuzzi, just saying. Although maybe don't try any laps afterwards.
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It's estimated that the property could achieve a long-term rental value of between £18,000 and £20,000 per month, earning the owner a very tasty side income indeed. They also have the option to sell up happily and become a cash millionaire overnight, which again, would not be a shabby option at all.
From my own walk around, though, I'm left puzzled as to why anyone could bear to say goodbye to this place, as I already don't want to leave. I would at least make sure to have a few good times in the sauna first.
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This marks the third time Omaze has offered a Cheshire property, the leafy location of the very first house prize back in 2020. Just last year, one extremely lucky football fan won a £3.5 million house in the same area.
As always, those entering the Omaze Million Pound House Draw will be contributing to a good cause, with money raised for the pioneering stem cell charity, Anthony Nolan. Entrants will help fund Nottingham's Anthony Nolan Stem Cell Collection Centre, helping to provide lifesaving stem cells to those who need of treatment.
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This Omaze is backed by BAFTA Award-winning actor and charity Patron, Olivia Colman, who has shared her own personal passion for the cause.
Olivia stated: 'Anthony Nolan is a charity close to my heart – it found a stem cell donor for one of my close friends, Pip. When a stem cell transplant can save a life, every second counts. By entering the Omaze Cheshire House draw, you'll help Anthony Nolan ensure life-saving stem cells can reach patients when they need them.
'Sadly, my friend Pip didn't make it, but she was given more time. With your support, you can help us save lives through stem cells, giving more people, like Pip, extra time with their loved ones.'
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Draw entries for the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Sussex, are also available now at omaze.co.uk.The Grand Prize Draw closes on Sunday 29th June 2025 for online entries and Tuesday 1st July 2025 for postal entries.
Entrants can also choose to subscribe to Omaze to be automatically entered into every new Grand Prize Draw when their subscription renews on the first of each month. Omaze subscribers receive four times the number of entries compared to non-subscribers and can cancel their subscription at any time.
For full terms and conditions, see www.omaze.co.uk. No purchase necessary to enter. Over 18s and UK residents only.