A grandmother of ten has managed to win a £3.5million dream Cotswolds mansion with its own gym, tennis court, pool and cinema after winning a £10 raffle.
Susan Havenhan, 71, originally from Sussex, won the grand prize in Omaze’s campaign with the RSPCA that raised a whopping £1million.
John and Susan were in holiday, and Susan initially denied that it was real. John told Susan to hang up and go to the bar.
Omaze representatives had to talk to Harriet who lived next to Omaze to get in touch with them to persuade her parents that Omaze was winning.
John, a retired college manager, and Susan celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary by purchasing a round of French boozer for all.
Susan Havenhan (pictured with husband John), 71, originally from Sussex, won the grand prize in Omaze’s campaign with the RSPCA that raised a whopping £1million
Susan and John, who were in holiday at the time, initially denied that it was real. He told Harriet to hang up and go to a bar. Omaze had to call Harriet (who lives nearby) to persuade her parents that they were indeed winning.
The grand prize for her is an incredible six-bedroom home overlooking the Cotswolds, with a heated outdoor swimming pool and tennis court.
This luxurious 10,000-square-foot, three-storey luxury home features a gourmet kitchen, spa-like bathrooms, sauna, fitness room, and a cinema.
The grand prize for her is an incredible six-bedroom home overlooking the Cotswolds, with a heated outdoor swimming pool and tennis court.
This luxurious 10,000 sq. ft three-storey luxury home features a gourmet kitchen, spa-like bathrooms, sauna, fitness room, and a cinema. It boasts nearly two acres of outside space including a private forest, waterfall, and pond.
Fully furnished and free from mortgage, the property is also exempted of stamp duty and other legal fees. Susan was also given £50,000 in cash to help her settle in – it is up to Susan what she does with the property she may choose to live in the property, rent it or even sell it.
Susan taught secondary school for 38 years until she retired. John, her husband, of 43 years, was a Senior Management in a college.
“We have been in the education field for over eighty years so we know that this will help us to enjoy retirement. Susan shares that she has ten wonderful grandchildren, who will absolutely love this house.
Susan and John have ten grandchildren, but they also share three children, Harriet (42), Kate (39), and Polly (36) Harriet, their child who lives directly next to Susan & John, was the one to convince them that they won.
Susan and John also have 10 grandchildren. They share 3 daughters Harriet, Kate and Polly. Harriet, their child who lives directly next to Susan & John, convinced them that she had won.
It boasts nearly two acres of outside space including a private forest, pond, and waterfall. Fully furnished and mortgage-free, the property includes all legal fees and stamp duty.
Susan was also given £50,000 in cash to help her settle in – it is up to Susan what she does with the property she may choose to live in the property, rent it or even sell it
Susan stated: “When Omaze called to inform us that we had won, our husband believed it was a hoax. “In fact, he was so certain that he asked me to hang up the phone and go to the bar instead.”
Susan was not at home when the Omaze crew reached her Somerset house to announce the good news. John, Susan’s husband, initially denied the Omaze team’s call and went to the bar to confirm it. The couple thought they were being duped.
Harriet was next-door, so the crew needed to speak with her to convince them that they were winning.
Susan stated: “When Omaze called to inform us that we had won, our husband believed it was a hoax.
“In fact, he was so certain that he said to me to hang on and go to the bar instead.
“I had to leave it there for about an hour, but after speaking with my daughter, who was home with the entire film crew, I realized that this was actually true.
“I was so stunned that I ran straight to the bar with John to celebrate, and he couldn’t believe it.
“We bought all the drinks that were ordered, because it was affordable now.
If she decides to use the house for holiday and long-term letting, estate agents estimate that the average monthly rental income is between £12,000 and £15,000
As well as making Susan and John multi-millionaires, the draw has also raised £1,000,000 of crucial funds for the RSPCA, the oldest animal welfare charity in the UK
“We have been in education together for over 80 years. This is going to really help us enjoy retirement.
“We have 10 beautiful grandchildren, who will absolutely love this house. They all love tennis so this summer we will be hosting our own Wimbledon championships.
We thought that people wouldn’t actually win these kinds of things. And even though our house is now, it still feels dreamy. So we wait to get up. This just shows that you have to want to win it.
“We may be able to get a brand new car. The current car is over 22 years old with 160K miles.
“I was so pleased to enter, as I am a strong supporter for the RSPCA. So even though I did not win, I still helped raise money for an amazing cause.
If she decides to use the house for holiday and long-term letting, estate agents estimate that the average monthly rental income is between £12,000 and £15,000.
James Oakes SVP International at Omaze said: ‘We’re delighted that Susan has won her dream home – and was able to contribute to this fantastic £1,000,000 raise for the RSPCA in the process’
He added: ‘Omaze is a win-win for both charities and entrants. Offering a prize such as this beautiful house in Cotswolds allows people to have the chance of winning the home they desire. We also introduce charity to those audiences who might not otherwise be able.
As well as making Susan and John multi-millionaires, the draw has also raised £1,000,000 of crucial funds for the RSPCA, the oldest animal welfare charity in the UK.
Chris Sherwood (RSPCA Chief Executive) stated that Omaze’s partnership has provided our supporters with an extraordinary opportunity to support us in changing the lives of animals. In doing so, they have the unique opportunity to win a home.
We are truly grateful for everyone who participated in the partnership. All proceeds will be used to support our important animal welfare work and rescue animals that require our assistance.
“We’re approaching peak season and funding will allow the RSPCA’s animal rescue groups to Cancel Out Cruelty in this summer.”
James Oakes SVP International at Omaze said: ‘We’re delighted that Susan has won her dream home – and was able to contribute to this fantastic £1,000,000 raise for the RSPCA in the process.
Both charities and participants win with ‘Omaze. Offering a prize such as this beautiful house in Cotswolds allows people to have the opportunity to own the home of their dreams while also helping to spread the word about the charity.
“This fundraising method is making a huge difference for causes across the UK.”