‘I gave keys back in days to £3m Bond-style Omaze house on the coast’

What at first appeared to be a storybook ending for Omaze winner Glen Elmy allegedly turned into a waking nightmare after he uncovered one problem.

Initially, the sophisticated, Bond-esque property, boasting an infinity pool and stunning seaside views, seemed to be utter paradise.

However, in October 2021, the foundry worker was rendered speechless after winning Stealth House in Devon, and it’s simple to comprehend his astonishment.

Speaking about his victory at the time, delighted father Glen said: “I’m totally gobsmacked. The only thing we’ve ever won before was three pounds at a Bingo night on holiday.

“We absolutely love the house-if I could have designed one from scratch, it would look just like this-it’s like something from a Bond film.”, reports Cornwall Live.

“We will be keeping it as there’s no other house like it in the country – so why would we want to sell it? My wife Debbie lost her father to Covid this year, and our youngest son was made redundant last week, so winning this house is just what the family needed – it’s life-changing for all of us.

“This house is so spectacular we’re going to enjoy our first family holiday for two years right here. I don’t think we’d find a better place anywhere else in the world!”.

Yet Glen, who comes from Walsall in the West Midlands, allegedly spent just three days at the property before worries about cliff erosion allegedly compelled his departure, according to Devon Live.

According to Mail Online, Glen handed back the keys to Omaze, requesting the cash equivalent of the property’s £3 million value instead.

Since then, it is understood he has not returned to Stealth House on the North Devon coastline, as reported by the Mirror.

A source said: “I met Mr Elmy when he was here for the publicity. He was apparently planning to stay for a week but left after three days and that was the last we saw of him. The corner of the house goes almost to the cliff edge, it’s about two metres away from the edge.”

In contrast, an unnamed local added: “I never see anybody going in or out since the win. There is all sorts of speculation that it can’t be insured because of how close it’s been built to the sea and on the cliff edge. There is a problem with coastal erosion all along the coast here. There are signs around the beach warning about falling rocks.”

They added: “It could just be local rumours, but the person who originally built the building was told it was too close to the edge, and mortgage and insurance might be a problem.

“When I moved in five years ago, it was on the market for £2.5 million, but nobody wanted it. When the competition was running, we saw cars coming and going, but soon after the winner was announced, that stopped, and there’s been nothing since.”

Nevertheless, an Omaze spokesperson has vehemently refuted speculation surrounding the luxury property’s structural integrity by categorically denying suggestions that the house is ‘tumbling into the sea’.

They provided firm assurances in their statement: “As with all its properties, Omaze carried out extensive professional surveys, searches and inspections prior to purchasing the house in Devon. Omaze can confirm that none of these reports raised any material concerns with the property, including in relation to coastal erosion. The property is fully insurable.”

It seems Glen’s circumstances aren’t unique amongst Omaze winners. Despite the original thrill of obtaining their dream properties, some have seemingly faced unforeseen challenges after their victory.

In August 2022, Leicestershire couple Uttam Parmar and his wife Raki secured a “fantastic” £3 million property along the Cornish coastline, featuring stunning views across the Camel Estuary.

However, they allegedly had to leave the residence just eight weeks afterwards, according to the Mail; assertions that Omaze has disputed.

In a separate instance, having won a six-bedroom property in Fowey, Cornwall, in May 2023, grandmother June Smith opted to sell swiftly after just a single visit to the remarkable home — which locals reportedly nicknamed a “fishbowl”.

There have certainly been triumphant outcomes with Omaze competitions, one of the most uplifting being Lauren Keene — who became the youngest ever winner last year by securing a five-bedroom house like of a Hollywood Hills dream in the Wirral.

The delighted winner said: “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!”