Dad Almost Missed a Multi-Million-Pound House Because He Thought the Omaze Prize Call Was Spam

Simon Williams, a 41-year-old British aircraft engineer, was on the verge of becoming a multimillionaire in a touching turn of events. His entry into the « Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Devon » in the UK marked the beginning of it all, with the chance to win a gorgeous £2 million Devon cottage. Simon’s tale begins with a phone call he very nearly dismissed as spam, but in the end, he walked away with a beautifully remodeled five-bedroom cottage as well as an extra £100,000 (over $121,000) in cash. Let’s explore Simon Williams’ incredible journey and the stunning property he now owns.

A Missed Call That Almost Cost a Fortune

The compelling story begins with a phone call that almost went unanswered. Like many of us, Simon had spent the day fielding a stream of spam calls. He had been getting nuisance calls all day trying to sell him something and was, by his own account, « at my wits end, » so when his work phone rang from a number he didn’t recognize, he nearly let it go. Thankfully, he chose to accept the call that would alter the course of his life. On the other end was the Omaze team, prepared to break the incredible news.

From Skepticism to Sheer Disbelief

Simon’s initial skepticism soon gave way to complete disbelief upon learning that he had won the gorgeous Devon cottage. Standing in the property for the first time, he said he had « a very big grin » on his face, adding that it was « one thing seeing it in the films, but being here in person is something else. » Originally from Kent and a resident of West Sussex, where he had lived in a three-bedroom house for 15 years, the aircraft engineer had spent just £25 on his entry.

A Serendipitous Cancellation

That evening, Simon was supposed to have dinner with friends, but he had to call it off quickly so he could meet the Omaze team and find out exactly what he had won. « I was actually meant to go out to dinner with my friends that evening, but I had to cancel so I could meet the Omaze team and find out exactly what I’d won, » he said. « It was well worth cancelling a Wagamamas to win a £2,000,000 house. » What should have been an ordinary night out had become the most surreal experience of his life.

The Enchanting Devon Cottage

The grand prize is a gorgeously remodeled five-bedroom Devonian cottage set in woodland bordering Dartmoor National Park, with modern appliances, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a thoughtfully designed kitchen and dining area. The charm is further enhanced by a separate two-bedroom guest house featuring an open-plan kitchen-dining area, a shower room, and a cozy living area. The property comes mortgage-free, with all stamp duty and legal fees covered, and it is estimated it could generate roughly £3,000 per month in long-term rentals. As with every Omaze house, Simon was free to live in it, rent it out, or sell it to become a cash multimillionaire.

A Personal Connection to Devon

Simon’s relationship with Devon extends beyond the gorgeous cottage. He holds a particular place in his heart for the county because, when he was younger, his late father would take him there for family vacations. More than just a prize, the house holds many special memories. « Having my own place in Devon and being able to bring my family here, like my father did with me, is incredibly special — he’d have loved his place, » he said.

A Long-Awaited Win

For a while now, Simon and his sister had been entering Omaze draws in the hopes of winning. He recalled how the pair would always speak after previous houses were given away, « feeling jealous and wishing it had been one of us that had won — I can’t believe I actually have now. » In addition to making Simon happy, the Omaze Million Pound House Draw raised a significant sum for Macmillan Cancer Support, a cause that is dear to his heart.

A Charitable Contribution

Simon entered the draw with the intention of helping Macmillan Cancer Support in addition to winning a house. When he was in his early 20s, his father passed away from cancer, and the charity was essential in helping him and his family through that difficult period. « I lost my father to cancer when I was in my early 20s, and they supported my father and us back then, so I know firsthand just how amazing the work they do is, » he said. Through Omaze, his donation to the charity has now completed a full circle.

A Life-Changing Initiative

The company behind the Million Pound House Draw, Omaze, has changed the game by giving people the opportunity to win enormous prizes while also contributing to worthy causes. The Devon draw alone raised £1,700,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support — enough, the charity said, to fund 27 cancer support nurses for an entire year. Gemma Peters, Chief Executive at Macmillan, said the charity was « beyond thrilled » with the total, noting that as an organization reliant almost entirely on public donations, the money would help it support many more people living with cancer and their loved ones. James Oakes of Omaze added that the model is « a win-win for both charities and entrants, » and said the wider Omaze community has now raised more than £20 million for good causes across the UK.

How the Omaze House Draws Work

Omaze’s distinctive fundraising strategy stands out in a landscape where charitable donations can have a genuine impact and dreams have the power to change lives. Entries typically start at around £10 to £25, and Omaze guarantees a minimum donation to a partner charity for each campaign. Since Simon’s win, the company has handed over multimillion-pound properties up and down the country — from a £3 million Somerset home that raised £3.5 million for the RSPCA, to Lake District and London prizes worth £4 million to £6 million tied to causes such as Comic Relief, the British Heart Foundation, the King’s Trust and Alzheimer’s Society.

Not every handover has been smooth, however. One £6 million Norfolk winner waited more than a year for her keys after a council investigation found parts of the property — including a swimming pool and tennis court — had been built without planning permission; Omaze secured retrospective consent and stressed that no winner ever has to pay to remedy a historical planning issue, and that all house prizes are transferred with good and marketable title. For prospective entrants, stories like Simon’s sit alongside that fine print as part of the full picture of how these high-profile charity draws operate.

Conclusion

The touching tale of Simon Williams’ transformation — from someone who almost wrote off a phone call as spam to the proud owner of a £2 million Devon cottage — is one of luck, family, and giving back. The Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Devon is a striking example of how charitable endeavors and a bit of good fortune can intersect. Simon knows that his win has not only changed his own life but also helped many others in need through Macmillan Cancer Support, as he prepares to make new memories in his charming Devon cottage. For more remarkable real-life stories, browse The AEGIS Alliance’s International News coverage.