Londoner who's lived in same council flat for 42 years wins £5million Omaze mansion

A man who has lived in the same east London council flat for 42 years has won a £5 million lakeside mansion.

Darren Thorpe, 53, has been in his flat since he was 11 years old, but is now the owner of a five-bedroom home set in the Lake District.

The father-of-one, who bought an £15 entry into Omaze’s million pound house draw, said he was in the middle of painting a friend’s summer house when he got the call.

“I thought I might pass out as I never expected it to be the house - especially as I’ve never won anything in my life before. I guess this makes up for 50 years of bad luck,” he said.

“My daughter works in the local pub, so me and my friend went to surprise her at work with the good news, she didn’t believe me at first, things like this just don’t happen to normal people, well that’s what I used to think anyway.”

Darren has a 21-year-old daughter Yolotzin and has worked as a concierge in London for the past 30 years.

“I’ve never been to the Lake District before, the closest I’ve got is probably Lakeside,” he joked, as he celebrated his huge win with champagne.

“I’ve been in the same council flat for 42 years - it’s often been a case of living paycheque to paycheque. But now all the pressure is off. No more money worries, I’ll never have to think about how I’m going to get through the month ever again,” he said.

“To say it’s life-changing would be a massive understatement. It’s not been an easy road - life’s had lots of ups and downs - this is definitely an up.”

The home boasts more than half an acre of landscaped grounds, panoramic views across Windermere and a separate two-storey boathouse with its own jetty.

It comes mortgage-free, with all stamp duty and legal fees covered, as well as £250,000 in cash to help Darren settle in.

If Darren decides to keep the property, it is estimated the £250,000 would enable him to run the house for many years.

If he chooses to rent it out, local estate agents estimate that the property could achieve a long-term rental value of around £5,500 per month.

“Long term I don’t know what I’ll do yet - but I’m definitely going to enjoy this incredible place for a bit. I’ll host a big barbecue up here this summer with friends and family,” Darren said.

“I’ll also book a holiday, but I better renew my passport or I won’t be going anywhere. I’ll carry on working for a bit - but I reckon it’s looking like early retirement for me.

“Whatever I decide to do, it will change mine and my daughter’s lives forever. It’s an incredible feeling knowing I can give her the best possible start in life. I’m happiest for her.”

Darren’s new home has floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies and terraces framing views across Lake Windermere.

The ground floor features a reception hall, lounge, dining room and a large kitchen, along with a utility room and additional facilities.

Upstairs, there are five bedrooms and five bathrooms, including a main bedroom with en suite and dressing room.

Three of the main bedrooms have lake views and open onto a balcony running the full length of the house.

Outside, the property sits within more than half an acre of landscaped grounds with a large driveway, double garage and electric gated entrance.

The detached boathouse sits beside the lake and includes a wet dock and jetty on the ground floor, with a day room, kitchenette and balcony above.

Omaze partnered with Centrepoint, the UK’s leading youth homelessness charity, for this competition.

The money raised will help fund Centrepoint’s Independent Living Programme, which creates homes with rent capped at a third of income, giving young people the stability to build skills, save money and move towards independence.

Alongside the guaranteed £1,000,000 raised through the draw, Omaze has also committed a further £3,500,000 through a separate multi-year grant, bringing the total contribution to Centrepoint to £4,500,000.

Centrepoint CEO Seyi Obakin said: “A massive thank you from us all at Centrepoint to Omaze and everyone who entered the Lake District House Draw. These vital funds will help us build new homes for up to 720 young people who can’t afford to rent elsewhere but, thanks to you, will have the stability they need to leave homelessness behind and fulfil their ambitions.”

Matt Pohlson, Founder and CEO of Omaze, said: “Everyone at Omaze is thrilled that Darren has won this very special home overlooking Lake Windermere, whilst also helping to raise crucial funds for Centrepoint.“Omaze offers people the chance to win incredible homes, whilst also introducing charities to new audiences that they wouldn't normally reach - it’s a win-win for entrants and our charity partners. We’re immensely proud that the Omaze Community has now raised well over £100 million for good causes across the UK.”

Draw entries for the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Cornwall, are available now at omaze.co.uk.

The Grand Prize Draw closes on Sunday 31st May 2026 for online entries and Tuesday 2nd June 2026 for postal entries.

For full terms and conditions, see omaze.co.uk. No purchase necessary to enter. Over 18s and UK residents only.