The REAL horror stories behind the million pound properties raffled off in ...

The REAL horror stories behind the million pound properties raffled off in ...
The REAL horror stories behind the million pound properties raffled off in ...

It is many people's dream to wake up and find they have won a multi-million pound mansion.

But for some reality has come crashing down as they find their new home brings a bundle of issues.

In Darren Wordon's case, it was that his £2.5million Cotswold pile is plonked in a valley prone to severe flooding.

The father of two from Bath won the sprawling mansion after entering a charity prize draw through Omaze for just £25.

The stunning property boasts seven bedrooms, 2.3 acres of land and comes with £10,000 in cash chucked in to help him get set up in the exclusive Chipping Norton.

Mr Wordon and his family should now be preparing to rub shoulders with their new neighbours the Beckhams, Jeremy Clarkson, Amanda Holden and David Cameron.

But instead their dreamy bubble looks set to burst as other local residents warn of the flooding threat to his home - which may not be insurable.

In Darren Wordon's case, his £2.5million Cotswold pile is plonked in a valley prone to severe flooding

In Darren Wordon's case, his £2.5million Cotswold pile is plonked in a valley prone to severe flooding

The father of two from Bath won the sprawling mansion after entering a charity prize draw through Omaze for just £25

The father of two from Bath won the sprawling mansion after entering a charity prize draw through Omaze for just £25

The stunning property boasts seven bedrooms, 2.3 acres of land and comes with £10,000 in cash chucked in to help him get set up in the exclusive Chipping Norton

The stunning property boasts seven bedrooms, 2.3 acres of land and comes with £10,000 in cash chucked in to help him get set up in the exclusive Chipping Norton

Their dreamy bubble looks set to burst as other local residents warn of the flooding threat to his home - which may not be insurable

Their dreamy bubble looks set to burst as other local residents warn of the flooding threat to his home - which may not be insurable

Darren Wordon (pictured) was the latest person to win the grand prize with Omaze

Darren Wordon (pictured) was the latest person to win the grand prize with Omaze

Willowbrook House in Radford, a hamlet six miles east of Chipping Norton, sits in a valley that floods nearly every year.

Mr Wordon's new neighbours have revealed the problems he faces if he decides to make the move.

Julia Boardman said: 'This valley has been flooding for hundreds of years, it is just the natural way of things.

'Before there was a just a cottage at the side of the plot which never flooded and the water was able to flood down and drain slowly away in the stream.

'Then they built this horrendous house. They built this about five years ago and they only got planning permission because of a loophole.

'The local council was so weak it never managed to stop it and we ended up with this house.'

The mansion sits between two historic listed properties and is a visual oddity in the tiny community.

But it hit the headlines when it became the prize for Omaze's raffle fundraiser - the third million pound house draw the US-based charity had ran.

When locals heard about the lottery, they revealed the extent of the damage the flooding can cause.

They also claimed developers Palladian Properties had gone ahead with the build despite their warnings.

The family have said they are not sure what they plan to do with the £2.5m property - whether they will sell it or live in it

The family have said they are not sure what they plan to do with the £2.5m property - whether they will sell it or live in it

The property boasts a beautiful open plan setting, with a kitchen complete with a breakfast bar and an adjoining dining room. The flagstone flooring is a feature throughout the property, are as the big and open bay windows.

The property boasts a beautiful open plan setting, with a kitchen complete with a breakfast bar and an adjoining dining room. The flagstone flooring is a feature throughout the property, are as the big and open bay windows. 

The living room is open and light but also features a stunning fire place and wood burner, perfect for the cosy evenings in. The room is carpeted with spotlights in the ceiling to give a warm glow alongside the fireplace, which features stunning brickwork

The living room is open and light but also features a stunning fire place and wood burner, perfect for the cosy evenings in. The room is carpeted with spotlights in the ceiling to give a warm glow alongside the fireplace, which features stunning brickwork

The furnishings in the kitchen are light and complement the wide open windows giving the property a natural and light feel

The furnishings in the kitchen are light and complement the wide open windows giving the property a natural and light feel

There is also a study which features large windows, perfect for looking over the incredible Cotswold countryside . Wooden doors and entry ways are a big feature in the property, giving it a natural and cosy feel.

There is also a study which features large windows, perfect for looking over the incredible Cotswold countryside . Wooden doors and entry ways are a big feature in the property, giving it a natural and cosy feel. 

Ms Boardman continued: 'It flooded on October 4 and December 23 last year, which was before Omaze knew about the property and the water went straight in through the back door and out of the front door. All the water flows down the valley and settles in the bottom.

'The water got so high - it was nearly halfway up the gate post - that it was going to flood the neighbour's house. We had to make a gap in the wall opposite so the water could flow out.'

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: 'The developer has been really difficult, he has done everything possible to make the house bigger.'

They added: 'I just don't know how the council could allow it? It is not even real stone.'

Willowbrook House is said to have flooded twice in recent years, costing the developers thousands of pounds.

But it is also an issue for whoever moves in, with it being difficult for them to get flooding insurance.

Work has been carried out at the front of the mansion after the torrent of water last year, which still marks the road.

Mr Wordon's new neighbours are also angry at Omaze for failing to listen to their concerns.

The study area in the property offers an incredible views of the Cotswolds countryside beyond

The study area in the property offers an incredible views of the Cotswolds countryside beyond

The kitchen is light, open and airy and has patio doors which open up onto the 2.3 acres of land which comes with the home. It comes complete with the beautiful white furnishings and a wooden breakfast bar, with marble surfaces

The kitchen is light, open and airy and has patio doors which open up onto the 2.3 acres of land which comes with the home. It comes complete with the beautiful white furnishings and a wooden breakfast bar, with marble surfaces

The wood burning fire is the main focus of this room, featuring beautiful brickwork and light and fresh painted walls. The living room has carpeted floor, but other parts of the property feature wooden flooring to complement the wooden doors.

The wood burning fire is the main focus of this room, featuring beautiful brickwork and light and fresh painted walls. The living room has carpeted floor, but other parts of the property feature wooden flooring to complement the wooden doors.

The wood burner makes a perfect addition to the property, giving it a cottage feel despite its huge size. Beyond the wood burner, there is a clear view into the next room

The wood burner makes a perfect addition to the property, giving it a cottage feel despite its huge size. Beyond the wood burner, there is a clear view into the next room 

The property features seven bedrooms, all large and open with stunning views over the countryside and 2.3 acres of land. The bedrooms are large, open and airy with sections cutting off secluded and private areas of the room for occupants

The property features seven bedrooms, all large and open with stunning views over the countryside and 2.3 acres of land. The bedrooms are large, open and airy with sections cutting off secluded and private areas of the room for occupants 

One said: 'Omaze has the power to remove all negative comments that people have made on social media.

'They came down here last week with a big film crew and the winners, who I got the sense were rather underwhelmed.'

It is understood Mr Wordon will also have to apply for planning permission to change the use of the garden as it is still registered as agricultural land.

But James Oakes, senior vice president international of Omaze, says there had been some 'blockage' but it has been put right.

He says the flood in December was a 'non-event' and the house is in 'incredible condition'.

'We are going into this in good faith,' he says. 'Photos can be misleading and I am aware there are some neighbours who are not happy.'

Before Omaze came along, estate agent Knight Frank had the house on its books for at least two years.

It was under offer, on more than one occasion, but the deals fell through before anyone moved in.

The Mail previously obtained photographs taken in October and December last year showing water surrounding the building.

There was also flooding in the front garden and driveway which was seeping into the house to such an extent the carpets had to be removed and changed.

Although it is not listed by the Environmental Agency as standing on a flood plain, Willowbrook is sited next to a watercourse.

Darren, Mandy, Matthew and Maddison celebrate their big win in the Cotswolds having spent just £25 on the raffle

Darren, Mandy, Matthew and Maddison celebrate their big win in the Cotswolds having spent just £25 on the raffle

The bathrooms are also light and open, featuring beautiful furnishings which complement the stunning home. This bathroom features marble flooring and a small bath which slots perfectly into the room

The bathrooms are also light and open, featuring beautiful furnishings which complement the stunning home. This bathroom features marble flooring and a

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