A new father who was struggling to find space for his growing family in a one-bedroom London flat has seen his fortunes transformed after winning a £1.3 million townhouse with a £1 competition ticket.
From cramped flat to luxury home
Sean Gore, 34, had been trying to make life work in a compact flat in Greenwich with his partner Amber, their three-month-old baby and two dogs. But the family's housing worries disappeared overnight when he was told he had won a luxury four-bedroom home in south London.
The stunning townhouse, located between Brixton and Herne Hill, is worth £1.3 million and was awarded through BOTB's monthly Dream Home Competition. Sean said he entered the competition shortly after becoming a father, hoping to secure a better future for his son. The timing could hardly have been better.
Surreal experience
"The whole experience has been surreal, and we're still in shock," Sean said. "It's come at the perfect time. We have two dogs and now a baby and have no space. I started playing because I wanted to give our child a head start in life and help him in the future."
With a newborn baby, two pets and just one bedroom to share, the family had been feeling increasingly squeezed in their home. Sean admitted they were rapidly running out of room and had begun thinking about how they could provide more space for their child as he grows up.
Surprise announcement
That concern was turned on its head when BOTB presenters Christian Williams and Nicole Jeffery arrived unexpectedly at the couple's front door. Initially believing the knock was for a parcel delivery, Sean had no idea his life was about to change.
After being led to believe he had won a BMW parked outside, he was then told he had actually landed the competition's top prize — a £1.3 million family home.
The contrast could not have been greater. Instead of worrying about fitting a baby, two dogs and all their belongings into a one-bedroom flat, Sean suddenly found himself exploring a 1,595 sq ft townhouse complete with four bedrooms, a landscaped garden and a luxury principal suite.
Stunning property
The contemporary property features an expansive open-plan living area with skylights, floor-to-ceiling bi-fold doors and high-specification finishes throughout.
Arriving at the house for the first time, Sean was left almost speechless. "Wow," was his first reaction. After touring the property, he added: "The house is absolutely stunning. It's perfect."
Speaking after the win, Sean said becoming a father had been the driving force behind his decision to enter the competition.
"It's come at the perfect time," he said. "We have two dogs and now a baby and have no space. I started playing because I wanted to give our child a head start in life and help him in the future."
Although Sean says he loves the property, he is expected to take the £1 million tax-free cash alternative instead, allowing the family to buy a home in their dream area of Chiswick.
