Kevin Johnson, a 37-year-old construction site manager from North London, says he 'manifested' winning a £3 million townhouse in Islington by keeping a picture of it on his fridge – the same technique he used to win over his wife, Dee, 46. The couple won the three-storey Victorian property in an Omaze prize draw in 2023, along with £250,000 in cash.
Couple's 'manifestation' technique pays off
Speaking this week, Kevin insisted the win was no stroke of luck. He said: "People might laugh, but I really believe I manifested this. I kept a picture of the house in my wallet and one on the fridge, telling myself it was already ours – and it actually happened." He added: "I know it works, because I used the same tactic to marry my wife, so it was tried and tested! If you truly want something special, you've got to really believe it can happen."
Kevin and Dee have been married for 15 years and had rented the same modest East London flat since 2011 prior to their win. Kevin has spent over a decade in the building trade, working his way up from carpenter to site manager, while Dee has spent over twenty years in childcare and education.
Shock of the win and adapting to luxury
Kevin recalled the moment the Omaze team knocked on his door: "When Omaze first called me, I recognised the lady's voice from the TV adverts, so thought it must be genuine – but I didn't for one second think we'd won the actual house. When the team arrived at my doorstep to tell me the good news – I was so shocked my knees almost gave way."
He added: "My wife was on her way home from work so I video called her straight away – she didn't believe me at first, but when she saw the camera crew the penny finally dropped. She screamed and turned her phone around to tell the packed train that we'd just won the Omaze house – all the other commuters started clapping – it was crazy."
Despite the windfall, the couple have continued with their careers and settled happily into the property with their four sons. Kevin said: "It's been over three years since we won the Omaze house, and some mornings I still have to pinch myself when I'm downstairs flicking the kettle on, making toast in this large, bespoke kitchen, and then realise – it's all ours. We went from a small, rented flat to living in our absolute dream home, right in the part of London we all love, all for just £50."
Life transformed but routine unchanged
The house, a 3,400 sq ft three-storey property on one of Islington's most sought-after streets, has been renovated and extended. Highlights include a bespoke kitchen with a marble island flowing onto a landscaped garden with a fully equipped studio, and a principal suite with a freestanding bath and walk-in wardrobe.
Kevin said the family adapted quickly: "The surprising thing was, we thought it would take months for it to feel like home – but actually, within days we were super relaxed and suddenly having a studio in our very own garden felt normal." He added: "Living in a beautiful house, with so much space and in such a great area, has been totally transformational for us. We only moved fifteen minutes up the road, but the difference in our quality of life is almost immeasurable."
Despite the upgrade, little has changed in their routine: "There was no upheaval at all – we've even kept the same jobs and our daily lives have stayed wonderfully familiar. We enjoy hosting loads of barbecues and parties, and it's great to have the space to share with loved ones. We're both still working, but for the first time there's no pressure at all. We can retire early if we want and have options we never had before."
Entries remain open for Omaze's latest Million Pound House Draw, London, offering one winner a £3.5 million Victorian home in Mapesbury, North West London.
