A father-to-be has broken his “unlucky” streak after scooping up a Georgian townhouse in London worth over £4.5 million —for just £35.
Roger Cana, 37, was on Friday revealed as the latest winner of the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, along with £250,000 in cash.
The hospitality worker is the proud owner of a five-storey, four-bedroom townhouse in the heart of Borough, with spectacular views of The Shard.
The house is steeped in history, including an iconic, painted Take Courage "ghost sign" on one side of the brick exterior, which gives a nod to its heritage as part of the former Anchor Brewery. The property comes mortgage-free, with all stamp duty and legal fees covered.
Mr Cana and his wife Shalini, 33, have been trying to save for a deposit while renting a studio flat in Hayes, west London and are expecting their first baby, a boy, in September.
Now, they will live mortgage free and if they decide to remain in the townhouse, or they could decide to sell it or rent it out.
Mr Cana said: “I’ve always considered myself quite unlucky, as I’ve never won anything before this, but I guess I can’t say that anymore.”
Recalling the moment his life changed forever, he said: “It was just another Friday, really—I’d been working hard all day, then I got an email from Omaze saying I’d won something.
“The next thing I knew they turned up and told us we’d won a £4.5 million home in London. We couldn’t believe it. My legs were shaking and my knees went wobbly. We were in total shock.
“We had a bottle of champagne in the house, so we popped that open and got cooking. We always celebrate good times with good food.
“Then we called our families. At first, they all thought we were joking. Then they went from disbelief to being so, so happy for us.”
On his new house, he said: “The house is amazing, I got butterflies as soon as I saw it. The furnishings are beautiful, which is great for us as we don’t have much of our own because we live in a studio flat. We could probably move here with all our belongings just packed into an Uber, maybe we’d get an Exec now though!”
Mr Cana had entered every Omaze house draw in London prior to his big win in Borough.
He said: “Getting married and finding out we were pregnant were very special days, but this is right up there too and it’s definitely the best baby present ever.
“We’ll raise our son in one of the nicest areas in London, it's just unbelievable.
“We’re normally used to seeing the neighbour’s laundry from our back garden, but now we’ve got views of The Shard.”
Mr Cana, who moved to the UK eight years ago from Goa, India, added: “I’ve lived and worked in London since I arrived here and the goal was to one day own a property here, but we never dreamed our first house would be worth £4.5 million.”
The home’s interior retains many original period features, married with modern design aspects such as a steel-framed Sun Room extension offering views of the garden.
There is a formal dining room with sculptural lighting and open doorways, along with original sash windows.
On the first floor there is a traditional Georgian reception room, plus another family lounge.
Three bedrooms are located on the upper floors offering views of London’s skyline, with a fourth bedroom found on the lower floor.
The main bedroom has a feature fireplace and an innovatively designed bathroom with a rainfall shower. Another bedroom has a play space mezzanine, while another guest bedroom has a stylish en suite bathroom.
Outside there is a separate studio space, which could make an ideal home office. The award-winning garden, designed by Chelsea Flower Show Gold winners, features extensive planting, wooden bench seating, a leafy canopy and an aromatic herb garden.
Money raised from the Omaze draw will go towards The King’s Trust — a charity that helps young people from disadvantaged communities and those facing the greatest adversity, by supporting them to build the confidence and skills to live, learn and earn.
Jonathan Townsend, Chief Executive Officer, The King’s Trust said: "We are thrilled that an incredible £4.1 million has been raised for The King's Trust by the Omaze Million Pound House Draw.
"The funds raised will be used to form The Omaze Education Fund and will support our vital work with young people in schools and alternative education settings. With The Trust's help, young people will be encouraged to build their confidence and skills, learn about the world of work and raise their aspirations.
"With the support of The Omaze Education Fund, The King's Trust will be able to take a step closer to our vision of ending youth unemployment."
The partnership with Omaze was backed by magician, King’s Trust alumni and Ambassador, Steven Frayne (formerly known as Dynamo).
This is the second time The King’s Trust has partnered with Omaze and brings the total raised by the Omaze community for the charity to £4.6 million.
James Oakes, President of Omaze, said: “Everyone at Omaze is so happy that Roger and his wife have won this incredible house in London, whilst also contributing to our huge raise for The King’s Trust, who we’ve now raised a total of £4.6 million for over two incredible partnerships.
“Omaze offers people the chance to win amazing houses, whilst also introducing charities to new audiences that they wouldn't normally reach–it’s a real win-win for entrants and our charity partners. We’re immensely proud that the Omaze Community has now raised over £89 million for good causes across the UK.”
Draw entries for the latest Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Cotswolds, are available now at omaze.co.uk.
