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The £3 million Omaze "James Bond hideaway" in Devon, positioned perilously close to a cliff edge, has remained unoccupied since 2021 after the winner was informed of the risks posed by coastal erosion. Glen Elmy, a foundry worker from Walsall, won the property in Combe Martin Bay but returned the keys just three days after moving in due to the potential collapse of the clifftop into the sea below.
Elmy, who had marveled at the breathtaking views across Combe Martin Bay, discovered the threat of coastal erosion facing his new home and promptly handed the keys back to Omaze. It is believed that he has requested a cash payout equivalent to the property's £3 million value. Since then, Elmy has not returned to the five-bedroom mansion.
Documents from the Land Registry indicate that Omaze Properties LLC purchased Stealth House for £3.8 million in June 2021, four months before Elmy's occupancy. This suggests that legal ownership had not been transferred to Elmy.
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As a result, Stealth House has remained vacant for nearly two years, with nearby residents predicting its eventual disappearance due to coastal erosion within five to ten years. The house stands only two meters away from the cliff edge, and its proximity to the sea has raised concerns about insurance and mortgage complications.
While it is unclear if Elmy was offered an alternative prize, Omaze's terms and conditions do allow for a cash alternative or another form of compensation. Visiting the property, MailOnline found imposing metal gates at the entrance, an unanswered intercom, and no signs of habitation. Neighbors have observed no activity since Elmy's win was announced.
Concerns about the property's location were voiced by locals during the competition, suggesting that it was constructed too close to the cliff edge, making it susceptible to erosion. Facebook comments on Devon Live's page mentioned the potential risk and predicted that the house would eventually succumb to erosion.
Designed by renowned architect Guy Greenfield, the property features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, two living areas, and 0.9 acres of land. It boasts a modern infinity pool with panoramic ocean views and is located just 11 miles from the picturesque market town of Barnstaple. Combe Martin Beach is a mere half-mile away, while popular surfing destinations like Croyde, Putsborough, and Woolacombe are in close proximity.
Glen Elmy discovered his stroke of luck in winning the Omaze Million Pound House Draw while visiting his parents' house. After dedicating 33 years to the same foundry in Walsall, he found himself the recipient of a grand prize that turned out to be fraught with risks due to coastal erosion.
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