Malcolm Disson, 58, has won a £4 million mansion in Yorkshire, complete with its own lake and tennis court, 46 years after his last recorded prize was a dead goldfish. The father of two also received £250,000 in cash as part of the Omaze Million Pound House Draw.
Disson's new home is a Grade II listed six-bedroom property in Little Ouseburn, Yorkshire. It includes a two-bedroom cottage, a private lake, and a tennis court. The property comes mortgage-free, with stamp duty and legal fees covered, as well as £155,000 worth of furnishings. Disson can choose to live in the house, rent it out, or sell it.
Disson, who grew up in London, purchased his winning entry for £30 as part of an Omaze subscription. He recalled his previous win at Hampstead Heath fair when he was 12, where he won a goldfish by bouncing ping-pong balls into bowls, only to find it was already dead upon opening the bag.
"I've never really thought of myself as a lucky person," Disson said. "For years, the only thing I'd ever won was a goldfish at Hampstead Heath fair. And when I opened the bag it was already dead! That set the tone for the next 46 years as I didn't win a sausage after that."
A recent win of £8 on a lottery ticket two weeks prior had led him to believe his luck was changing, but he never anticipated such a significant prize.
A Journey from Business Risk to Grand Prize
Disson, who co-founded The British Shop, a fine art and antiques packing and international shipping company, described the win as a reward for taking risks. He remortgaged his house to start the business 35 years ago, facing financial struggles in the initial years.
"To go from a three-bed terrace in Watford to a £4 million house in Yorkshire in 35 years is just incredible," he stated. "This feels like a reward for taking that risk and working so hard."
He expressed surreal feelings about owning a home comparable to those of his clients. Disson has two daughters, Lilly, 22, and Daisy, 18, and believes the win will secure their futures.
"This win has transformed my daughters' futures; it's a wonderful feeling to know they're going to be secure no matter what," he said. "It's taken any pressure off. I can think about relaxing a bit more and perhaps retiring earlier, but I love what I do and I don't think I'll ever stop working."
Disson, who had never visited Yorkshire before, plans to bring his family together at the new home for Christmas and is looking forward to exploring the local area and pubs. He also anticipates using the property's amenities, including the tennis court and library.
The Omaze Million Pound House Draw also raised funds for Blood Cancer UK.