An opera-singing primary school teacher who won a spectacular £4 million Lake District home has revealed how life has changed since her big win – and why she’s now making her dream prize available for others to enjoy.
Hannah Drury, 42, of Frome, in Somerset, won the luxury property overlooking Coniston in the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, along with £250,000 cash in January this year.
The music teacher and trained operatic soprano bought her £25 winning entry just before Christmas Day – and admits Dry January went straight out the window when she got the life-changing call from Omaze.
“It still doesn’t feel real – every time we’re in the car approaching the house and see the lake through the trees, we start getting butterflies,” said Hannah. “I keep saying to my husband Rupert, how is this all ours? I’m still half-expecting to wake up and it all have been a dream, but here we are!
“I was three days into Dry January when I found out we’d won – so that lasted all of about 30 seconds!
“We opened a bottle we’d been saving for a special occasion – but it had actually gone off! Luckily we had a back-up, so popped that instead. I entered just before Christmas – so it was obviously the best Christmas present ever, belated or otherwise, I don’t think we’ll top it!”
Hannah and husband Rupert, 50 – also a music teacher and operatic tenor – said they fell in love with the house the moment they stepped through the door.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime property that we’d never have had the opportunity to even stay in, let alone own, so we knew we were going to keep it,” said Hannah. “And the £250,000 we also got meant we could easily afford to do so worry-free.
“It’s never been empty since we got the keys! We’ve had more than 30 different sets of friends and family come up and stay – I was joking to Rupert that we’ve been so popular we might have to change our numbers!
“We use it so much – it’s been incredible coming up in the school holidays to share this space with all our loved ones – it’s the ultimate playground for our children and their cousins – we’ve already made memories that will last a lifetime.
“We’ve now decided we’ll also rent it out, as the money we’ll get will be genuinely life-changing – it gives us a sense of security we could never have imagined and takes all the pressure off.
“It’s the best of both worlds – we still get to enjoy our amazing home, and it also provides a significant supplementary income. Other families can also enjoy it too. It’s the perfect setup for us.”
The couple’s four-bedroom property sits on the edge of Coniston, surrounded by six acres of private woodland.
It features reverse-level living, a spa with Himalayan salt wall, gym, rainfall shower and wood-fired hot tub overlooking the lake.
A private jetty gives direct access to the water, while a stand-alone boat house and summerhouse offer peaceful retreats for guests.
Hannah will get around £6,000 a week on average from renting the property.
“We never in a million years thought we’d end up somewhere with our own private jetty – it’s unbelievable,” said Hannah. “The kids can jump safely straight into the lake – it’s a very refreshing start to the day! Evenings in the hot tub, watching the sunset reflect across the lake, will never get old.
“It’s one of those places that instantly slows you down – the second you arrive, the world just exhales. It’s got everything – a spa, a boat house, our very own wood, and the most spectacular views imaginable.”
Hannah said the win has transformed every part of their family’s life.
“Knowing our children are going to be secure for the rest of their lives is the best feeling in the world – it’s absolutely priceless,” she said.
“We’re both still teaching as we absolutely love our jobs, but now we can do it because we want to, not because we have to. Winning this house has completely changed our lives – all the usual stresses have just evaporated.”
The family will be spending their first Christmas in the Lakes this year.
“It’s just the most idyllic house to spend Christmas in,” said Hannah. “Every time I look around, I half expect to see Father Christmas crawling out of the chimney or a reindeer gliding across the lake. We can’t imagine a more picture-perfect setting to celebrate Christmas.
“This time last year I’d entered the Omaze draw just before Christmas, sat on the sofa having a scroll – and now here we are in our £4 million house. It’s been the most transformational year of our lives!
“Winning an Omaze house has changed our lives forever, and we know whoever the lucky winner of this year’s Lakes house is, they will be just as happy as we are!”
James Oakes, president of Omaze, said: “We’re full of Christmas cheer to see Hannah and her family enjoying their beautiful Lake District home a year on – and even more delighted that they’re sharing it with others. Hannah’s story is another example of how winning with Omaze can transform lives while raising millions for great causes.
“Omaze gives people the chance to win life-changing prizes, while also raising significant funds for incredible causes. Thanks to the generosity of the Omaze community, we’ve now raised over £100 million for good causes across the UK.”
As well as changing Hannah’s life, the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Lake District, raised £5,250,000 for Age UK – Omaze’s biggest ever total for a UK charity partner.
The Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Lake District – supporting the RSPCA – is now open.
One lucky entrant is guaranteed to win a £4.5 million countryside retreat nestled between Windermere and Kendal, complete with its own private lake, panoramic views and £250,000 in cash.
The grand prize draw closes on Friday December 26 for online entries, and Tuesday December 30 2025 for postal entries.
