A former paratrooper who won a £4.5million mansion in Norfolk through an Omaze prize draw has refused to quit his job - despite his newfound fortune.
Daren Bell, 54, who secured the stunning coastal property for just £10 in 2023, continues to work full-time as a technical support director at a major facilities management firm.
"I love my job and I'm a bit of a workaholic - I don't think I've had a day off in five years," Bell said.
The coastal property features nine bedrooms and comes complete with a swimming pool, offering idyllic views of the Blakeney salt marshes and harbour.
The house was handed to Bell mortgage-free, with all stamp duty and legal fees covered, along with an additional cash sum to help with the move.
Despite having the option to rent or sell the property, the 54-year-old immediately decided to keep the home, relocating from Bournemouth to Norfolk with his family.
When he needed time off to first visit the property, he had to explain the situation to his concerned boss.
"When I asked my boss for two days off at short notice, he was so worried I was seriously ill, that I had to let him know the truth. He was thrilled for me and promised not to tell anyone," Bell revealed.
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While continuing his full-time role for now, he said he may consider reducing his hours or retiring early in the coming years.
And the prize has transformed his family life, enabling him to live with his partner Claire and her four children for the first time.
"We loved each other, but we were stuck with no way to move our relationship forward, as neither of us could afford to relocate. But winning the Norfolk house changed everything," he said.
Bell also plans to move his 84-year-old father, who currently works as an NHS porter, into the property's cabin once he retires.
"It will be so nice to have all the generations together in one place," he added.
The ex-paratrooper has embraced life in Norfolk, where he serves as treasurer at the local Royal British Legion.
After leaving the forces, Bell became a skydiving instructor with 2,222 jumps to his name - and revealed he has a unique connection to the property.
"I actually skydived over the house 25 years ago! It looked good from up there, but it's even better on the ground," he said.
He added: "Everyone in the area has been so welcoming, we have great neighbours, it's a real community here."
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Daren Bell, 54, who secured the stunning coastal property for just £10 in 2023, continues to work full-time as a technical support director at a major facilities management firm.
"I love my job and I'm a bit of a workaholic - I don't think I've had a day off in five years," Bell said.
The coastal property features nine bedrooms and comes complete with a swimming pool, offering idyllic views of the Blakeney salt marshes and harbour.
The house was handed to Bell mortgage-free, with all stamp duty and legal fees covered, along with an additional cash sum to help with the move.
Despite having the option to rent or sell the property, the 54-year-old immediately decided to keep the home, relocating from Bournemouth to Norfolk with his family.
When he needed time off to first visit the property, he had to explain the situation to his concerned boss.
"When I asked my boss for two days off at short notice, he was so worried I was seriously ill, that I had to let him know the truth. He was thrilled for me and promised not to tell anyone," Bell revealed.
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While continuing his full-time role for now, he said he may consider reducing his hours or retiring early in the coming years.
And the prize has transformed his family life, enabling him to live with his partner Claire and her four children for the first time.
"We loved each other, but we were stuck with no way to move our relationship forward, as neither of us could afford to relocate. But winning the Norfolk house changed everything," he said.
Bell also plans to move his 84-year-old father, who currently works as an NHS porter, into the property's cabin once he retires.
"It will be so nice to have all the generations together in one place," he added.
The ex-paratrooper has embraced life in Norfolk, where he serves as treasurer at the local Royal British Legion.
After leaving the forces, Bell became a skydiving instructor with 2,222 jumps to his name - and revealed he has a unique connection to the property.
"I actually skydived over the house 25 years ago! It looked good from up there, but it's even better on the ground," he said.
He added: "Everyone in the area has been so welcoming, we have great neighbours, it's a real community here."
Find Out More...