A Cliffside Mansion in Cornwall Faces a Price Drop and Controversy
A luxurious cliff top mansion currently up for grabs through the Omaze Million Pound House Draw has seen its asking price drop significantly. The four-bedroom property, located in the coastal village of Porthcothan, is now being offered at a reduced rate after initially being priced over £3 million. This is a notable decrease from the £5 million it was previously listed for just over a year ago.
The house, known as Llawnroc (Cornwall spelled backwards), is situated near popular spots like Padstow and Mawgan Porth. Despite its prime location, the property has never been occupied since its construction over a decade ago. Neighbors have shared their opinions with the Daily Mail, highlighting that the previous owner had high hopes for the home but found it difficult to sell due to its high price tag.
One local resident mentioned that the original £5 million asking price was unrealistic and speculated that the house might eventually sell for around £2.5 million. While many in the area have purchased tickets for the draw, some have already made plans to sell the property if they win.
Construction Challenges and Environmental Concerns
The property was built by Bath-based management consultants Colin Price and Sharon Toye, who spent £1 million on the project in 2014. They had previously bought a 1960s three-bedroom house for £1.75 million, which they later demolished to make way for the new development.
The construction process was not without its challenges. Mr. Price admitted that the project was complex, especially considering the need to avoid damaging the cliffs during excavation. His team managed to complete the project on time despite facing one of the worst winters on record.
However, the construction also led to environmental concerns. During the building phase, a dramatic rock arch in the bay collapsed due to strong waves and storms. Before breaking ground, several residents expressed worries about the potential impact on the cliffs. One person wrote about the amount of bedrock that would be removed and urged for a comprehensive geological survey to ensure the safety of nearby properties.
Design and Community Reactions
The house features a unique design with four “lenses” of floor-to-ceiling glass, intended to resemble binoculars looking out to sea. However, this design has drawn criticism from neighbors, who feel it does not fit well with the surrounding area. The original design was rejected by Cornwall Council, and even after an appeal, the final version was considered unsuitable by some locals.
One long-time resident mentioned that the area used to be quiet and community-oriented, but now it feels more like a busy highway with people coming and going frequently. The glass walls of the house have also raised privacy concerns, as passersby can see into almost all the rooms.
Property Features and Future Plans
Despite the controversies, the property boasts impressive features. It spans 3,390 sq ft of living space, with a lower ground floor that includes a bedroom with an en-suite, a home office, utility room, and an open-plan kitchen/dining area. The upper floors feature three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious sitting room.
Outside, the house offers a driveway, secure garage, covered terrace, sunken fire pit, and an outside shower. A gate leads directly to the coastal path and the beach below.
The Omaze Curse
While the winner of the latest Omaze draw has yet to be announced, the competition has a history of winners quickly selling their homes. For instance, Lauren Keene, the youngest winner at 24, sold her six-bedroom Hollywood-style home in Merseyside for £2.5 million, a £500,000 discount from the original valuation.
Many winners have cited high running costs and practicality as reasons for selling their properties. Some are opting for smaller, more manageable homes instead. According to recent reports, nearly all of the 39 UK Omaze home draw winners have either sold or plan to sell their multi-million-pound prizes.