A bar manager who won a life-changing £4million Omaze home has now got married in the stunning mansion.
Paul Knight, 47, from Reading, saidgoodbye to pulling pints and clearing tables after discovering his new fortune while on the toilet, reading about a lost lottery ticket.
He had entered theOmaze Million Pound House Draw for just £20 in February this year before winning the stunning16th-century Batheaston House,once owned by Sir John Harington, the godson of Elizabeth I and inventor of the flushing toilet.
Thanks to the £250,000 cash price and the beautiful six-bedroom mansion, Mr Knight and his airline cabin crew partner Justin Snowdon, 36, have now finally been able to wed – and picked the romantic setting of their new home for their big day.
‘When we first won the house, we joked it was fit for royalty, so it felt only right that we have our wedding here,’ Mr Knight said.
‘We feel unbelievably lucky, to get married and be surrounded by all our loved ones, and to do it in our very own dream house,’ he gushed.
It was thanks to the Omaze win that Mr Knight and his husband were able celebrate the nuptial without having to fork out.’It definitely beats hiring out a village hall or local pub,’ he said.
The couple had always planned to marry but hadn’t yet managed to do so since weddings are typically a ‘huge expense’.
A bar manager who won a life-changing £4million Omaze home has revealed he recently got married in the stunning mansion. Paul Knight, left, pictured with his husband, Justin Snowdon, right
‘It was a distant dream with no set date, but winning Omaze helped us move everything forward,’ Mr Knight said.
Guests were impressed with the venue too, Mr Knight added.’All our guests said the same thing: this house is the most stunning wedding venue they’ve ever been to. And for us it’s not just for today, we actually get to live here.’
As well as saving them a bucket load of cash, getting married in the mansion also meant the couple could sneak off if they needed a break from the party.
Mr Knight called the nuptials the ‘most ridiculous day of our lives’, adding that the pair were looking forward to living at their new home.
Winning the house ‘changed our lives forever,’ he said, adding that the wedding was only the beginning, and they were excited to see what the future held.
After celebrating their dream wedding, the couple decided to rent out the property to share it with others.
‘Justin and I were gobsmacked when we first found out we’d won the house, but once the initial shock had subsided, we started to think about what we could do with such an impressive property,’ he explained.
‘We were adamant that we wanted to share its beauty with other people and holiday letting seemed the best way to do this – allowing us to generate a healthy income while still getting to use it ourselves.
The six-bedroom period property has regal heritage dating back to the mid-1500s, and was once part of the estate of Sir John Harington, the godson of Elizabeth I and inventor of the flushing toilet. The coupe pictured on their wedding day outside the Somerset property
Mr Knight tied the know with his partner of nearly 12 years, airline cabin crew Justin Snowdon, 36, surrounded by family and friends at their new home
After celebrating their dream wedding, the couple decided to rent out the property (pictured) to share it with others
It was thanks to the Omaze win that the couple were able celebrate the nuptials without having to fork out. Pictured, inside the property
The couple had always planned to marry, but hadn’t yet managed to do so since weddings are typically a ‘huge expense’.Pictured, inside the property
As well as saving them a bucket load of cash, getting married in the mansion (pictured) also meant the couple could sneak off if they needed a break from the party
He added: ‘It’s been a complete career shift for me, but I’ve loved every minute.
‘We’ve been renting the house out as a holiday home for a few months now – lots of people who entered the draw say staying here is the next best thing to winning it.
‘The money from the rentals is fantastic, it’s given us even more security and great options for the future.
‘Most importantly, this win has provided us with the stability to finally start a family together, something we’ve always dreamed of, and now adoption feels like a real possibility for us.’
The 16th century property, which will cost holidaymakers from £3,838 per week, includes a rare Tudor charcoal stove, 17th century graffiti and a still-functioning Tudor well.
Mr Knight and his partner have also added a home cinema and hot tub for more modern creature comforts.
While Mr Snowdon has kept his job as a flight attendant, Mr Knight has moved away from DJing and bar management to run Batheaston House full-time.
As well as making Mr Knight a multimillionaire, the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, in Bath, raised £4.6million for the British Heart Foundation.
The 16th century property, which will cost holidaymakers from £3,838 per week, includes a rare Tudor charcoal stove, 17th century graffiti and a still-functioning Tudor well
As well as making Mr Knight a multimillionaire, the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, in Bath, raised £4.6 million for the British Heart Foundation
The Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Surrey – supporting Breast Cancer Now – is closing for online entries at midnight this Sunday, 26th October 2025.
One lucky entrant is guaranteed to win a £4million award-winning eco home in the Surrey Hills, complete with next-generation technology, £160,000 worth of furnishings and £250,000 cash. Postal entries close on Tuesday, 28th October 2025.
