A UK man shocked his friends when he won a massive £40 million EuroMillions jackpot and chose to live in a caravan. But this seemingly odd decision was all part of his plan.
From Caravan to Dream House
Gareth Bull, 52, became a multi-millionaire overnight when he won the incredible jackpot in January 2012. Despite his newfound wealth, Gareth decided to move into a caravan for a period of time.
However, this move into a caravan was not a permanent choice for Gareth. In December 2018, he purchased a two-acre site with a three-bedroom bungalow in Nottinghamshire, with the goal of building his dream house. He began working on this project six months later.
The Perfect Distraction
Gareth's determination to build his dream 6000sq ft house was unwavering. He demolished half of the existing bungalow and lived in the remaining rooms to protect his tools. When the rest of the bungalow had to be taken down, Gareth moved into a caravan on the building site, much to the amusement of his friends.
But Gareth had a smart plan in mind. He knew that the move to the caravan was just temporary, and that he would eventually have the house of his dreams.
A Dream Home with Unique Features
After completing the demolition job, Gareth put his efforts into building his dream home. The finished four-bedroom house boasts some incredible features, including a swimming pool with programmable waves, a sound system integrated into the ceilings, three bars, and two hot tubs.
Gareth took pride in the fact that he did much of the work himself, even during the pandemic. Building his dream home served as a perfect distraction during the lockdown, allowing him to channel his energy into a rewarding project.
Creating a Fish Orphanage and Lockdown Lodge
Gareth's creativity extended beyond the main house. He decided to dig a small pond outside the house, which eventually transformed into an L-shaped fishing lake the size of two tennis courts. He named it "Lockdown Lake" and turned it into a refuge for fish needing a new home. He now houses around a hundred fish, including goldfish and koi carp.
In addition to the main house, Gareth also built "Lockdown Lodge" which features two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a fully functioning kitchen. This additional structure provided Gareth with a comfortable living space during the construction process.
A Lockdown Project
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Gareth remained dedicated to his project. When the UK went into lockdown in March 2020, he was living alone and unsure what to do. Ultimately, he threw himself even more into work on his home, which saved him from feeling too lonely.
Fortunately, building sites were allowed to continue operating during the lockdown, and some of Gareth's builder friends eventually joined him to help with the construction. This turned out to be the ultimate lockdown project for Gareth.
Ultimate Comfort and Entertainment
Gareth's dream home is not just visually stunning; it is also equipped with modern technology for his convenience and entertainment. He has a remote-controlled system that operates his lights, curtains, music, and ceiling speakers, all controlled from his phone. Additionally, an 8ft projector screen descends from the ceiling for him to enjoy watching sports with friends.
For relaxation, Gareth installed two hot tubs – one by the house and another log-burning hot tub from Scandinavia outside the lodge.
A Christmas Move-In
After more than a year and a half of construction, Gareth finally moved into his dream house on Christmas Eve 2020. He ensured that everything was perfect for this special occasion, including a massive 7ft Christmas tree.
Gareth's story serves as an inspiration to anyone with big dreams. It shows that with determination, hard work, and a little laughter along the way, dreams can become a reality.
The EuroMillions Jackpot for Friday, September 29th, is an astounding £110 million.
