Clarkson’s Farm Star Fails to Sell £2.8m Cotswolds Home in Prize Draw
A Familiar Face from Clarkson’s Farm
Fans of Clarkson’s Farm, the Prime Video hit that follows Jeremy Clarkson’s adventures at Diddly Squat Farm, will recognize the name Rachel Hawkins. Known for her role in helping Clarkson get his Cotswolds pub, The Farmer’s Dog, up and running, Hawkins has recently made headlines for an entirely different reason.
Her six-bedroom Cotswolds home, valued at £2.8 million, was put up for grabs earlier this year through a raffle-style property competition. But despite the hype and interest, the property itself failed to change hands.
The Cotswolds Dream Home
Located in the picturesque heart of Stow-on-the-Wold, the elegant home boasts traditional Cotswold stonework, expansive living areas, and a quintessential countryside feel. Hawkins originally purchased the property in November 2015 for around £750,000, later transforming it into a luxury residence with her long-term partner, Will Kennedy.
The property was marketed not in the usual estate agent listings, but as the star prize of a Raffle House competition. Tickets were made available for as little as £10, opening up the chance of winning a multi-million-pound home to the general public.
The catch? Winners also had the option to take a cash equivalent prize if they didn’t want the property itself.
The Winner Speaks Out
When the competition wrapped up, a winner was finally announced. Known only as Heather, she was given the choice between the six-bedroom Cotswolds property or a substantial cash prize. In a move that surprised some followers of the raffle, Heather chose the money instead of the house.
Clearly overwhelmed, she shared her reaction with Raffle House:
“I’m gobsmacked. Is this real? Oh. My. God. I’m in so much shock. I’ve been subscribed since April, and you’ve got to be in it to win it. And I never thought I’d actually win anything. It’s definitely a life-changing amount for me and my family.”
Heather went on to explain why she declined the property:
“I don’t want anyone we know knowing we’ve won a significant amount of money. We aren’t in an affluent area, and it would make me feel awkward with my friends and family.”
For Heather, the cash meant financial security for her husband and two children — a true “life-changing win,” even if it meant leaving the dream home behind.
Fans React with Disappointment
When the result was revealed on social media, many fans expressed disappointment that the house itself had not been claimed.
One Facebook user, Julie Davies, commented:
“So disappointed, love the house! Will it be available again in the future if the cash was taken?”
Raffle House quickly clarified the situation:
“It really is a beautiful house; we completely understand the disappointment. Unfortunately, the winner chose the cash prize, so the property was retained by the owner.”
In other words, the six-bedroom Cotswolds residence remains under the ownership of Rachel Hawkins.
Rachel Hawkins’ Background
Hawkins isn’t just any property owner — she is a hospitality entrepreneur who specializes in rejuvenating struggling pubs. Her expertise and charm made her a welcome addition to Clarkson’s Farm, where she played a role in supporting Jeremy Clarkson’s bold move to open The Farmer’s Dog, a pub project that has faced its own challenges.
The attempted sale of her home through a raffle was part of a growing trend in the UK, where homeowners try to bypass traditional estate agents and attract buyers by offering their properties as lottery prizes. The hope is often that such raffles generate significant ticket sales, giving the seller a chance to reach their asking price while offering the public a once-in-a-lifetime win.
Why the Raffle Didn’t End in a Sale
While the raffle generated plenty of attention, the outcome highlights one of the quirks of such competitions. Winners are often given the option of taking the cash equivalent, and many, like Heather, prefer immediate financial gain over the responsibilities and costs of running a luxury property.
Maintaining a six-bedroom country home in the Cotswolds comes with significant ongoing costs — from heating and upkeep to council tax and grounds management. For some, even owning a dream home can quickly become a financial burden.
Clarkson’s Farm Continues
Meanwhile, Clarkson’s Farm itself shows no signs of slowing down. Jeremy Clarkson, now 65, recently confirmed that filming has wrapped on season five, with fans eagerly awaiting its release on Prime Video.
The series has become one of Amazon’s biggest UK hits since its launch in 2021, blending rural comedy, agricultural challenges, and Clarkson’s unique brand of humor. With supporting cast members like Kaleb Cooper, Lisa Hogan, and Charlie Ireland, the show has drawn millions of viewers and even boosted local tourism to Chadlington and the Cotswolds.
Rachel Hawkins’ failed house sale might not directly affect Clarkson’s Farm, but it does underline how intertwined the cast members’ personal lives have become with the public eye.
A Mystery That Remains Unsolved
For now, Rachel Hawkins keeps her Cotswolds property, Heather has her life-changing cash prize, and fans are left wondering: will the home ever come up for grabs again?
If it does, it’s certain that Clarkson’s Farm enthusiasts and raffle hopefuls alike will be watching closely.
