A Teesside businessman who is raffling off his £1.3m Brotton farm for £50 a ticket has had an “overwhelming” worldwide response from punters across the globe - and even TV offers.
John Bennett says the attention after the Gazette story broke has been “insane” - with more than 2,000 people from across the globe having a go at the life-changing raffle, after it went live last Thursday.
He said: “At one point, we were getting 160 entries an hour from everywhere you can imagine - Estonia, Australia, Hong Kong, Russia.
“It was overwhelming. It’s taken us completely by surprise.
“We searched on the internet, and there are mentions from countries across the world.
“There’s even a video on YouTube, with a woman talking about it.
“Channel 4 wants to do a TV programme, from the people that do Homes in the Sun.
“There’s no doubt in my mind it will sell before Christmas.”
The 19-acre farm - which has stunning sea and countryside views - was on the market for six months. It created a lot of interest, but “nobody seemed able to get the money together” said John.
The property is a ‘farm for the equestrian enthusiast’, according to the retired fish wholesaler. As well as an ‘enormous three-bedroom stone farmhouse’, the property has EIGHT stables, 18.6 acres of land, a tack room, feed room, six-car garage, barn and workshop.
It was 63-year-old John’s family home, with wife Antoinette, for 25 years - but now the couple is retiring to Majorca.
To win, the ticket-holder also has to answer one question - ‘which town on the North-east coast has the last remaining pier in Yorkshire?’
Those who buy 20 tickets will get one free.
The winner will be decided by a random number generator.
Sara (Saltburn Animal Rescue) and Children with Cancer will each be handed £5,000 from the proceeds, according to the terms and conditions.
John will pay all stamp duty and solicitor’s fees and the winner could move in as soon as six weeks after the draw.
The deadline for the competition is March - or before, if John reaches his target of 28,000 tickets.
There’s also a second and third prize - 65in and 55in Samsung curved TVs.
If the target isn’t reached, ticket holders could still win a cash prize from the kitty, with the charities also receiving their cut.
Go to www.winbarnsfarm.life to enter
