Celebrity TV Presenter CHRIS TARRANT announces  £3 million home up for grabs in text-initiated competition

ELSTREE STUDIOS, LONDON, November 17th 2009 - Frustrated by the current downturn and faced with not being able to sell their three million pound Warwickshire home for what it’s worth, Mal colm and Maxine Cox have turned to celebrity TV Presenter Chris Tarrant and developed a unique way to sell their house – by offering their home as the main prize in the UK’s first ever text message based competition.

For many, the thought of signing on the dotted line for a new multi-million pound home in the current climate is a big ask. But for one lucky family, the Cox’s grand country house in Shakespeare country could be theirs for the cost of a £25 ticket, which you register for via texting “Poachers Retreat” to 07781 484 668.

If this UK-first is successful, it will prove that the recession doesn’t have to signal major loss for property owners wanting to sell; the competition is designed to raise the necessary funds needed to break even on the house sale, whilst also donating money to four very deserving charities.

Once all 150,000 tickets have been sold, the Cox Family will set aside a £100,000 donation from the competition, to be divided between four charities – The Lord’s Taverners, of which TV Presenter Chris Tarrant is President, the BORN FREE Foundation, Very Special Kids (based in Australia) and another surprise charity, to be announced pre-Christmas.

Poacher’s Retreat was built from scratch over a seven-year period – during which time the Cox’s lived in a 42' trailer in the grounds of the property. Over this time, Maxine gave birth to their two children – Eve (7) and Harry (4) - both of whom saw in their first few years in the compact mobile home.

But all the hard work was worth it, as the finished Poacher’s Retreat boasts four reception rooms, six bedrooms, a double-height galleried reception hall, a formal drawing room with an open fire, an extensive kitchen and a vast seven acres of garden including two paddocks.

Better still; as Poacher’s Retreat has been built using the newest and most eco-friendly materials, it is officially classified as an eco-house.

The competition meets all legal UK and international requirements, as well as being compliant to the Gambling Act of 2005. It is a game of skill and entrants will be required to “Spot the Key” and complete a series of questions in order to enter, to ensure the competition fits completely within the gambling legislation and legalities.

The competition will run for 12 months, with the option to extend for a further four months.  If successfully completed, a winner will be announced and will receive the house or a £1 million pound cash alternative.   If the house price hasn’t been met, the winner will receive, in cash, the proceeds from the competition, once a pro-rata donation to the charities and all running costs have been deducted. The competition prize also includes full payment of stamp duty tax and all other expenses associated with changing ownership of the house. And for all those who don’t win, there are a large number of runner-up prizes up for grabs, ranging from SMEG appliances to CTD Tiles, an Original Bedstead Company handcrafted bedstead and many more.

For more information or to register for the competition, simply text ‘Poachers Retreat’ to 07781 484 668.