Clarkson’s Farm Star Rachel Hawkins’ £2.8m Cotswolds Mansion Remains Unsold After Raffle Winner Chooses Cash

Rachel Hawkins, a hospitality entrepreneur and a familiar face on the hit Prime Video series Clarkson’s Farm, has faced a setback in her attempt to sell her stunning £2.8 million Cotswolds home. The six-bedroom country retreat, located in the picturesque market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, was offered as the grand prize in a raffle organized by Raffle House. Despite the buzz surrounding the raffle and the allure of the luxurious property, the winner opted for a cash alternative, leaving Hawkins to retain ownership of the home she has shared with her long-term partner, Will Kennedy, since 2015.

The news comes amidst the growing popularity of Clarkson’s Farm, the Prime Video documentary series that has captivated audiences since its debut in 2021. The show follows former Top Gear and Grand Tour host Jeremy Clarkson as he navigates the challenges of running Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington, Oxfordshire. Clarkson, now 65, purchased the 1,000-acre farm in 2008 and has since transformed it into a media sensation, with the series offering a humorous yet poignant look at the realities of modern farming. Earlier this week, Clarkson announced via Instagram that filming for the highly anticipated fifth season of the show had officially wrapped, teasing fans with the promise of more emotional and chaotic moments from the farm.

Rachel Hawkins’ Role in Clarkson’s World

Rachel Hawkins has become a notable figure in the Clarkson’s Farm universe, particularly in recent episodes where she played a key role in helping Clarkson establish his latest venture, The Farmer’s Dog pub, in Oxfordshire. A seasoned hospitality entrepreneur with a knack for turning around struggling pubs, Hawkins brought her expertise to the project, which opened to the public in August 2025. Her involvement in the show has endeared her to fans, who appreciate her no-nonsense approach and dedication to supporting Clarkson’s ambitious endeavors.

Beyond her contributions to Clarkson’s Farm, Hawkins has been focused on her personal ventures, including the attempted sale of her Cotswolds home. Purchased in November 2015 for £750,000, the sprawling six-bedroom property has significantly appreciated in value, reflecting the booming property market in the Cotswolds, a region known for its idyllic countryside and charming villages. Valued at £2.8 million, the house was marketed as a dream home, complete with period features, expansive living spaces, and proximity to the vibrant community of Stow-on-the-Wold.

The Raffle That Didn’t Quite Deliver

In an innovative bid to sell her home, Hawkins partnered with Raffle House, a platform specializing in property raffles, to offer the mansion as a grand prize. The raffle, launched earlier this year, allowed participants to enter for as little as £10, making the prospect of owning a multimillion-pound Cotswolds home accessible to a wide audience. To sweeten the deal, Raffle House included an alternative prize: the cash equivalent of the home’s value, giving the winner the flexibility to choose between the property and a life-changing sum of money.

The raffle drew significant attention, with hopeful entrants imagining themselves living in the stunning Cotswolds estate. However, when the winner was announced, the outcome was not what Hawkins had hoped for. The lucky participant, identified only as Heather, a mother of two who wished to keep her surname private, was left in disbelief upon learning of her victory. “I’m gobsmacked. Is this real? Oh. My. God. I’m in so much shock,” Heather said in a statement shared by Raffle House. “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.”

Heather, who lives with her husband and two children in what she described as a non-affluent area, emphasized the transformative impact of the prize. “It’s a life-changing amount of money for us, thank you,” she said, explaining her decision to take the cash instead of the house. Citing privacy concerns, she added, “I don’t want anyone we know knowing we’ve won a significant amount of money—it would make me feel awkward with my friends and family.” While her choice was understandable, it meant that Hawkins’ home remained unsold, as the property was retained by the owner per the raffle’s terms.

Fan Disappointment and Future Prospects

The news that the Cotswolds mansion would not change hands sparked disappointment among fans of the raffle and Clarkson’s Farm alike. On social media, one participant, Julie Davies, expressed her frustration on Facebook, writing, “So disappointed, love the house! Will it be available again in the future if the cash was taken?” Raffle House responded, acknowledging the sentiment: “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.”

For now, Hawkins and her partner, Will Kennedy, continue to call the Stow-on-the-Wold property home. The couple has lived there since purchasing it a decade ago, and while the raffle did not yield the desired outcome, the property’s prime location and impressive value suggest it will remain a coveted asset. Whether Hawkins will attempt to sell the home again—through another raffle or traditional means—remains unclear, but her entrepreneurial spirit and connection to the Clarkson’s Farm community ensure she’ll remain a figure of interest.

The Broader Context of Clarkson’s Farm

The unsold home adds another layer to the narrative of Clarkson’s Farm, which has thrived on its depiction of the unpredictable nature of rural life. The series has documented Clarkson’s struggles with everything from adverse weather to bureaucratic hurdles, and season five is expected to delve into one of the farm’s toughest challenges yet: an outbreak of bovine tuberculosis that forced a two-month lockdown on livestock operations. The show’s ability to blend humor with hard-hitting realities has made it a standout, earning a BAFTA and a loyal global fanbase.

Rachel Hawkins’ contributions to The Farmer’s Dog pub highlight the collaborative spirit at the heart of Diddly Squat Farm. Alongside farmhands like Kaleb Cooper and Gerald Cooper, she has helped bring Clarkson’s vision to life, whether it’s through the farm shop, the pub, or the day-to-day operations captured on camera. The failure to sell her home may be a setback, but it’s unlikely to dampen her involvement in the Clarkson’s Farm journey, which continues to resonate with viewers for its authenticity and relatability.

A Community of Dreamers and Doers

The raffle’s outcome underscores the allure of the Cotswolds, a region that has become synonymous with aspirational living. For participants like Heather, the chance to win a £2.8 million home—or its cash equivalent—represented a shot at a new chapter. Her decision to take the money reflects the practical realities many face, prioritizing financial security over a dream property. For Hawkins, the raffle was a bold move that didn’t pan out as planned, but it’s a testament to her willingness to think outside the box, much like Clarkson himself.

As Clarkson’s Farm prepares to return for its fifth season, fans can expect more stories of triumph and tribulation from Diddly Squat Farm. Whether it’s Clarkson’s ongoing battle to keep the farm afloat, Hawkins’ efforts to support his ventures, or the broader challenges facing British agriculture, the series continues to shine a light on the resilience and ingenuity of those who work the land. For now, Rachel Hawkins’ Cotswolds mansion remains a symbol of unrealized dreams—for both its owner and the raffle hopefuls who imagined calling it home.