Chicago native Kathleen Spangler has officially joined the ranks of improbable raffle legends after being handed the keys to Butterfly Cottage in County Leitrim on Sunday. She won the two-bedroom home earlier this year in an online draw, landing a move-in-ready property on roughly 1.75 acres that was renovated in 2022.
The drawing naming Spangler as the winner took place on May 22. The competition, billed as "Win a House Near Sligo," ran on the Raffall platform and attracted entrants from several countries. As reported by TheJournal, the win was confirmed once the raffle hit its ticket threshold, and organizers said Spangler has family roots in Mayo and Sligo.
Owner Hands Over Keys In Leitrim Handover
Local coverage says property owner Imelda Collins formally passed over the keys during a handover event at the cottage this weekend. Ireland Live reports the raffle generated about €1.2 million in gross ticket revenue, and that Collins also agreed to cover the winner's legal fees and stamp duty as part of the prize.
What Butterfly Cottage Brings To The Table
Host materials and press notes describe Butterfly Cottage as a renovated two-bedroom bungalow with both countryside and mountain views, set on 1.75 acres and located about a 15-minute drive from Sligo. As outlined by Raffall, the prize included the house fully furnished following the 2022 renovation.
How The Ticket Math Shook Out
Local reporting has also pulled back the curtain on the costs behind the giveaway. Ireland Live notes that Collins spent around €25,000 on marketing and about €2,600 in affiliate fees, with platform commissions and taxes taken out of the total ticket revenue before the prize was transferred. Those figures highlight how property raffles can juggle risk and reward for both hosts and hopeful ticket buyers.
The Legal Fine Print
Irish coverage says the draw was structured as a "prize competition," which meant entrants had to answer a question when buying tickets. That setup affects regulatory compliance and tax treatment. TheJournal describes how platforms and hosts use rules and ticket thresholds to stay within legal requirements.
What Happens Next For Winner And Host
With the keys now in hand, final conveyancing and tax steps still need to be completed before Spangler can settle in fully. Collins has said she hopes to use the proceeds to support her next plans abroad, and Raffall notes that its systems hold ticket revenue until winners confirm they have received their prizes.
