Entrants Cry Foul over West Horsley Place’s ‘Ghosts’ Prize-draw Tactics

Published on: 17 Mar, 2026
Updated on: 20 Mar, 2026

BBC Ghosts Sitcom at West Horsley Place Alex Gill

By Isabelle Trubshaw

Fans of the BBC sitcom Ghosts are demanding refunds from a prize-draw organised by West Horsley Place after a series of changes were made to the competitions’ rules, which several participants have described as “illegal”.

After weeks of speculation, West Horsley Place announced that BBC sitcom “Ghosts” will return to West Horsley Place in a feature-length film – Ghosts: The Possession of Button House – with fans given the chance to discover the cinematic world behind the BBC’s new production.

Details of what the Trust describe as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” were first shared in early March on the Trusts’ Facebook page, initially receiving a positive response from fans online.

For £25 per ticket through online entry, 100 winners (plus up to three guests for each) could win a 1.5 to 2-hour guided tour of the Surrey Manor – known by fans as “Button House”. The tours are scheduled to take place on March 21 and 22 while the property is being used for filming.

‘Button House’ from BBC Ghosts Sitcom (Photo by Alex Gill)

However, since the competition launched, several alterations have been made to the terms of entry, prompting outrage from participants.

The goalposts were first moved on the March 11, as fans were told they could “double their chance of winning” by receiving a second entry free of charge for a 48-hour period.

Later, with only two days remaining before the entry deadline, the Trust announced that participants could receive 10 entries for the price of one to “boost chances”. It was also announced that all online entrants would receive 50per cent off a “Ghostly Get Together” at West Horsley Place in 2026.

Many participants have criticised the changes online, arguing that they disadvantage those who entered earlier in the draw.

One participant commented, “I’d like a refund of my entry fee as it’s against the rules to change the Ts & Cs part way through a competition. Or you have to give everyone x10 entries instead of only one to make it fair and legal. You’re going to lose a lot of supporters…”

Another wrote, “It is a little unfair to those of us who entered previously, it wasn’t a low price to pay for an entry ticket, so for many we can’t afford to enter again, and now for the same price you are offering 10 entries for one payment.”

A further comment echoed these concerns, explaining that the only solution is to ensure that early ticket buyers are given the same chances as everyone else: “This is against the rules of running a draw. You can’t change the competition terms partway through. Everyone must receive the same number of entries for the £25 fee paid. Otherwise, this is now an illegal lottery.”

Other comments questioned the entry fee structure, noting that the competition allows both £25 online entries and free postal entries with the same chance of winning.

“How many people have paid £25 for their ‘free’ entry? No need to be coy…” one commenter wrote.

West Horsley Place Manor

Responding to these comments, Director Ilona Harris explained that the prize-draw followed the same progression as many other fundraising lotteries: “we promoted entries through a range of offers during the campaign, including bundled online entry options which provided additional entries for the same prize draw. This was clearly outlined in our terms and conditions.”

The Trust confirmed that all proceeds from the prize-draw entries will support the conservation and charitable work of the Trust in bringing the manor – a Grade I listed medieval building from 1425, gardens, 400-acre estate and eight Grade II listed outbuildings back into good repair and to improve people’s wellbeing through culture, heritage and nature.

“The money raised through the Prize Draw will help safeguard the future of West Horsley Place, and we are very grateful to everyone who chose to take part and support our work,” said Ms Harris.

The Trust have been facing financial difficulties since ownership of WHP was transferred to the Trust in 2016. In an effort to raise funds, several assets from the Manor were sold in a Sotheby’s auction between 2015 and 2018, with proceeds donated to the charity.

Baschea Walsh (Picture credit: The Sun).

See: Bamber Gascoigne’s Widow Disassociates the Gascoigne Name from West Horsley Place

More recently, proposals have included the possible introduction of rental cottages on the estate for short-stay accommodation. The proposals have drawn attention following the decision to evict 71-year-old Baschea Walsh, who has lived in a cottage on the estate for 20 years.

See: New Year Anguish is Looming for Elderly Tenant Facing Eviction from ‘Ghosts’ Estate

Some online commenters have linked the prize draw to these wider financial pressures. One wrote: “I hope the cast are told how [The Trust] threw an elderly lady out of her home all for extra money.”

Another commented: “Every pound raised contributes to the ‘get the old lady out’ fund.”

Filming for Ghosts: The Possession of Button House began on the estate at the beginning of March and is expected to continue throughout the month.

Since the first series of Ghosts was aired in 2019, the Trust has welcomed visitors through film tours, open days and special events, though never on this scale.

On their website, the Trust writes: “This isn’t a standard tour. This isn’t a replica set. This is the real Button House.”

Geoffrey McGivern in BBC Ghosts Sitcom (Photo by Alex Gill)

During the tours, no cast members will be on site, and the exact locations visitors can access will be subject to filming and operational arrangements on the day.

To maintain secrecy, winners will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement, give up their mobile phones, and agree not to film nor take photographs.

Entries closed on Sunday 15 March, with winners expected to be notified by Tuesday 17 March ahead of the exclusive tours later this week.