A 23-year-old woman who lives in a restored castle with her fiancé, who is 33 years older than her, says she doesn’t blame people for thinking she’s just after his money.
Allana Luke and Jeff Winn, 56, have been inseparable ever since their second date to Marbella in October 2020.
Shortly after, Allana moved into the law firm owner’s 11 bed castle in Jesmond, Newcastle.
The couple - who got engaged on June 2 - can be seen enjoying the finer things in life but Allana insists she isn't with him for money and has even suggested a prenup.
Allana, who is Jeff’s personal assistant, said: “There’s no denying Jeff looks much older than me which can cause people to roll their eyes when they see us.
“They automatically assume I am just another girlfriend after his money.
“I don’t blame them as it would be my first thought too.
“But once they get to know us, they can tell we are a great match. We have the same banter and we are always laughing.”
She said she wasn’t ashamed to show her affection towards him in public, and would always hold his hand as she was proud they were together.
“He may be older but he is definitely young at heart,” she said.
“He used to party more than me but I am a home bird so he has definitely calmed down now that we have settled.”
The couple immediately hit it off despite the age gap and different backgrounds.
She said: “Initially, I decided to increase the age range on my Tinder because I was fed up of immature guys my own age. I set it to 25 to 60 year olds and the next day I matched Jeff.
“Jeff's profile made me stop as his photo was one of him standing outside his castle. I'd be lying if I didn't say 'wow' at the house.
“His bio said he'd just finished restoring it so I thought it would be a good story to tell friends, even if it didn't work out.
“We instantly hit it off and the next week, I went to his castle and it didn’t even feel like he was older.
"He cooked a lovely venison stew and we had a bottle of champagne.
“He’s so easy going and funny - I agreed to go to Marbella with him the following week as I had just quit my job as a travel agent."
During the 17 day trip, Allana celebrated her 22nd birthday in October 2020 and Jeff bought her a pair of diamond earrings.
On their return, she moved into the castle to self-isolate with Jeff and his daughter Nina, 23, and son Josh, 21.
She said: "Since meeting, we have only spent three days apart and I wouldn't have it any other way."
The castle they call home has a full time cleaner, three gardeners for the five acres of land, an estate manager and a bartender.
It also has 15 bathrooms, a cinema and a hot tub for the couple to relax in.
Allana said: “I’m not from a wealthy family and grew up in a council house so the castle is still a shock to this day.
“I have joked with Jeff that we should just get a one bedroom flat as it is a pretty huge place.
“I would still be with him even if he were to lose this house and go bankrupt but I guess that is something I can’t prove unless it happens.
“He says if I lost all my looks tomorrow, he would still be with me too!”
In less than two years, Allana has been whisked off her feet by the dad-of-two.
She has been spoilt with an Audi TT, Rolex, designer handbags and trips abroad to Barbados and Thailand for ten weeks.
She said: “Jeff is so kind and loves his family, he is so down to earth.
“He’s so generous and loves to make everyone around him happy. We absolutely love to travel and have spent ten weeks in Thailand.
“We can’t wait to see the world together.
“Jeff is so grounded and it’s amazing to see.
“I recently introduced him to B&M bargains and he loved it.”
Allana is sharing her story in a bid to normalise age gap relationships.
She said: “I want people to realise it is ok to have an age gap relationship - there’s people out there who are ashamed to post their partner who is older so they don’t.
“We shouldn’t have to hide the loves of our lives because we are scared of getting judged.
"On social media, it may look like I am with Jeff for materialistic things but when people see us in person, they can see we are so natural.
“It is ok and there is nothing weird about an age gap relationship.
“The stigma might be removed a little now that we are engaged - it is so much more than a fling.”
Jeff said: "For many years, I have been a bit of a naughty boy and dated a lot.
"I was looking for someone who is beautiful on the inside and out. I found that in Allana and instantly knew it was more than a fling.
"I have dated younger women in their twenties before and my family didn't approve. But they all adore Allana because they can see how she positively impacted my life.
"I'm so much more relaxed than I used to be.
"I'm quite well known in Newcastle and a lot of young men look up to me, they often high five me and compliment us when we are out together.
"But we do get stares when Allana is all dolled up - they are just jealous.”
