Advertisement

This Charming Inn in Maine Is Hosting an Essay Contest and the Prize is... the Inn

Photo credit: Facebook
Photo credit: Facebook

From House Beautiful

Usually when you enter a big sweepstakes, a potential grand prize might involve winning a free stay at a hotel. Well, one tiny inn located on Swan Island, Maine took it few a steps further. If you win its current contest, you can stay there as many nights as you want, because you literally win the inn. In fact, the contest is literally called "Win Our Inn."

The Harbor Watch Inn will permanetly turn over its key to whoever can write the best essay, in 350 words or less, on why he or she deserves to be the new innkeeper. Wild, right? There is a $99 entry fee, as well as a few short questions to answer, but other than that, the contest is pretty straightforward. Plus, there's no limit on how many times you can enter— just know that the fee applies each time and all essays must be original. Entries will be reviewed by a group of independent judges headed by a couple of retired school teachers who have deep roots on the island. The application form, where you'll include your essay at the bottom, must be submitted by March 31, 2020.

A couple things about the inn: It is located six miles off the coast, near Acadia National Park, and is the perfect spot for hiking, kayaking, or swimming. The motel itself includes two standard rooms and two rooms with full kitchens that boast rich views of the harbor. Also, the upstairs has a furnished one-bedroom apartment that is typically rented year-round, but could serve as the new owner's home. It's also pretty eco-friendly: Photos reveal solar panels on the property, as well as an electric vehicle charging station.


While Swan Island is a little ways off from the mainland, and is only accessible by water, the island was estimated to have a population of 326 people in 2017, according to the United States Census Bureau. The small community is close-knit, and hosts special events such as craft fairs, open art studios, community breakfasts, pie auctions and chowder cook-offs, according to a press release. If island dwellers ever feel off the grid, they can hop on the Maine DOT ferry and visit popular tourist areas like Acadia, Bar Harbor, and the rest of Down East Maine. The Maine DOT ferry can also transport motor vehicles.

So, are you ready to flex that writing muscle? You can enter here.

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.

You Might Also Like