Win the Blue Hill Inn | How $150 and 200 Words Could Change Your Life

From a Massachusetts bakery to an Alabama goat farm, these days, the chance to chance to change your life as the owner of a new business could require nothing more than a brief essay, minimal entrance fee, and a bit of luck. “Essay-for-a-business” contests have been popping up all over the country in 2015, and if you thought your chance to own a cozy Maine inn had already passed, think again!

Inspired by the recent trend, Sarah Pebworth, owner of the Blue Hill Inn in Blue Hill, Maine, has also decided to part with her inn via essay contest. She credits an inheritance from her mother with allowing her to make her own dream come true when she purchased the inn eight years ago, and says it feels not just right, but truly good, to offer someone else that same opportunity today .

Nestled in a plum spot along the Maine midcoast, the Blue Hill Inn fits the “dream inn” bill. Dating back to 1840, it boasts double red front doors, 11 guest rooms with en-suite baths, two apartment units, chef’s kitchen, and sunny dining room. The inn’s location – steps from Blue Hill’s quaint downtown and waterfront – is another plus. Just 45 minutes south of Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Blue Hill is one of many cozy midcoast towns dotted with art galleries, restaurants, shops, and (last but not least) stunning views of the state’s rocky shoreline.

After hearing about Sarah’s plans for the inn, I reached out to her to ask if I might stop by for a look around during an upcoming visit to the area, and was delighted when she agreed. On the day of my visit, the sun was shining and the air was warm – a perfect Maine summer day.

Inside the inn (both doors work), you’re welcomed by the comfortable parlor, complete with refreshments, newspapers, and plenty of places to sit.

Next to the parlor is the library, where ample reading material awaits. Here, you can pick up a local guidebook, novel, or flip through a binder detailing the inn’s own history.

Beyond the library is the dining room, ringed with windows that let in lovely light. The inn comes with a well-equipped kitchen, so the new owner has the option of serving just breakfast (as Sarah does today, plus occasional special-event dinners), or including a regular evening dinner service.

And then there are the bedrooms. To repeat, there are 11 in total, plus two apartment units in the next building for larger or more long-term stays.

It’s hard to take photos of bedrooms, isn’t it? You either get the floor or the walls, but never both. Well, unless you climb up on the furniture, which I certainly wasn’t about to do – at least not in front of Sarah!

But, as with all good inns, each room was thoughtfully put together and unique from its siblings. One room’s braided rug was another’s set of vintage samplers, patterned wallpaper, pair of armchairs, or colorful antique lamp.

I was also quite taken with this antique safe in the parlor, which doubled nicely as a home for our lemonades. It’s these kinds of unique antique touches that make New England inns so quirky and special.

And let’s not forget the outdoors! There’s a large and open yard to the left of the inn, complete with gardens, fruit trees, patio chairs, and a swinging hammock.

But what about Blue Hill itself? A quick stroll around town proved it to be a spot worthy of further exploration.

So, how about it? Are you feeling lucky? With a few typed words and the equivalent of a few tanks of gas, you just might change your life.

For more information, including rules, an extensive FAQ, and more about Sarah and the Blue Hill area, visit Win the Blue Hill Inn.

And if you do enter… good luck!