Win the Inn / Essay Contest to Win the Perennial Inn in Rumford, Maine

Oct. 29, 2015 - PRLog -- OCTOBER 29, 2015 -- CONTACT: Darlene Ginsberg, owner/innkeeper
207-369-0309, wintheinn@perennialinn.com

Yet another Innkeeper in Maine will “Pay it Forward”
Become the new owner of the Perennial Inn for $150 and 200 words

Rumford Point, Maine—The idea of selling an inn for 150 dollars and an inspiring essay is spreading. The latest contest is offered by Darlene Ginsberg, who is looking for a new owner for her historic inn in Rumford Point, Maine. Contest details can be found at the Inn’s website www.perennialinn.com. The first business to garner national media attention with an inn-giveaway was the Center Lovell Inn and Restaurant, and then there was the Blue Hill Inn, in Blue Hill, Maine. The winner of the Center Lovell Inn contest has been announced so, why not give the left out dreamers another chance?

“Other Inn’s have run essay contests, so why not us” states Darlene Ginsberg, Innkeeper and owner of the Perennial.  Set on 42 acres of fields and woods, complete with a picturesque horse pasture, the small Inn offers the future Innkeeper many opportunities to share a bit of history and show guests the “way life should be”.  A short drive off route 2, the Inn boasts plenty of public space, 7 bedrooms and 5 baths, and a huge old barn just waiting for someone with a new vision on what could be.  The property is turn-key, yet as Darlene shared “could use some TLC, paint and a little siding” but welcomes guests 365 days a year, as a home away from home.  Complete with barn cats, chickens and a few ducks, you can become a small hobby farmer as well.

The minimum number of entries for the Lovell and Blue Hill contests were 7,500. The Perennial Inn contest is making the odds a little better, with a smaller 5000 entry minimum.  Although more entries will be accepted if received by the closing date of February 29, 2016, if at least 5000 are received the winner will also receive a check for $20,000 to assist in the transition, for the new owners.  Passing the inn to someone in this unusual manner makes a lot of sense.  “If someone can come into this business debt free, with just dreams and hard work, it will be much easier for them to be successful” Darlene shared.

The Ginsberg’s bought the Perennial Inn in 2003.  The house has been a labor of love and is very special with lots of history.  It is an Antique Maine farmhouse, with all the uniqueness you would expect, like beautiful hardwood floors, Victorian wood work and even a bath with a water closet.

Asked why gift the Inn this way, “I believe each person brings something new to a business, I would love to see someone take the inn to the next level.  We have done what we can, and after 12 years the motivation and energy just aren’t what it once was, it is time for someone new to bring it new life. Also, running two other businesses drains some of the energy the Inn used to receive”.

To enter, entrants must write a 200-word essay explaining why they would love to live in rural Maine and operate a country Inn or farm. Entrants must include an entry fee of $150, which will be returned if a minimum of 5000 entries are not received. Full contest details and a link to enter online can be found at www.perennialinn.com.

The contest begins on October 31, 2015 with final acceptance of essays on February 29, 2016.  There is a $150 entry fee.  Three independent judges, who have no tie to the Inn will select the winning essay from a final selection of 25 chosen by the innkeepers.  The full rules and contest entry form can be found on the Inn’s website:  www.perennialinn.com