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 Applicants must be eager to run the business and convey their
qualifications in an impeccably crafted, but spare, 200-word essay,
the owner of the Center Lovell Inn and Restaurant, Janice Sage, said
on Monday.
Sage, who first launched her contest in January on Facebook, said in
an interview that she aims to garner as many as 7,500 paid
submissions by May 17th.
At $125 per entry, that would be enough to cover the estimated value
of the 210-year old facility, plus an additional $20,000 for the
next owner.
"There are a lot of talented people that can't, just can't, go out
and buy an inn like this," she said. "Now all they need to do is
write and convince me."
The hotel, together with a barn built in 1895 and other
outbuildings, is located about 55 miles northwest of Portland and
offers sweeping views of New Hampshire's snow-capped mountains.
Sage, who has run the inn for 22 years, will select the top 20
essays then pass them on to two unnamed local residents to judge the
finalists and select a winner.
Other than the contest rules, vetted by Maine authorities and
available online, Sage said she is not giving out any hints to help
guide applicants.
There is some fine print.
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The winner, Sage said, must agree to operate the business for one
year following transfer of ownership, and will keep the inn painted
its traditional white, with green or black roofing and shutters.
Even the idea for the contest is rooted in tradition, she said.
Sage herself took ownership of the inn in 1993, after she won a
similar essay contest launched by the previous owner.
"I came here on angel's wings," she said. "I hope I can do the same
for someone else."
(Editing by Scott Malone and Susan Heavey)
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