One lucky artist may be the new owner of this 3 bedroom house located in Sanford, Maine — if they can write the winning essay for the Artist’s House Essay Contest. The house is not MCS-safe as far as we are aware, and has a basement which makes it more vulnerable to mold issues. However, it is rare to be able to win a house and we thought it was a great opportunity for an artist disabled by environmental illness who needs safe housing and cannot afford their own house, but has some savings to put toward making a house safe, or reselling it and using the funds toward the purchase of a safe house. Please note, however, that one of the rules of the contest is the winner must live in the house themselves for at least one year before the deed will be transferred. In addition, there is a $50 entry fee, the winner is responsible for all taxes, and all entrants must be an artist of some sort. An open house will be held from 2:00pm to 4:00pm on Saturday, January 30, 2010.
The property description on the real estate listing (where you can also check out 10 photos of the house) reads: “Think you have a talent for expressing yourself? Win this tastefully done 3 bedroom ranch on large corner lot. Cathedral ceiling, open format, pellet stove, on a cul de sac in a well established, quiet neighborhood in South Sanford. Large walk out basement with lots of light, ready to be finished, would double the living space. 15 minutes to Kennebunk, 15 minutes to 95, quiet country setting, yet close to shopping and commuting. Move in condition. Deck and gardens provide additional space and respite. For folks not familiar with the area, the house is 1/2 hour from Portland ME, 1/2 hour from Portsmouth NH, 1 1/2 hour from Boston, 15 min from the coast in Wells or Kennebunk. Contest open to artists in any field, music, visual arts, dramatic arts, writing, film. Tell us how the world will be a better place if you win this house.”
The details, entry form, and rules for the contest can be found via the contest’s blog at artistswinthishouse.blogspot.com.
From the blog, the basic rules are:
The contest is open to anyone in the Arts, any field; musical, dramatic, visual, writing etc. if in doubt, ask. Entries will be limited to 4,000. When we reach that number the contest will close. If we do not reach 4,000 entries by June 1st 2010, we will close the contest and determine if the house can still be given away if not, everyone who submitted will receive a refund. We will post when the entry level is reaching maximum. We will post when the limit is reached and the contest is closed.
You must be at least 18 years of age at the time you enter the contest.
You must write 500 words or less expressing how the world will be a better place if you win this house. You cannot use names of people or names of specific towns. Essay entries will be anonymous. Pertinent information must be submitted on the separate form provided to insure anonymity. Spelling does not count, (we are artists after all) but content does. The essay can take the form of poetry, dialog or song verse if you choose.
You must include a $50.00 entry fee. Bank checks or money orders only. Enter as often as you wish.
We will hold 2 Open Houses for anyone wishing to view the house in person. Take a tour of the house and plan to be impressed! Note: on house site, scroll under main photo for additional photos of property.
The house must be lived in by the winner for a period of no less that one year, the deed will be held in trust for that time.
All taxes, including Maine transfer tax, are the responsibility of the winner.
All essays become the property of the contest and will not be returned. All rights assigned.
There will be three place winners chosen, in the case that the winner is unable to accept the house or does not meet the criteria, the house will pass to the second place essay and then to the third, if necessary. All winners will be required to show proof of accuracy of declarations.
If you wish please copy and print these rules to refer to as you write your essay.
The contest begins on December 15th 2009 and ends when we have reached maximum entries (4,000) , or June 1, 2010 whichever comes first.
Good luck!
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