Buzz
If crafting compelling prose is your forte but owning a Maine inn isn’t on your radar—or you missed the chance—here’s another real estate contest where your writing skills could pay off. This one, however, also demands a love for goats.
Leslie and Paul Spell’s Humble Heart Farm in Elkmont, Alabama, is flourishing. However, the couple is preparing to relocate to Costa Rica to assist missionaries in establishing goat farms. Before their move, they aim to find a capable individual to manage their 20-acre property, complete with 85 goats.
Originally priced at $350,000, the farm attracted a few offers, but many interested buyers struggled to secure the necessary down payment.
"Debt is among the most challenging burdens a farmer can face," Paul Spell shared with WAAY-TV.
Taking inspiration from the Maine bed and breakfast example, the Spells chose to organize their own contest to identify the next caretakers of Humble Heart Farm.
"We’re genuinely thrilled about this and eager to see how many people show interest," Leslie Spell remarked.
Similar to the Maine initiative, the Spells aim to achieve their desired price by distributing the cost across numerous participants. Each entry is priced at $150. If they receive the anticipated 2,500 entries—fewer will result in refunds—the proceeds will not only settle the remaining mortgage but also grant the winner $20,000 to assist with initial expenses. The Spells aren’t merely selling their property; they’re seeking someone to continue and grow the business. (As a bonus, they’ll also teach the winner their coveted goat cheese recipe, which has already garnered a dedicated customer base.)
"They can take over and hit the ground running, and I’m excited to witness their vision for the farm," Leslie added.
If you’re eligible (19 years or older) and intrigued, you have until October 1 to submit a $150 check along with a 200-word essay explaining, 'Why I, or my organization, am the ideal candidate to carry on the farmstead goat cheese legacy.' The Spells will shortlist their top 20 essays, which will then be evaluated by a panel of three independent judges. Be prepared to take on the responsibilities of managing a goat farm if chosen.
The winner will be revealed by October 15, 2015, with ownership transferred by November 1. Training on farm operations and cheese production will occur over the subsequent two weeks. As the contest rules state, 'No training will be available after November 15, 2015, due to the goats’ milking schedule.'
For complete details and to access the entry form, visit here.
