Entrants have until midnight on December 31 to submit a 200-word essay stating why they should be considered


Now's the time to dig out your school text books on essay writing - because a spot of creative writing could win you a million-dollar property.

Sarah Pebworth, owner of the idyllic Blue Hill Inn in Maine, is looking for a new innkeeper to take the helm, with the keys handed over to the person that writes the most impressive essay.

Pebworth inherited the money for the inn from her mother, but after her recent engagement and the lure of Paris, she has decided pay forward the opportunity and give someone else a similar head start.

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Sarah Pebworth, owner of the idyllic Blue Hill Inn in Maine, is looking for a new owner to take the helm and all they have to do is write an impressive essay

Picturesque surroundings: The Cape House Suite, one of the two more modern, year-round apartment accommodations at the Blue Hill Inn

Owner Sarah Pebworth (left) is keen to give someone a chance at running the idyllic inn - by judging applicants via a 200-word essay. The inn has an impressive five-star rating on TripAdvisor with many commenting on the delicious breakfasts (right)

The competition has opened and budding innkeepers have to send a 200-word pitch along with $150 before midnight on December 31.

The rule is that if less than 7,500 people apply for the role, the money will be returned to entrants.

'Offering a chance to someone to become the owner of this inn for very little money—an entry fee of $150—just feels right. My mother would love this contest,' she said to MailOnline Travel.

'I am so lucky to have been able to live my dream for all these years, living in Blue Hill, running the inn and restaurant, but now it's time for me to move to the next chapter of my life.

'I would love to see someone with 'the hospitality gene' and a real passion for the full range of tasks involved get the role. 'I love polishing silver, shopping for treasures, rearranging furniture, solving plumbing mysteries, raking leaves, helping guests make the most of their time in this area, perfecting our sticky bun recipe, training staff, folding towels, creating ad copy - I hope the new owner loves all the bits as much.'

The snug 1830s inn, valued by a bank appraiser in June 2012 at $1,155,000, comes complete with 11 rooms and two apartment suites, along with a commercial kitchen and a dining room that can seat 30 guests.

Breakfast, offered in the sunny dining room, includes delicious choices such as blueberry pancakes, omelets with local eggs, and inn-made granola. Mimosas and the inn's own sparkling blueberry cocktail are available as well

The snug 1830s inn has 11 rooms and two apartment suites, along with a commercial kitchen and a dining room that can seat 30

This contest would allow the winner to own the real estate and business assets, which were valued by a bank appraiser in June 2012 at $1,155,000

New adventures: Pebworth is leaving her comfortable inn as she recently got engaged and is said to be moving to Paris

Incredible offer: The winner will also receive $25,000 to help them get started with the inn, if enough entries are received

WHAT ENTRANTS SHOULD INCLUDE Essays will be judged based upon their clarity of expression and the passion and forethought they show for the prospect of running a small hospitality business in Maine. The essay should explore the topic: Why would I love to own and operate the Blue Hill Inn? Advertisement

Pebworth will provide up to ten days of on-site training, immediately before or after the transfer, and be on hand for six months to provide limited telephone or email consultation.

In order to be in for the running, applicants have to state why they would should be the ones to lovingly own and operate the Blue Hill Inn.

Following entries being received, the owner will select the top 100 essays which will be anonymously given to three independent judges.

'A contestant from another contest - she didn't win - told us about Submittable, an online system for accepting and managing literary submissions,' Pebworth said.

'It took us a few weeks to make sure we could accept entries both ways, thorough snailmail and online, fairly, but we've been receiving entries both ways. So far, people are preferring to submit online. It's certainly convenient.

'I have always loved to read and have used writing throughout my life in so many ways. For me, communicating is a key skill for running the inn. Asking for an essay seemed perfect!'

Room six at the Blue Hill Inn is a bright corner room with Eastlake furnishings, but there are also two suites on offer for those looking for larger accommodation

The inn is situated on acre of land with a perennial garden, a small grove of fruit trees and another separate lodging area offering the two large suites

The innkeeper said how there is also the option of people buying entries as gifts on the website.

'The online system makes it really easy for someone to buy the entry fee for someone else. What a gift owning this inn would make! Truly a life-changing present,' she wrote.

Pebworth took over the inn in 2007 and has helped it become a popular destination for those looking for a cosy night away.

The inn has a five star rating on TripAdvisor with many guests writing highly of their stay there.

User SweetDanish wrote a five-star review on the site saying: 'It has been almost six years now but I still remember the friendly service and how welcoming Sarah was. And not to forget the breakfasts and afternoon treats.'

Full contest details can be found at WintheBlueHillInn on Facebook or on the competition website.

The winner will also receive $25,000 to help them get started with the inn, if enough entries are received.

'When I bought the inn, I was single and happily married to the 1830s building and the innkeeping lifestyle,' Pebworth said.

'But now I'm engaged and it's time to move on and fulfil dreams that my partner and I have together and make space here for someone else's dream.'