- Entry requires a $200 fee and a 250–500 word essay; submissions run from Aug. 15 to Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. ET.
- If at least 15,000 entries are received, the winner gets the house and associated prize taxes are covered; otherwise, an alternate cash prize equals 75% of ticket sales after expenses.
- The home is a roughly 5,500-sq-ft brick Georgian at 1200 Prince Edward St., with 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths; local charities help judge.
The Big Picture
A local skill-based contest, “Write Your Way Home”, invites entrants to submit a 250–500 word essay—plus a $200 fee—for a chance to own a six-bedroom historic house in downtown Fredericksburg. The sponsors outline a minimum threshold of 15,000 entries to award the home and cover prize taxes, with judging based on emotional impact, originality, creativity, relevance to theme, and writing mechanics.
What’s New
Submissions open Friday, Aug. 15 at 9 a.m. ET and close Monday, Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. ET, according to the official rules. Essays must be original and single-author; use of AI or plagiarism leads to disqualification. If the 15,000-entry mark is met, the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank and the Fredericksburg SPCA will receive donations from proceeds. The homeowners, Paula and Robert Welsh, say they launched the contest after traditional sale efforts fell short, and they will not serve as judges; a panel tied to the local charities will evaluate entries, reported by WTOP. Subsequent references to WTOP appear without a hyperlink.
What They’re Saying
Context
The prize home sits at 1200 Prince Edward Street in the city’s historic district. The property includes six bedrooms (one not to code), 4.5 baths, and off-street parking, along with an accessory apartment above a two-car garage. Organizers describe about 5,500 square feet of living space and emphasize the home’s Georgian character and recent updates, according to the contest materials and property description. The Welsh family previously listed the home for $1.8 million; when it did not sell quickly, they explored alternatives, WTOP reported.
What’s Next
After entries close on Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. ET, organizers say a winner will be selected within roughly 45 days. If the entry threshold is not met, rules specify an alternate cash award of 75% of ticket revenue after eligible expenses; otherwise, the winner receives the deed with prize taxes covered from proceeds. Prospective entrants should review eligibility, submission limits (up to five essays per person), and all terms before purchasing a ticket.
The Bottom Line
For $200 and a compelling 250–500 word story, one entrant could trade a paragraph for a set of keys—provided the contest hits its entry mark and the essay stands out with authentic voice and craft.
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