Indiana Couple Runs $150 Essay Contest for Beautiful Log Home
Anyone can enter to win the 6-bedroom, 4-bathroom property.
— -- For $150 and a well-crafted essay, you could win a pretty sweet prize -- a custom-built, 6,200-square-foot log home in Columbus, Indiana.
The current owner, Deanne Railing, told ABC News that she and her husband, Timothy, bought the six-bedroom, four-bathroom house, in 2013.
Now, the couple is running a contest for the property, which sits an hour south of Indianapolis, as they send four of their six children off to college.
All you have to do is send in a $150 entry fee and a 250-word essay addressing the theme "A Life Well-Lived" -- an idea that Railing said was inspired by a family tragedy.
"We chose the topic because my husband epitomizes that," she said. "When he was 17, he broke his neck skiing and became a quadriplegic. He cannot move from the chest down."
"He persevered and it wasn't easy," she added. "My husband is outgoing, he is personable, he doesn't mind laughing at himself, but doesn't laugh at others. He just has a great attitude and doesn't give up."
The person with the most uplifting story, determined by an anonymous panel of judges, will land the home boasting two fireplaces, an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, private balconies and more.
Whomever wins the property, Railing said, is welcome to use it for whatever they choose.
"They could keep the house, sell the house, [or] donate it to an individual," she said. "We have no restrictions on what someone does with this house."
The contest launched June 15 and is running through Nov. 16, 2015.
Railing said the selection process has been approved by Indiana's game commission as well at the state's attorney general.
Should they not receive a minimum of 4,500 entries, the Railings will be returning all entry fees to the contestants.
"We want this to be fun," Railing said. "We're hoping to announce the winners on New Year's Eve."
For your chance at winning the house, read all entry rules at columbusloghome.com.
Related Stories
ABC News Live