Contest Rules and FAQs

Good news for your procrastinators... The contest deadline has been extended to November 15, 2015 

This would make the perfect Christmas present. 

GOOD LUCK! 

ESSAY TOPIC

"Why do you want to own The High Street Victorian Bed and Breakfast?"

The prize is an operating Bed and Breakfast, the furnishings, online reservation system, and website are all part of the prize. Mortgage Free, with a built in income!

What an amazing opportunity!   

All it takes is a complete entry, a creative essay up to 200 words, plus $150 to enter this contest. Contest opens August 15, 2015 and closes on NOVEMBER 15th, 2015 with the sponsors option to extend the deadline an additional 30 days. Someone will win this incredible bed and breakfast as a home and business if enough entries are received. And live in a beautiful historic property!

YOU DON'T HAVE TO KEEP IT A BED AND BREAKFAST! You could just live in this beautiful home.

You could win a fabulous business with your creative essay entry and entry fee. It is the perfect size as a lifestyle B&B - be your own boss and make it your own.

No personal checks will be accepted, no foreign currency. Must use the  ENTRY Form to enter, no emails accepted. See our FAQs page below for all the details.

This is a turn-key bed and breakfast, previously listed for sale at $375,000. Includes approximately $50,000 of furnishings!

 
You could win the home and existing turn-key business, to run your way, with no mortgage to pay.

All entry fees will be held in a separate escrow type account and in the event the sponsor has not received enough entries, all entry fees will be returned. See below for the FAQs, entry form an contest rules on how to enter to win this fabulous bed and breakfast.

You must be 18 years old or older to enter. All the best on your most creative essay entry.

Gene & Kriss Royer, Owners

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this for real?

Yes, it is! The winner of this essay contest will receive the warranty deed to the High Street Victorian Bed and Breakfast, free of any liens, mortgages, back-taxes, or other encumbrances. 

 Why are you doing this?

The sponsors wish to move closer to family and saw a story on the nightly news about a woman in Maine who gave away her Bed and Breakfast as the prize of an essay contest. The idea of giving a house to someone who might not otherwise be able to purchase such a beautiful home and business intrigued the sponsors. The sponsors are hoping to harness the power of social media to make someone's dreams come true.

What protections or safeguards do you have in place?

The sponsors of the contest have sought to protect both themselves and the entrants of the contest. If the threshold number of entries is not met (2500), the sponsors have agreed to refund the entry fees in accordance with the Rules. Entry fees will be held in a separate banking account. in the case that too few entries are not received by the deadline (or extended deadline), the entry fees will be returned. See Entry & Rules for more information about refunds.

Am I disqualified if I know the sponsors of the contest or happen to recognize the home?

No. In fact, the sponsors will have no involvement in the selection process of the winning essay or runner ups. That being said, the contest is not open to persons immediately related to the contest sponsors, as well as current or former employees of the sponsor as a matter of remaining above reproach. Entries for the contest will be given an identification number upon receipt and the names of the entrants will not be further connected with the essay. A panel of qualified judges who are not owners of the house or sponsors of the contest will judge the entries.

What is the duration of the contest?

Submissions will be accepted August 15, 2015. Entry will be open until NOVEMBER 15, 2015. The winner of the contest will be chosen on or around NOV 30, 2015. Sponsors reserves the right to extend the contest an extra 30 days if close to the required number of entries are received.  

  

May I have someone else write the essay on my behalf? 

No, you must write your own essay.

How do I submit my Entry?

 Entrants must use the Entry Form (page 1) that is provided on the website (see complete rules below). You will need to print out the page, fill in the required fields, and be sure to sign it. We must have a completed, signed entry form with each essay. Each entry must: 1) Address the Theme “Why do you want to own The High Street Victorian Bed and Breakfast?” and consist of an original essay of two hundred (200) words or less written in English; 2) be typed or computer printed and double spaced; 3) be printed on only one side of white 8 ½ by 11 inch paper; 4) not contain or display the entrant’s name, address or other identifying information; 5) be securely attached to the official Entry Form; 6) include a Bank money order or certified check in the amount of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) payable to “High Street Victorian Essay Contest”, and 7) be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope which shall be used to provide a refund if enough entries are not received.

Mail essay via U.S. Postal Service or Delivery Carrier like FedEx or UPS be sure to include the above information and enclose the money order in the amount of $150.00 made out to

"High Street Victorian Essay Contest"

                                                                                                    and Mailed to:

                                                                                High Street Victorian Essay Contest
                                                                               P.O. Box 247, Boonville, MO 65233

May I visit the High Street Victorian in person?


No, visiting the home or contacting the owner directly during the contest period is not permitted. The owners are continuing to operate the bed and breakfast and you are welcome to stay at the bed and breakfast as a paying guest, but discussing the contest is prohibited.

How can I stay informed about the contest?

See the Facebook page and our website here. We will post periodic updates on our Facebook page. Any crucial information such as changes to the Terms or extensions to the contest duration will be added to our website.

ABOUT

The High Street Victorian

Between the towns of Kansas City and St. Louis; Nestled high atop wooded bluffs overlooking the Missouri river sits Boonville, Missouri, a beautiful city rooted in history offering visitors an unexpected experience. Conveniently located right off I-70 in the heart of the state, Boonville will impress you with everything it has to offer. With a lively, stimulating cultural scene, combined with small-town charm and hospitality, Boonville will lure you in time and time again. 

The High Street Victorian sits on a bluff above the Missouri River, next to the Katy Trail. The Katy Trail is a 237 mile (386 km) trail stretching across most of the state of Missouri.  Over half of it follows Lewis and Clark's path up the Missouri River, where you can ride beneath towering river bluffs while eagles circle overhead.  After leaving the river, the trail meanders through peaceful farmland and small-town Americana.

High Street Victorian Bed and Breakfast was built in 1880 but provides the accommodations of the 21st century. It is listed on the National Historical Register and combines Victorian elegance with fine furnishings, antiques, large windows and light filled rooms. It's perfect for a romantic getaway or an overnight stay.

 Beautiful private gardens that include 3 arbors, a large pergola with a 100 year old grape growing over it, a beautiful waterfall and garden, and a secret garden courtyard. Much thought and planning went into the gardens with many perennials and heritage roses on the property. 

Superbly located a half block from the Katy Trail and near the waterfront, in the Historic District, High street is just steps away from local attractions, antiques, hiking or biking the Katy Trail, swimming, shopping, to just reading and relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Twenty minutes to Columbia and the University of MO (we get lots of over flow at game time and homecoming),  Central Methodist University, Rocheport, Les Bourgeois Vineyards, Kansas City , and St. Louis. There are endless possibilities.

This Victorian Home has many original features such as high 11 ft ceilings, solid-core interior doors, and 3 sets of solid pocket doors which still function beautifully.   Beautiful crown moldings and oak hardwood floors downstairs and cypress floors upstairs, stained glass windows, original gas & electric lighting fixtures. Original door casings and hinges and wood trims and moldings. Oversized hallways and wide staircase allow for comfort, even when carrying bulky luggage. Fine antiques and furnishings remain with the home. This home is centrally heated and cooled with two energy-efficient gas furnaces and two central air conditioners. High speed wireless internet access is available throughout the B&B.

Each morning guests are treated to a full gourmet breakfast, and in the afternoon, freshly baked cookies and evening dessert.

Comfortable and spacious innkeeper quarters include a 16’X16’ family room with garden view, and separate bedroom.

Maintenance and Care show in this beauty! In April 2004 Kriss and Gene Royer purchased this property. In 2006 the furnaces, water heater and central air conditioning units were replaced. The wiring and plumbing have been updated. The floors were refinished and the interior repainted. All major appliances have been replaced since then. The roof was replaced in 2011 and the front porch and balcony rebuilt and exterior repainted in 2013.

June 2008 the B&B was opened with a state-of-the-art website. In 2010 an online reservation system was added. It contains historically accurate interior furnishing and decorating throughout the B&B. To this outstanding Bed & Breakfast, the owners have added an enviable reputation and strong web presence. High Street Victorian Bed & Breakfast consistently ranks as #1 Bed & Breakfast in Boonville with strong, positive 5 star reviews in Trip Advisor.com. In Google searches, the High Street Victorians website displays on the first page for the most commonly used local keywords.

 High Street Victorian has won multiple awards including, * “Best Bed & Breakfast in the Boonslick area”.  and * “Best Interior”, This Old House Decorate your home for the Holidays contest “top 10 Backyard Makeover”, This Old House.

High Street Victorian Bed & breakfast offers a rare opportunity to own a turnkey beautiful Historically significant and successful destination B&B!

Bed and Breakfast Website: www.highstreetvictorian.com

 Follow us on Facebook here

~~~ SEE RULES AND ENTRY FORM BELOW ~~~

~ RULES and all that GOOD STUFF~

ENTRY FORM

(print and complete this page and include it with your essay)

Essay Topic:

“Why do you want to own The High Street Victorian

Bed and Breakfast?"

High Street Victorian Bed & Breakfast Essay Contest Entry Form

Entry Number__________________ (this space to be completed by judges)

Last Name: _______________________________________________________________

First Name: ________________________________________________M.I. ____________

Address: _________________________________________________________________

State: ________________________________________ Zip Code____________________

Telephone Number (s)_______________________________________________________

Email Address: ____________________________________________________________

The undersigned has read the *Essay Contest Rules and has agreed to abide by the rules as noted.

Entrant Printed Name: _________________________________________________________

Entrant Signature: _____________________________________________________________

Date: ___________________

Do not contact the sponsor during the contest period. Such contact shall invalidate your entry.

Attach your essay securely to the entry form and then securely attach a Bank certified Money Order or Bank Certified Check in the amount of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) payable to “High Street Victorian Essay Contest”, on top of the Essay.

 Entries must include entry fee and stamped self-addressed envelopes as described in the *contest rules.

Mail as specified in the Rules.  Entries must be postmarked on or before NOVEMBER 15, 2015.

The entries must be addressed to: High Street Victorian Essay Contest, PO Box 247, Boonville MO 65233, USA. Responsibility for lost, late or misdirected entries rests with the entrant.

* http://winhighstreetvictorian.blogspot.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ENTERING THE CONTEST by entering this essay contest, you are agreeing to the following rules:

1.PRELIMINARY INFORMATION: No purchase of any product or service is necessary to participate or to be eligible.

 2.THE CONTEST PERIOD: shall begin at 12:01 a.m. Central Daylight Time on August 15th, 2015, and shall end at 11:59 p.m. CDT on NOVEMBER 15, 2015, unless extended as provided in Paragraph 13 below.

3. ELIGIBILITY: The essay contest is open only to permanent , legal United States (U.S.) residents who are physically residing in one (1) of the fifty (50) states (excluding Puerto Rice, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Island and other U.S. territories), and who are eighteen (18) years of age or older as of the start of the Contest Period. The judges of the contest, owners and ex-owners of the Prize, the sponsors and their employees or ex-employees, and the immediate families of each of those groups previously mentioned are not eligible to enter or win the Contest.

4. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: Each entry must: 1) Address the Theme “Why do you want to own The High Street Victorian Bed and Breakfast?” and consist of an original essay of two hundred (200) words or less written in English; 2) be typed or computer printed and double spaced; 3) be printed on only one side of white 8 ½ by 11 inch paper; 4) not contain or display the entrant’s name, address or other identifying information; 5) be securely attached to the official Entry Form; 6) include a Bank money order or certified check in the amount of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) payable to “High Street Victorian Essay Contest”, and 7) be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope which shall be used to provide a refund as provided in Rule No. 5 below.

Mail essay via U.S. Postal Service or Delivery Carrier like FedEx or UPS be sure to include the above information and enclose the money order in the amount of $150.00 made out to "High Street Victorian Essay Contest"

                                                                     and mail to: High Street Victorian Essay Contest

                                                                                          P.O Box 247, Boonville, MO 65233

Each entry must be the original work of the entrant, may not have been previously published, may not have won previous awards, and must not infringe upon the copyrights, trademarks, rights of privacy, publicity or other intellectual property or other rights of any person or entity. An entrant may submit multiple entries, but each entry shall be a new essay and include the entry fee each time, and shall meet the requirements set forth in the Rules.

All entries become the property of the Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. By submitting an entry, entrant acknowledges and agrees that Sponsor may obtain many entries in connection with this contest and that such entries may be similar or identical in theme, idea, format or other respects to other entries submitted in connection with this contest. Each entrant waives any and all claims entrant may have had, may have, and/or may have in the future, that any entry and/or other works accepted, reviewed and/or used by the Sponsor may be similar to his/her entry, or that any compensation is due to entrant in connection with such entry or other works used by Sponsor.

5. ESSAY ENTRY FEE: Each entry must be accompanied by a bank cashier’s check or money order payable to: “High Street Victorian Essay Contest” in the amount of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) in U.S. funds. YOU MUST INCLUDE THE ENTRY Fee of $150 TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE PRIZE. Absolutely no refunds shall be made of the Entry Fee unless the Sponsor receives fewer than Two Thousand Five Hundred (2,500) entries and elects, in their sole discretion, to terminate the Contest rather than extend the deadline for accepting entries. In the event the Sponsor terminates the Contest, the entry fee ONLY shall be returned to each entrant ($150.00 U.S. Funds). All entry fees shall be held in an Essay Contest Escrow Account until the Contest has ended by an award of the Prize or a termination due to an insufficient number of entries.

 6. JUDGES: The Sponsor shall read and evaluate each essay which is properly submitted and meets the Technical Requirements. The essays shall be judged on the basis of structure of essay (introduction, body and conclusion), creativity, thought and the conveyance of capability and desire to live in and own a Bed & Breakfast. The Sponsor will select the top 25 essays from the eligible entries. A panel of three (3) qualified judges selected by the Sponsor (the “Judges”) shall apply the above-stated criteria and select the Contest winner, a first runner up and a second runner up from the group of 25. The judges will not be related to the Sponsor or have vested interest in the business. The names of the judges shall not be released except to a public authority requesting such information within the scope of its jurisdiction. Judges are professionals from the community including Tourism, City Government and Clergy.

 7. DEADLINE FOR DETERMINATION OF WINNING ESSAY AND RUNNERS-UP: The group of 25 finalists for the Prize shall be selected by the Sponsor by NOV 20th, 2015. The Contest Winner will be chosen on or before November 30, 2015, along with the First and Second Runners-Up. The Contest Winner must accept or refuse the Prize in writing within ten (10) days. In the event the Contest Winner refuses the Prize or fails to timely accept, the Prize shall be awarded to the First Runner-Up, who shall be deemed the Contest Winner and who shall accept or refuse the Prize in writing within ten (10) days of notice of being awarded the Prize. Should the First Runner-Up refuse the Prize or fail to timely accept the Prize, the Prize shall be awarded to the Second Runner-Up who shall be deemed the Contest Winner and who shall accept or refuse the Prize in writing within ten (10) days of notice of being awarded the Prize. The winner will be contacted by both Phone and by email for confirmation. In the event that the Contest Winner and First and Second Runners-Up refuse or fail to claim the Prize, then the remainder of the 25 finalist essays will be placed in order by the judging panel, and will be contacted in order and provided an opportunity to claim the Prize in a manner consistent with the procedure set forth above.

  8. COPYRIGHT AND PUBLICATION: Essay contest entry constitutes an assignment to the Sponsor of all copyrights arising under both statute and the common law and all other rights derivative therefrom. By entering the essay contest, entrants grant further permission for the Sponsor to publish all or part of the submitted essay and to use the entrant’s name and photograph and to publicize the winning entry and the names of the author of the final essay, all without royalty or other consideration.

  9. LOCAL, STATE, and FEDERAL REGULATIONS: This contest is subject to the provision of all applicable Federal, State, and Local Laws and regulations. This offer is void where prohibited.

 10. TAXES/FEES: The Contest Winner shall be solely responsible for any and all taxes imposed on the Contest Winner by virtue of receiving the Prize, including but not limited to personal income taxes, real estate transfer taxes, lawyer’s fees or fees of any kind imposed upon or arising out of a successful participation in this essay contest and other similar taxes, costs and fees.

 11. DESCRIPTION OF PRIZE PROPERTIES: There will be one (1) “Prize” which will consist of real property thereon located at 519 High Street, Boonville MO 65233. (The East Half of Lot Number Eighty-seven (87) of the Original Town, Now City of Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri, as shown and designated on the recorded plat of said Town fronting Forty-Five feet on the North Side of High Street, and Extending Norhtwardly in uniform width to an alley One Hundred Forty-seven and One-half (147 1/2 ) feet.

Tax ID# 05-7.0-26-004-010-009.000 )

There are no ‘out buildings’ or garages on the property.

 This prize is a fully turnkey operation with furnishings and equipment needed to operate the High Street Victorian Bed and Breakfast.  Excluded are personal property and or belongings of the current owners. These are primarily items in the owners’ quarters of the B&B (owners bedroom furniture, owners family room furniture, and personal paintings).

 Winner will walk into a fully turn-key bed and breakfast; the owners will not remove anything needed to operate the business successfully. All kitchen items, like fine china and cutlery will remain.

The High Street Victorian Bed and Breakfast has been evaluated with a listing value of $375,000 previously, however, no representation is made by the sponsors that this value or any value is in fact a Fair Market Value. Property and business is sold as is. No warranties, no guarantees, as is. The Prize, consisting of real estate and structures, is not subject to a specific and certain value unless sold and therefore, the value can change as the market changes. The Sponsor makes no representation that the estimated value or any other value is in fact the actual Fair Market Value of the Prize. The right to claim the Prize cannot be transferred by the Contest Winner, nor can it be redeemed for cash. 

  12. DEADLINE: Entries must be postmarked on or before NOVEMBER 15, 2015. The entries must be addressed to the High Street Victorian Essay Contest, P.O Box 247, Boonville, MO 65233 USA. Responsibility for lost, late or misdirected entries rests with the entrant. Any entry posted after the above deadline shall be ineligible for the Prize.

 13. EXTENSIONS: In the event the Sponsor has not received 2500 entries, the Sponsor reserves the right, in their sole discretion, to extend the deadline for accepting entries for up to thirty (30) days. In the event the deadline for accepting entries is extended, the deadline for announcing the Contest Winner shall be extended an equal number of days.

 14. PRIZE TRANSFER: The transfer of the Prize must be completed within thirty (30) days after the announcement of the Contest Winner. An extension of an additional thirty (30) days may be granted by the Sponsor if deemed necessary. Sponsor will convey to the Contest Winner good and marketable title to the property by a valid general warranty deed.  All costs associated with completion of the transfer will be the responsibility of the Contest Winner, including but not limited to recording fees, transfer fees, etc. Closing costs are estimated to be under $1,000. as there will not be a mortgage.  In the event that the transfer does not take place with the contest winner and First and Second Runners-Up refuse or fail to claim the Prize, then the remainder of the 25 finalist essays will be placed in order by the judging panel, and will be contacted in order and provided an opportunity to claim the Prize in a manner consistent with the procedure set forth above.

 15. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: The Prize is awarded in “as is” condition and the Contest Winner acknowledges that the Sponsor makes no warranties or representations regarding the condition of any of the structures located on the property or any other element of the Prize.  No right to Inspection prior to transfer.

 16. CONDITIONS: By entering the Contest, each entrant agrees for entrant and for entrant’s heirs, executors, and administrators (a) to release and hold harmless the Sponsor from any liability, illness, injury, death, loss, litigation, or damage that may occur, directly or indirectly, whether caused by negligence or not, from such entrant’s participation in the Contest and/or his/her acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of Prize or any portion thereof (including any travel related thereto and/or use of vehicle); (b) to indemnify the Sponsor from any and all liability resulting or arising from the Contest and to hereby acknowledge that the Sponsor has neither made nor is in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation, or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to Prize; (c) if selected as the Contest Winner, to the publication of such entrant’s name and the use by Sponsor of such name, voice, image, and/or likeness for publicity, promotional, and advertising purposes in any and all media now or hereafter known, throughout the world in perpetuity, without additional compensation, notification, permission, or approval, and, upon request, to the giving of consent, in writing, to such use; and (d) to be bound by these Official Rules and to waive any right to claim any ambiguity or error therein or in the Contest itself, and to be bound by all decisions of the Sponsor, which are binding and final. Failure to comply with these conditions may result in disqualification from the Contest at Sponsor's sole discretion.

 17. ADDITIONAL TERMS: Sponsor reserve the right to permanently disqualify any person they believe has intentionally violated these Official Rules. Any attempt to deliberately damage the Contest or the operation thereof is unlawful and subject to legal action by Sponsor, who may seek any and all remedies available to the fullest extent permitted by law. The failure of Sponsor to comply with any provision of these Official Rules due to an act of God, hurricane, war, fire, riot, earthquake, terrorism, act of public enemies, actions of governmental authorities outside of the control of Sponsor (excepting compliance with applicable codes and regulations), or other “force majeure” event will not be considered a breach of these Official Rules. The Sponsor is not responsible for telecommunications, network, electronic, technical, or computer failures of any kind; for inaccurate transcription of entry information; for errors in any promotional or marketing materials or in these Official Rules; for any human or electronic error; or for Entries that are stolen, misdirected, garbled, delayed, lost, late, damaged, or returned. Sponsor reserve the right to cancel, modify, or suspend the Contest or any element thereof (including, without limitation, these Official Rules) without notice in any manner and for any reason (including, without limitation, in the event of any unanticipated occurrence that is not fully addressed in these Official Rules). In the event of cancellation, modification, or suspension, Sponsor reserves the right to select the Contest Winner using the Judging Criteria outlined above from among all eligible, non-suspect entries received prior to the time of the event warranting such cancellation, modification, or suspension. Notice of such cancellation, modification, or suspension will be posted at Website. Sponsor may prohibit any entrant or potential entrant from participating in the Contest, if such entrant or potential entrant shows a disregard for these Official Rules; acts with an intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any other entrant, Sponsor, or Sponsor's agents or representatives; or behaves in any other disruptive manner (as determined by Sponsor in their sole discretion). Sponsor reserves the right to modify these rules for clarification purposes without materially affecting the terms and conditions of the Contest.

 18. DISPUTES: THE CONTEST IS GOVERNED BY, AND WILL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

 ALL DECISIONS ARE FINAL

 The prize is an operating Bed and Breakfast; the furnishings, online reservation system, and website are all part of the prize. Mortgage Free, with a built in income! What an amazing opportunity!   

Is the winner required to operate all guest rooms as a bed and breakfast? No.

If the winner decides not to operate the Bed & Breakfast, they are not required to.  You’ll have a fully furnished home with no mortgage.

NO CONTACT

The owners may not be contacted via phone, text, email or in person with questions prior to the contest closing to avoid showing favoritism. All your questions can be answered on this site and in the rules.

The High Street Victorian Bed and Breakfast will continue to operate as a business uninterrupted during this essay contest. You are welcome to stay at the Bed and Breakfast as a paying guest, but discussing the contest is strictly prohibited!

           Essay helpful hints:

Don't forget to observe punctuation, grammar and remember creativity counts

Hyphenated words count as one

I and A are counted as a word each

Write what you know, this will help convey your heart

Be convincing, be creative

Essays are: an introduction, the body and a conclusion

You may enter the contest again with a separate entry fee and essay

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