“Write Your Way Home”: How a Unique Essay Contest Could Make You the Next Owner of a Fredericksburg Historic Home
In an inspired twist on real estate meets philanthropy, Paula and Robert Welsh are offering the chance to own a grand historic home in downtown Fredericksburg—for just $200 and a well-crafted essay.
The Contest Concept
The contest, dubbed “Write Your Way Home”, invites U.S. residents to submit a 250– to 500-word essay about why they’d love to live at 1200 Prince Edward Street—a six-bedroom, five-bath, 5,800-square-foot residence in the heart of Fredericksburg’s historic district.
What’s being sold is a ticket to enter this skill-based contest (raffles are illegal in Virginia)—not just a house. Once you enter, you’re in the running to win ownership of this remarked-upon property.
Benefitting the Community
This contest isn’t just personal—it’s generous, too. If at least 15,000 tickets are sold, the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank and the Fredericksburg SPCA will each receive six-figure donations. That’s funding for food assistance and vital mobile spay/neuter services in our region.
How It All Began
The Welshes originally put the house on the market last December for $1.8 million, which generated plenty of interest—but market shifts caused showings to evaporate overnight.
After conventional options fell through, Paula stumbled on the idea of a contest. Since raffles are illegal, she pivoted to a legal, skill-based essay model after months of consultation with real estate and gambling law experts.
More Than Just a House
The property has fascinating roots: it has served as a dormitory, a medical clinic, and apartments. Damaged by fire and left vacant for eight years, it was brought back to life with a comprehensive renovation in 2012.
And the motivation runs deeper: the Welshes have grandchildren and pets and need a different home setup.
Final Thoughts
This contest is more than a quirky premise—it’s a creative, community-driven way to transfer ownership while uplifting local charities and preserving a piece of Fredericksburg’s history.
If you believe you’re the one who could cherish and care for this home, and you’d like to leave a positive mark on the community, learn more and enter at writeyourwayhome.net.