This Woman Is Giving Her Lakeside Dream Home Away For a $25 Fee

Despite how gloomy the world can seem, there are moments where an act of kindness provides a strong sense of hope. That is exactly what homeowner Alla Wagner has gifted her community, thanks to her “Write A Letter, Win A House” giveaway.

In January, Wagner announced that she was holding a writing contest to find the next owner of her treasured abode in Alberta, Canada. All participants have to do is pay a $25 entry fee and write a letter answering the question, “Why would moving to this lakefront dream home change your life?” While it sounds like a simple question, Wagner admits that the ask holds something much deeper: a way to uplift her down-but-not-out community.

The province of Alberta went through tremendous challenges in the last few years—from the oil and gas industry slowing down, to natural disasters and unemployment insurance running out—and she wanted to help through giving away her lakefront dream home.

“Some people are saying it’s their second chance,” Wagner told Apartment Therapy. “They gave up their dream home because of debt, because of everything that they’ve been put through. Some of the letters are even called ‘second chance.’ That’s what I think of when I put #AlbertaStrong. We are very, very strong people here, and we are very hardworking. I believe that we will survive this.”

A little bit about the home: According to Wagner’s post, the property is surrounded by what she describes as a “writer’s or artist’s paradise.” Located right on a lake, Wagner says she wakes up to spectacular views of wildlife, mountains, and the sky each and every day. The home is three stories tall, complete with spacious rooms decorated in elegant wood finishes.

While strengthening the local spirit is extremely important to Wagner, she also wants to make sure the dream home is placed in the right, loving hands. “It has to be a family that fits in this environment and fits financially because it’s not easy to maintain this place,” Wagner says. “They still have to maintain it, take care of it, pay the taxes, pay the utilities. What I’m saying is they have to be responsible.”

The contest is accepting letters until April 5, 2019, and the date that the winner will be announced remains unknown. If you’ve officially been won over and want to apply, head to the website here for instructions.