An essay contest aptly named “How Easy Can It Be?” will determine the ultimate winner of a 125-plus acre ranch in the wine country of Northern California.

The ranch is close enough to San Francisco and Santa Rosa for access to metropolitan resources but offers a small town atmosphere with “a lot of opportunities to live the wine country life, live sustainably, green, or with multiple residences. Permaculture is in,” contest organizers said.

The video at OlivesAndViews.webs.com give a hint of the property’s charm, said a spokesperson. The property’s owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, calls it “a little slice of heaven.”

“Sitting under the stars, watching the moon rise over the ridge ... it’s just magical,” the owner said. “It has a natural rhythm, its own voice and sacredness.”

The grand prize also includes airfare for two to the San Francisco International Airport with two-night accommodations at the Marriott Hotel in downtown San Francisco with escort to the ranch for a private reception ceremony. In addition to the 125-plus acre grand prize, there are also 66 cash prizes, ranging from $600 to $10,000, for a total of $77,700.

“It’s easy. Simply write to us. Tell us your story. If you write the best essay with the highest score as judged by the panel, you win,” organizers explain. “If you write one of the top 67 best essays, you win. Proceeds also support charitable programs. We are making a difference, differently, and offering opportunities unprecedented in today's real estate industry. It is a win-win-win."

Only a maximum of 4,000 essays will be accepted by contest officials on a “first-come” basis. Essays will be reviewed by a panel and judged on four criteria, each worth up to 25 points. They are: Overall Presentation; Clearly-Stated, Viable Vision for the Ranch; a Contestant’s Unique Qualifications for Grand Prize Award; and, finally, the Contestant’s Potential Contribution to the Socio-Economic Culture of the Local Area.

In case of a tie, the winner will be chosen based on the contestant’s “Expressed Interest in the California Wine Country Lifestyle,” which will be worth up to 11 points.

Essays must be one-page in length, typed and single-spaced.

Those wishing to submit more than one essay may do so as an individual or a group when submitted with entry form/s and entry fee.

According to a spokesperson, there is a provision for groups who want to share the entry fee of $555 and collaborate on the essay. (See web site for details.) “For those who require a donation receipt for tax purposes, that, too, will be provided to all contestants as requested," said contest organizers.

After an official announcement on June 20, winners will be notified by e-mail and/or telephone.

The “How Easy Can It Be?” essay contest package is available at http://OlivesAndViews.Webs.com. “All the information to enter is located on the website. Just click on the “How Do I Enter” tab located under the “Contest” tab at the top of the website, and submit your story to us,” an official explains. “You can view the 'Authenticity&Documents' webpage, read 'A Real Estate Agent’s Review', and 'Attorney Statement' which documents the validity and authenticity of this Event”, the official stated.

ABOUT THE CONTEST: According to its organizers, the “How Easy Can It Be?” essay contest is being conducted in accordance with local, state and federal laws and overseen by an independent Accounting Firm. Chicago Title Company will transfer the Grant Deed to the grand prize contest winner. “Property taxes are paid in full and current, and will be prorated at close of escrow for the new owner,” a spokesperson said. “How Easy Can It Be?” is an officially trademarked and protected phrase, in compliance with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.