In a strange variation of that "write an essay, win a historic inn" frenzy transpiring over in Maine, Airbnb is now hosting a contest for a free stay at the childhood home of billionaire Warren Buffett. Here's the situation: Buffett's company Berkshire Hathaway is holding its annual shareholders meeting in Omaha, Nebraska on May 2, an affair that's expected to attract a record crowd of more than 40,000 people. Buffett has already endorsed Airbnb as an alternative to local hotels, but through this new contest, one person (who can prove ownership of Berkshire Hathaway stock) can have a very special place to stay for free that weekend, provided he or she first come up with amazing answers to contest questions like "What are you most excited to experience in Omaha?" Anyway, the real story here is that Buffett's former home is actually pretty darn cute, starting with that darling Christmas-y façade.
The three-bedroom house, which will be able to accommodate up to six people for three nights, still retains the original library shelves and dining room chandelier from when Buffett lived there in the late 30s and early 40s. The Airbnb listing, which also points out Buffett's original upstairs bedroom (the one with the twin beds), seems to be appealing to entrepreneur hopefuls. "We can assume this is quite possibly the world's best spot to dream up money-making schemes," it reads.
Anyway, the current owners, who are apparently on board with this marketing gimmick, have totally renovated the kitchen and turned the basement into a Mexican folk art gallery. Though Airbnb offers temporary stays at places as far-out as the top of a 200-foot ski jump and inside a Tesla sedan, it can't claim this charming home on its rental network. This is a one-time offer for the contest ending April 1. In any case, here's a look inside:
· A Concrete and Glass Home Frames Epic Views of San Diego [The Boston Globe via BuzzBuzzHome]
· Write a 200-Word Essay, Win a Historic Inn in Maine [Curbed National]
· All Warren Buffett coverage [Curbed National]