Former ‘Apprentice’ contestant is giving away a college campus free. Here’s how to apply for it
It’s not every day someone gives away a defunct college in New England but one man has decided to do just that.
Mason Reed 
It is not every day that a defunct New England college campus lands on the market for free, but one entrepreneur is looking to give away an entire estate to the right visionary.
Raj Bhakta, a former contestant on The Apprentice and a well-known figure in the whiskey industry, is handing over the keys to the former Green Mountain College campus in Vermont. After purchasing the site in 2020 for under $5 million with ambitious plans for a hotel, condos, and a micro-distillery, Bhakta officially abandoned those development goals earlier this year.
The Application Process
Instead of listing the property, Bhakta is inviting proposals for the future of the 115-acre site. The individual or organization with the most compelling vision will be awarded the deed to the property. Those interested in taking on the campus must prove they have the resources to keep the facility running, as operating costs are estimated at $1 million to $1.5 million annually.
"We wish to bequeath this unique – beautiful and intact – New England college campus to the right beneficiary," Bhakta stated on the official proposal website. According to the listing, successful applicants will need a vision tied to the "revival of the United States and Western Civilization," centered on the "spiritual revival of our Christian faith."
Property Specifications
As noted in an article by the Wall Street Journal, this is a significant real estate opportunity for someone with the right mission and the necessary funding.
- Location: 1 Brennan Circle, Poultney, VT
- Campus Size: Approximately 115 acres
- Infrastructure: Includes academic buildings, renovated dormitories, athletic facilities (pool and gym), dining spaces, and a commercial kitchen.
- Utilities: Existing water, sewer, electric, and data infrastructure.
- Zoning: College campus/mixed-use.
Bhakta or his company maintains the authority to interview candidates and negotiate specific terms before finalizing the transfer. Interested parties can review the full details and submission requirements at greenmountaincollegerfp.com.
