In this episode, Natalie interviews Jo Lowery from Cool Coastal Huts, who shares her journey of owning and renting out luxury beach huts. Jo's passion for beach huts began when she purchased her first hut in Frinton 18 years ago. The episode delves into Jo's experience of refurbishing beach huts, her appearance on George Clark's Amazing Spaces, and the process of setting up a beach hut rental business. Jo provides insights on beach hut etiquette, design tips for creating a modern and luxurious beach hut, and the costs involved in building a beach hut from scratch.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Jo Lowery started her beach hut journey 18 years ago and now owns five beach huts, each with a unique design and contemporary feel.

• She got into beach huts after falling in love with them during a family trip to the beach and decided to buy one, leading to her passion for beach huts.

• Jo's beach huts are designed with a modern and luxurious touch, focusing on minimal clutter and hidden storage to create a comfortable and stylish space.

• Setting up a beach hut rental business involves checking with the council for licenses, using social media or booking platforms for marketing, and determining pricing based on location and hut amenities.

• Jo's beach huts in Frinton and Mersea offer different seaside experiences, with Frinton being a traditional quiet resort and Mersea having a more adventurous, island-like feel.

BEST MOMENTS

"I've now got five beach huts. So I've got a bit of a beach hut collecting problem."

"I like to keep mine affordable. But mine are, I like to think, you know, higher end ones. And so mine are £90 in the summer."

"I've had a few people trying to get into the wrong hut and occasionally turning up on the wrong day."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.coolcoastalhuts.co.uk

HOST BIO

My name is Natalie Young. I bought a beach hut to bring joy into my life after escaping an abusive relationship and a difficult divorce. Based in Christchurch, Dorset, my beach hut is affectionally called the Salty Seagull and is located on Friars Cliff beach with sea views to the Needles on the Isle of White. It is my slice of heaven.

Owning and hiring a beach hut is more complicated than I realised and I am on a constant mission to discover the best ways to manage and care for your hut. I have researched the pros and cons of renting and the best ways to market and host.

The beach, the sights and the sounds of the sea bring me huge joy. I hope this podcast will bring you smiles, laughter and joy too!

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PODCAST DESCRIPTION

Welcome to the Bonkers about Beach Huts podcast, the show that's all about beach huts!

Whether you are thinking of buying a beach hut and don’t know where to begin or if you have had a beach hut in your family for generations this podcast is for you.

As I travel across the UK exploring these coastal retreats and sharing personal stories of how the humble beach hut has shaped lives, I will also be creating the UK's first beach hut map. I will give tips on where and how to buy a beach hut. And share everything you need to know about beach hut maintenance plus advice on hiring a beach hut.

We will be chatting with special guests from estate agents to lock specialists, beach hut associations to beach hut builders, and artists to interior designers.

If you don’t know what all the fuss is about, join us every week and you too will become a little bit Bonkers Bbout Beach Huts.

In today's episode, Natalie delves into the crucial first stage of buying a beach hut: Thinking it through. She emphasizes the importance of thorough research and poses nine thought-provoking questions for prospective beach hut buyers to consider. From exploring the reasons behind wanting a beach hut to evaluating usage frequency, funding options, ongoing maintenance costs, and long-term plans, Natalie provides valuable insights and practical advice to help listeners make informed decisions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Before purchasing a beach hut, it's crucial to understand why you want one and how you plan to use it. Whether it's for personal enjoyment, family memories, or business purposes, knowing your motivation is key.

• Think about how often you will realistically be able to use the beach hut. If you live far away and can only visit occasionally, renting might be a more cost-effective option than owning.

• Beach huts come with significant costs, from the initial purchase price to ongoing maintenance and insurance. Consider alternative investments or savings options before committing to a beach hut purchase.

• Different types of beach huts require varying levels of maintenance. Factor in the time and costs associated with keeping your beach hut in good condition.

• Think about how a beach hut fits into your future plans and legacy. Consider whether it aligns with potential life changes and how you can pass it on to future generations.

BEST MOMENTS

"Don't buy a beach hut until you've done this. How to buy a beach hut, part one. Is a beach hut right for me? or us."

"Beach huts are expensive to buy and maintain and can be expensive and time-consuming to sell."

"Timber swells in moist sea air and contracts in the baking heat of summer. As a result, timber beach huts need painting regularly to keep them in tip-top condition."

"Renting is a valid alternative. You don't have to find buckets of cash or worry about maintenance or storms."

"Beach huts create wonderful seaside memories which will stay with you for life. This is a legacy in its own right and a perfect way to be remembered."

HOST BIO

My name is Natalie Young. I bought a beach hut to bring joy into my life after escaping an abusive relationship and a difficult divorce. Based in Christchurch, Dorset, my beach hut is affectionally called the Salty Seagull and is located on Friars Cliff beach with sea views to the Needles on the Isle of White. It is my slice of heaven.

Owning and hiring a beach hut is more complicated than I realised and I am on a constant mission to discover the best ways to manage and care for your hut. I have researched the pros and cons of renting and the best ways to market and host.

The beach, the sights and the sounds of the sea bring me huge joy. I hope this podcast will bring you smiles, laughter and joy too!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559730024536&sk=about

https://www.linkedin.com/company/103555627/admin/feed/posts/?feedType=following

Welcome to the first episode of Bonkers About Beach Huts! To mark the occasion, Natalie Young takes listeners on a delightful tour of the UK's beach hut scene, starting at Friars Cliff Beach in Christchurch, Dorset. She shares insights into the award-winning blue flag beach, the iconic Needles landmark, and the charming beach huts that line the elevated boardwalk. From discussing the pricing and ownership of beach huts to exploring the quirky names owners give them, Natalie provides a comprehensive look at beach hut life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The Friars Cliff Beach in Christchurch, Dorset, is an award-winning blue flag beach with a view of the Needles and the Isle of Wight.

• The beach huts at Friars Cliff are privately owned and lease-owned, with annual license fees covering amenities like water, refuse collection, and public toilets.

• There are 156 beach huts at Friars Cliff, with 115 front row and 41 second row huts, each row offering different views and experiences.

• Beach hut prices at Friars Cliff range from £75,000 to £115,000, with front row huts typically priced higher due to their location and space.

• The beach hut names at Friars Cliff are diverse and creative, reflecting themes like seaside living, relaxation, and personal connections, adding character to the beachfront.

BEST MOMENTS

"I wonder if you can guess where I am. I'll give you a clue. I'm on the southeast coast of England, looking out across the sea, across the needles, hazy in the sunshine."

"Out of 2,000 beach huts across the UK, there are 156 beach huts at Fry's Cliff, 115 front row and 41 second row."

"The beach huts here are privately owned and are all lease-owned. Lucky leaseholders pay an annual license fee, which is similar to council tax, and covers things like water, tarps, refuge collection, and public toilets."

"Some of the names indicate how Beach Hut life makes them feel. Happy Day, Jolly Jack, Bright and Breezy, Tickety Boo and it'll do."

"If you fancy a dip on the beach immediately in front of the Salty Seagull meets the Blue Tits. This is a bunch of friendly cold water swimmers."

HOST BIO

My name is Natalie Young. I bought a beach hut to bring joy into my life after escaping an abusive relationship and a difficult divorce. Based in Christchurch, Dorset, my beach hut is affectionally called the Salty Seagull and is located on Friars Cliff beach with sea views to the Needles on the Isle of White. It is my slice of heaven.

Owning and hiring a beach hut is more complicated than I realised and I am on a constant mission to discover the best ways to manage and care for your hut. I have researched the pros and cons of renting and the best ways to market and host.

The beach, the sights and the sounds of the sea bring me huge joy. I hope this podcast will bring you smiles, laughter and joy too!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559730024536&sk=about

https://www.linkedin.com/company/103555627/admin/feed/posts/?feedType=following