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!

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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!

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

Today, Natalie is taking listeners on a virtual tour inside her own beach hut, the Salty Seagull, located on Friars Cliff Beach in Dorset. Natalie provides a detailed description of the layout and design of her beach hut, highlighting the clever use of space and the essential items stored within. From the multiple padlocks securing the hut to the cozy seating area with storage drawers, kitchenette, and pull-down table, every aspect of the beach hut is carefully thought out to maximize comfort and functionality. Natalie also shares insights into the decor, including a stuffed moose head and beach-themed accessories.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Beach hut sizes vary greatly, impacting internal design and layout.
• Beach huts are secured with multiple padlocks for safety.
• Maximizing available space is crucial in smaller beach huts.
• Beach hut layouts and contents vary based on intended use.
• Proper ventilation and maintenance are essential to prevent dampness in beach huts.

BEST MOMENTS

"Beach hut sizes vary hugely and as such the available square footage has a big impact on the internal design and layout and also how much kit you can have."

"Firmly in the spectator category of beach hut owners, the Salty Seagull is set out to maximize views."

"The large mirror behind the back wall. There's one final place I haven't mentioned, and that's the overhead storage."

"I do have an ant defender because ants show blatant disregard for my beach fronted piece of real estate."

"Talking of home, the council do not permit overnight stays at huts on Friars Cliff. But whose heart doesn't leap just a little when you get home and notice a few sneaky grains of sand at the bottom of your bag."

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

In this episode, Natalie is delving into the intriguing world of beach hut prices and whether they can truly be considered assets in this episode. With an average UK beach hut price of £46,000, Natalie explores the wide range of prices across different locations, from a £16,000 hut in Hetcham to a £480,000 beach hut in Christchurch. Comparing beach hut price growth to traditional assets like houses, stocks, gold, and even Bitcoin, Natalie provides a detailed analysis of the financial aspects of owning a beach hut. She discusses the various costs associated with beach hut ownership, from maintenance to insurance, and explores the potential for turning a beach hut into a revenue-generating asset through subletting or renting. Ultimately, Natalie emphasizes the joy and memories that beach hut ownership brings, highlighting the true value of having a seaside retreat.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Beach hut prices vary significantly across the UK, with some selling for as low as £16,000 and others for as high as £480,000.
• Beach hut prices have been steadily increasing, with a 37% increase in one year and a 7.9% increase in another.
• Owning a beach hut comes with various costs such as maintenance, insurance, and association fees, making it more of a liability than an asset.
• Some beach hut owners generate income by renting out their huts, but strict rules and additional costs may apply.
• Despite the financial aspects, many beach hut owners value their huts for the joy, memories, and special holidays they provide, often passing them down through generations.

BEST MOMENTS

"The average beach hut in the UK now costs close to £46,000. Although it's worth noting that this average figure hides an exceptional range in prices across the UK."

"Beach hut prices have skyrocketed in recent years. In the last year, between March 23 and March 24, average prices increased by 7.9%."

"Perhaps you prefer the markets as your investment of choice. Well, the FTSE rose by 1.5% between 22 and 23, and a healthier 4.2% between 23 and 24. But that's still not a patch on beach hut growth."

"Robert Karizaki classes assets simply as ones which put money into your pocket. And if they cost you money, well, that's a liability."

"So are we going to see throngs of people buying up beach huts in the same way investors purchase London apartments, only to leave them vacant? I think this is unlikely."

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

In this episode, Natalie interviews Rob Chittem, the owner of R&B decorators based in Dorset. As a seasoned painter and decorator with 35 years of experience, Rob shares valuable insights on painting and maintaining beach huts, drawing from his extensive knowledge of working on various properties, including beach huts along the south coast. He recommends using Salilin Super Deck, a flexible and durable paint specifically designed for beach hut exteriors. Rob also provides practical tips on preparing the surface, dealing with rust on metalwork, and using specialized tools like long-armed radiator rollers for hard-to-reach areas.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Opt for a durable and flexible paint like Salilin Super Deck for beach huts, as it can withstand the harsh coastal conditions and last for 5 to 7 years.
• Ensure the beach hut surface is clean, smooth, and free of any knots or rust before painting to achieve a long-lasting finish.
• Consider repainting the beach hut every 3 to 5 years to maintain its appearance and protect the timber from the elements.
• Utilize tools like long-armed radiator rollers to paint down the sides of the beach hut effectively, even in tight spaces.
• Before starting the painting process, review guidelines from the local council regarding permitted colors and designs for beach huts to avoid any issues.

BEST MOMENTS

"I once worked for a gentleman who hired me for the day. And when I arrived, he gave me his wife's list of chores to be done around the house of decorating jobs. And I completed the list while he slept on the sofa. And that was quite unusual."

"I would say the best product on the market is Salilin Super Deck and it's got a range of beach hut colors really that you'll see on all beach hut fronts."

"The proper job is done with the proper product and you prepare it prior to painting."

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

Today, Natalie is interviewing John London, an experienced estate agent specializing in beach huts and holiday lets in Frinton-on-Sea, Essex. John shares his own insights into the unique world of beach hut sales and rentals, discussing the appeal of beach huts, market trends, and the challenges faced by beach hut owners. He also provides valuable tips for buying and selling beach huts, emphasizing the importance of presentation and due diligence.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• John London has been in the property business for over 25 years and is the director of Brough Cooper, an independent estate agency in Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, specializing in lettings, sales, holiday lets, and beach huts.
• Frinton-on-Sea is a quirky, relaxed, and laid-back town with a lovely coastline and traditional town center, attracting tourists who often start by buying a beach hut and then a holiday home.
• There are around 600 beach huts in Frinton and a total of 3000 along the Tendring coastline, with prices ranging from £20,000 to £100,000, depending on location and view.
• Beach hut prices in Frinton have seen a slight decrease due to changes in council rules, such as transitioning from annual licenses to seven-year leases and increased fees for commercial licenses.
• Using an estate agent to sell a beach hut provides peace of mind, as they conduct thorough checks on buyers and sellers, handle the paperwork efficiently, and ensure a smooth transaction process.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think beach huts are always going to be a luxury item. It's no different to buying a normal car or a sports car really."

“They're quite easy to sell, well, when they're priced correctly, of course."

“I think with the fees going up, it's just another sort of income stream. Even if we only rent the beach out for a few weeks of the year for them, it pays their fees for the year."

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

In this episode, Natalie shares her personal journey of resilience and transformation, culminating in the acquisition of her own beach hut, the Salty Seagull. Through a series of life challenges, including the discovery of her husband's infidelity and a difficult divorce, Natalie navigates the ups and downs of life's pendulum. With the help of a life coach, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, ultimately leading her to pursue her dream of owning a beach hut. Natalie also highlights the emotional and financial hurdles she faced in acquiring the beach hut, showcasing her determination and strategic negotiation skills.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Seek out a coach who can help you understand your values and design the life you want to live.
• Focus on creating new memories and connections with people that will help you grow.
• Spending time by the sea can be rejuvenating and bring joy. Consider hiring a beach hut for a truly special experience.
• Despite challenges, it's possible to bounce back and craft a life of your design.
• When making significant purchases, like a beach hut, be prepared to negotiate and explore different options to achieve your goals.

BEST MOMENTS

"I bought a beach hut to help me celebrate life and moving on from a difficult to a more joyful life."

"Did you know, statistically, there is some kind of major life event every five years? This is normal. This is life."

"I missed her. In the summer, I got a promotion at work that took me to Milton Keynes during the week."

"I was learning about the beach hut market. I found that much like open top car sale, prices in the summer months increased and beach huts sold more quickly."

"Crafting a life at sea isn't quite as straightforward as you might believe, especially when you have commitments such as a full-time job, a very old car, differentials of housing."

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