In this episode, Natalie reflects on her unique Christmas experience spent by the coast, highlighting her visits to beach huts in Portland, Dorset, and various locations in Sussex. Despite her usual lack of enthusiasm for the holiday season, Natalie shares how the warmth of community and the beauty of the UK coastline made this Christmas particularly special. She discusses the benefits of visiting the coast during winter, including easier parking, lower costs for beach hut rentals, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Spending time at beach huts fosters a sense of community, as experienced during Christmas gatherings with fellow beach hut enthusiasts, highlighting the positive impact on well-being.

• Visiting the coast during winter offers advantages such as easier parking, lower accommodation costs, and a more relaxed atmosphere, making it an appealing time to explore beach huts.

• Beach huts provide a cozy retreat from winter weather, allowing visitors to enjoy the seaside in comfort, equipped with hot drinks and blankets, while avoiding the harsh elements.

• Engaging in cold water swimming can boost mood and health, with research supporting its benefits, including potential weight loss and improved mental well-being, especially when done safely with a group.

• Natalie's podcast journey has led to unexpected rewards, including meeting wonderful people and growing a supportive listener community, with plans for future episodes featuring notable guests and topics related to beach huts.

BEST MOMENTS

"I was lucky enough to visit beach huts on Portland in Dorset and Seaford, Hove and Eastbourne in Sussex."

"One thing I do appreciate is the bank holidays. It means time to get to the beach."

"With fewer crowds, you can sometimes feel it's like your own private beach as well."

"There's growing research about the benefits of cold water swimming and its ability to boost mood and banish those winter blues."

"One of the hidden benefits is the people that you will meet and the community you will instantly become part of."

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 festive episode, Natalie shares a list of top Christmas gift ideas for beach hut enthusiasts. Whether you're an early shopper or a last-minute gift-giver, Natalie has something for everyone, from the kids and foodies to party animals and bookworms. Natalie explores a variety of unique gifts, including cookbooks, portable speakers, beach-themed toys, and cosy winter essentials, ensuring that no beach hut lover is left out. With practical suggestions for adults and kids and delightful home decor items.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Gift Ideas for Beach Hut Enthusiasts: The episode provides a variety of Christmas gift suggestions tailored for different types of beach hut lovers, including foodies, children, party animals, bookworms, and beach hut themed home decor.

• Foodie Gifts: Recommended gifts for food lovers include a cookbook titled Favourite Beach House Recipes, beach-themed chopping boards, portable blenders, and cool boxes to keep food and drinks fresh.

• Children's Gifts: Suggestions for kids include beach-themed books like The Enchanted Beach Hut, Lego sets, and interactive toys such as Bluey's Beach Cabin Playset, which features fun elements for imaginative play.

• Gifts for Relaxation and Comfort: For those who enjoy a cosy beach hut experience, gifts like stylish portable lights, power banks for charging devices, and heated blankets are highlighted as great options for winter use.

• Fun and Quirky Gifts: The episode concludes with lighthearted gift ideas, such as beach-themed socks and silly slippers just for fun during the holiday season.

BEST MOMENTS

"I have scoured the earth, well virtually the entire internet universe, to provide you with the top Christmas gifts for Beach Hut lovers."

"If you are gifting a budding chef, you could gift a cookbook compiled by J Salmon called Favourite Beach House Recipes."

"The dry robe is quickly growing in popularity, and the makers would have you believe that they are great coats for any outdoor adventure."

"If you want to enjoy a sandwich with your cuppa, Rick Stein has a gorgeous melamine range of plates and bowls called the Coves of Cornwall."

LINKS

J Simon Favourite Beach House Recipes https://amzn.to/3VVQCj

Makita Cool Box https://amzn.to/408pYXh

Andy Kemp The Lonely Beach Hut https://amzn.to/4iJVoe5

Retrolife, portable record player https://amzn.to/4fP3hwd

Brighton Water Shoes. https://amzn.to/408VJj4

Dry Robe https://amzn.to/3VXKUhh

Stoov Heated Blanket https://amzn.to/40cszzO

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!

Natalie would love to hear from you if you have a beach hut story to tell.

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

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

Support with a small donation:

https://ko.fi.com/bonk

In this episode, Natalie welcomes the talented voiceover artist Shelly Atton (SHELL YEAH Voiceover) who shares her unique journey from aspiring actor to award-winning voiceover professional. Originally from Yorkshire and now based in Kent, Shelly discusses her creative process, the importance of acting training in voiceover work, and her quirky Beach Hut recording studio. With insights into the voiceover industry, including the impact of AI and the significance of maintaining a consistent sound, Shelley offers valuable advice for aspiring voice actors, podcasters (and beach hut lovers).

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Voiceover Work is Everywhere: Voiceover artists contribute to a wide range of media; from automated phone systems, radio ads, audio descriptions for films, audiobooks, video games, and corporate training videos.

• Acting Background is Essential: A strong foundation in acting is crucial for success in voiceover work. This includes training in improvisation and character work to deliver authentic and relatable performances.

• Building a Recording Space: Creating a professional recording environment, like a soundproof booth, can be done affordably and creatively. Having your own recording space means you can add your own style and design touches.

• AI's Impact on the Industry: While AI technology is advancing and can replicate human voices, it lacks the emotional nuance and authenticity that a trained voice actor can provide (at the moment).

• Flexibility and Accessibility: Having a home studio allows voiceover artists to respond quickly to job requests, often recording projects at short notice, which is essential in a fast-paced industry.

BEST MOMENTS

''Voice over work is just not something that you went into if you were a working class kid from Rotherham''

"I think the majority of my work is for corporate jobs... they want a voice on there to explain things."

''I had a bit of an epiphany moment and decided to go back to university and do my Masters in Acting. I dropped everything, left my job (and home) and went off to London to study.''

"I would say that these days you need acting training of some description or to be very practiced at acting."

"AI can replicate a human voice... but they can't get the nuance of emotion and those little details that you can get from a person."

"I love coming in here. I love it. Whatever I'm doing, I love just coming and sitting in my little beach hut recording studio''

CONTACT SHELLY:

https://www.shellyeah.co.uk

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-atton-533b8196/

BUILD YOUR OWN PODCAST BOOTH:

https://www.gravyforthebrain.com/build-pro-studio-home-free-download/

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!

Natalie would love to hear from you if you have a beach hut story to tell.

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

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

Support with a small donation:

https://ko.fi.com/bonk

In this episode, Natalie welcomes Alan Elsey, a beach hut owner from Hove, East Sussex. Alan shares his journey of discovering the charm of beach huts after moving from London and how his initial scepticism transformed into a passion for beach hut ownership. Alan discusses the unique features of his award-winning beach hut, including a bar and creative design elements, and reflects on the vibrant community spirit in Hove, especially during festive events like the Christmas open day. Alan shares anecdotes about social gatherings, and his most favourite memorable experiences.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Alan's appreciation for beach huts developed after socialising at friends' beach huts, leading him to buy his own in Hove after the first lockdown.

• Alan's beach hut is designed for socialising and features a bar, a dining table, and unique decor elements like a candelabra and a mirror ball, making it a lively gathering spot.

• The Beach Hut Association in Hove fosters a strong sense of community among beach hut owners, organising events like summer open days and Christmas celebrations that bring people together.

• Hove's beach huts are decorated for Christmas, with events that attract visitors from nearby areas. Alan has participated in these festivities, creating memorable experiences with friends and family.

• Potential beach hut owners should be aware of the costs involved in ownership, including ground rent, insurance, and maintenance. Alan advises potential buyers to act quickly when opportunities arise, as beach huts are often in high demand.

LINKS

If you want to know about Alans portable record player:

GPO Ambassador Stand-Alone Bluetooth Turntable Record Player with Built-in Speakers, Suitcase Record Player to Record MP3 with RCA Connection, Green and Black : Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

If you want to know more about Hove:

Hove - Town in Hove, Brighton and Hove - Visit South East England

BEST MOMENTS

"I thought, why do you need them? You could just sit on the beach. But then two friends of ours had a beach hut... and suddenly, I thought, oh, I get it now."

"I built a bar in the beach hut, which is very popular... initially people were surprised I wanted to change the design, but completely understand now they have seen it because it's tremendous fun."

"I think we should find a way for everybody to experience a beach hut for at least 10 minutes. I think the whole world would be converted."

"I entered a competition for a beach hut design and actually came third in the country... I think it was my ingenious storage solutions that swung it."

"We were at the beach hut lots in the summer, till midnight with candles burning... there was a full red moon one night. We all went swimming at midnight with music playing."

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

Support the podcast:

https://ko-fi.com/bonk

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 this episode Natalie dives into the essential topic of winterising your beach hut. As the seasons change and winter approaches, Natalie shares her top six winterization checklist items to help hutters prepare their seaside abodes for the inevitable storms, high winds, and salt build-up. From protecting against moisture and rust to preventing wood rot and keeping pests at bay, Natalie emphasises the importance of regular maintenance checks to avoid costly repairs in the spring.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• It's essential to winterize your beach hut by performing maintenance checks and addressing any issues before the harsh weather sets in.

• Protect your beach hut from moisture by checking the paintwork, sealing gaps, and ensuring good ventilation to prevent dampness and mould.

• Use marine-grade stainless steel for metal components to reduce rust and corrosion. Regularly check and replace rusty parts.

• Establish a cleaning routine to remove sand and salt buildup, which can be corrosive. Store soft furnishings in waterproof containers or vacuum packs to protect them from dampness during the winter months.

• Avoid leaving food in the hut and use sealed storage containers for perishables. Regularly check for signs of pests and consider natural deterrents like cedar wood blocks or essential oils to keep rodents and insects at bay.

BEST MOMENTS

"This episode is all about winterising. That is, getting our cherished seaside abodes ready for the inevitable storms, high winds and salt build-up over the next few months."

"Water ingress is dangerous and it can lead to mould and even rot. Waterproofing is our first defence, but your waterproofing needs will vary depending on the structure of your hut."

"Marine environments and metals are just not a great mix. Therefore, always go for marine grade stainless steel for your hinges and your locks."

"Regularly check for signs of rot, mould or wood-boring insects and replace any damaged wood. Depending on your beach hut structure, you could have wood in a number of areas."

"If your beach hut looks used and loved, this can actually deter opportunists, like thieves and vandals. Being a happy beach hutter does come with a little bit of responsibility."

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

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 this episode, Natalie delves into the often-confused asset classes of beach huts and sheds. With a thorough and unbiased approach, she explores the distinct differences between these two structures across ten categories, including price, ongoing liabilities, physical attributes, and social media presence. Natalie highlights the stark contrasts in usage, internal appearances, and the picturesque views associated with each, while also addressing the surprising similarities, such as security issues and construction materials.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• A shed is primarily a functional structure for storage or hobbies, typically found in gardens, while a beach hut is a small, often brightly painted cabin near the beach used for leisure activities. Understanding these definitions is crucial to avoid confusion.

• The average cost of a beach hut in the UK is around £50,000, compared to garden sheds that range from £350 to £500. This stark contrast highlights the different values and purposes of these two asset classes.

• Beach huts incur higher ongoing costs, including special paints and annual license fees, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds. In contrast, maintaining a shed typically involves minimal expenses.

• Sheds are often used for storage and as a retreat for privacy, while beach huts serve as social spaces for family gatherings and leisure activities, providing shelter from the elements and a place to enjoy the beach.

• Beach huts are highly photogenic and popular on social media, often featured in tourist photography, whereas sheds are generally not regarded as visually appealing. This difference contributes to the cultural perception of each asset.

BEST MOMENTS

"I frequently hear references to sheds when what is actually being referred to is a beach hut."

"When did you last pay £50,000 for a shed and annual license fees to boot?"

"Indiscretions, perhaps, but I wonder if there is something more sinister going on."

"The average cost of a beach hut in the UK is just under £50,000."

"Sheds normally present as spider-infested dens, while beach huts mainly present as observatories or cafes."

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

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.