Bonkers About Beach Huts
Welcome to the Bonkers about Beach Huts podcast. The show 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. Across the country, I will 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. There will be a new show every week. We will be chatting to special guests from estate agents to lock specialists, beach hut associations to beach hut builders, and artists to interior designers. If you don’t own a beach hut but would love to or just love the coastal lifestyle, you can live vicariously through our podcast as I travel across the UK exploring these coastal retreats and sharing personal stories of how the humble beach hut has shaped lives. Beach huts are finally getting the appreciation they deserve, if you don’t know what all the fuss is about, join us every week and you too will be a little bit bonkers about beach huts.
Episodes
June 1, 2025 • 9 mins
Natalie shares her top 10 reasons to consider hiring a beach hut for your next getaway. From the unbeatable ocean views and the relaxing atmosphere to the plethora of water activities and the opportunity for quality time with loved ones, Natalie highlights the unique experiences that beach huts offer. She emphasises the flexibility and freedom they provide, allowing guests to escape the ordinary and recharge in a beautiful coastal ...
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May 18, 2025 • 30 mins
In this episode, Natalie welcomes Rachel, a former nursery nurse turned creative entrepreneur, to discuss the profound inspiration that the sea and nature provide in our lives. They explore the reasons why people are drawn to beach huts, emphasising the importance of proximity to the sea for relaxation and creativity. Rachel shares her journey from working with children to managing family support services, highlighting the signific...
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April 20, 2025 • 34 mins
In this episode, Natalie welcomes Andrew, a seasoned Chief Investment Officer and Business and Investment Strategist, to the show to discuss his extensive experience in real estate and property investment. Andrew shares insights into the differences between real estate and property terminology, the impact of technology on shopping habits and town centres, and the unique characteristics of beach huts as investment assets. He reflect...
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April 13, 2025 • 16 mins
In this episode, Natalie chats with Sean, a construction director with over 40 years of experience in various sectors of the industry, including residential, commercial, and military projects. Sean shares his journey into construction, influenced by his family's long history in carpentry, and discusses his transition from hands-on work to management. They discuss practical advice for DIY enthusiasts, focusing on the challenges of r...
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April 6, 2025 • 16 mins
Natalie celebrates the arrival of spring and the joys of beach hut culture along the British seaside. She shares her top five favourite unusual and extravagant beach huts, starting with the innovative Spyglass in Eastbourne, which rotates to follow the sun, and the artistic What Unearthed, inspired by local archaeological finds. The episode also highlights the quirky Crazy Golf 18 Holes in Folkestone, created from a repurposed craz...
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March 31, 2025 • 40 mins
In this episode, Natalie sits down with Liam Gilbey, an animator and motion designer from Cut the Mustard Animation, a Norwich-based studio specialising in bespoke 2D animations. Liam shares insights into his journey from studying at the Norwich University of the Arts to co-founding a successful animation company in 2019, just before the pandemic. Liam discusses the creative process behind Cut the Mustard animations, the importance...
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March 16, 2025 • 27 mins
In this episode, Natalie sits down with architect Jacob to discuss the multifaceted world of architecture. They touch on Jacob's journey from industrial design to creating innovative spaces, including his recent project, the Spyglass beach hut in Eastbourne. Jacob shares insights into the creative process behind architectural design, the importance of client collaboration, and the challenges of working with small spaces. He also hi...
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January 26, 2025 • 43 mins
In this episode, Natalie welcomes communication specialist and beach hut owner Serena Mitchell to discuss her unique beach hut named after her ancestor, Martha Gunn, a legendary sea bathing dipper from the Regency period. Serena shares her journey of acquiring the beach hut in 2017 and the joy it brings her as a space for relaxation and creativity. They also consider the recent controversial changes imposed by Brighton & Hove Counc...
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January 19, 2025 • 42 mins
In this episode, Natalie sits down with historian and research consultant Karen Averby, who shares her passion for seaside heritage and beach huts. With a rich background in historical research, Karen discusses her journey into the field, sparked by her early experiences with history and supported by her family. Together they delve into the fascinating history of beach huts, their evolution from bathing machines, and the social cha...
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January 7, 2025 • 11 mins
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...
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December 22, 2024 • 27 mins
In this festive episode of the Bonkers About Beach Huts podcast, Natalie Young welcomes Nikki Cavell, a Portage Officer and member of the Blue Tits, a global community of cold water swimmers. As Christmas approaches, they discuss the unique experience of wild swimming along the stunning Dorset Coast, particularly on Christmas and New Year's Day, some of the busiest times at the beach. Nikki shares her journey into cold water swimmi...
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December 17, 2024 • 19 mins
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. ...
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December 15, 2024 • 34 mins
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 imp...
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December 1, 2024 • 40 mins
In this episode, Natalie sits down with Nancy Stevenson, the award-winning author of "Beach Hut People." Nancy shares her journey of exploring the lives of beach hutters along the Essex coast, revealing the rich tapestry of stories behind these cherished seaside retreats. Through her extensive research, which involved interviewing a diverse range of beach hut owners, Nancy uncovers the significance of community, family traditions, ...
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November 17, 2024 • 20 mins
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, especiall...
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November 10, 2024 • 14 mins
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 maintena...
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October 27, 2024 • 14 mins
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 ...
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October 20, 2024 • 15 mins
In this episode, Natalie explores how to enhance your beach hut experience by incorporating modern conveniences and little luxuries that require power. Natalie discusses the growing trend of off-grid living and the innovative gadgets available to beach hut enthusiasts, from battery-powered kettles and cool boxes to portable blenders and lighting solutions. Natalie shares her top seven must-have gadgets that can transform your time ...
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October 13, 2024 • 46 mins
In this episode, Natalie interviews Stuart Robinson, the Director of St Anne's Beach Huts Apartments in the charming Victorian seaside town of Lytham St Anne's. Stuart shares his inspiring journey from a corporate telesales job to transforming the traditional beach hut experience into a modern, family-friendly getaway. Stuart discusses the challenges he faced in reintroducing beach huts to the area, including navigating council reg...
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October 6, 2024 • 14 mins
Natalie delves into the often-overlooked topic of beach hut padlock maintenance. She begins by dispelling myths about padlock coverings and emphasizes the importance of protecting these essential security devices from harsh coastal conditions. Listeners will learn about selecting the right marine-grade padlocks, effective cleaning techniques, and the best lubricants to ensure smooth operation. Natalie also shares DIY methods for en...
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