Unique Beach Hut for Sale in Southend-on-Sea
A unique beach hut located in a popular staycation destination is now up for sale for £120,000. Known as Hut 319, this small structure sits on Thorpe Bay beach in Southend-on-Sea and offers a distinctive living experience. The blue and white striped chalet is perched on stilts on the sandy beach, providing a balcony where residents can enjoy panoramic views of the Thames estuary.
Despite its modest size, the hut can accommodate up to ten people. Inside, there are basic amenities such as a small padded bench that serves as a rustic sofa, a compact kitchen with cupboards, a sink, and a hob. The listing highlights the location’s advantages, including proximity to the Thorpe Bay Yacht Club, which is just 100 yards away. Membership at the club provides access to free parking, a bar with food, and restroom and shower facilities.
For those who prefer a different dining option, Uncle Toms Cabin is a five-minute walk away, offering food, drinks, ice cream, and toilets. Additionally, public seafront parking is just 100 yards from the hut. The area also features stunning walks on the sand flats, especially during low tide, where visitors can spot seals and reach the Mulberry harbour.
However, there is a significant drawback for potential buyers: the hut does not have a toilet or a bed. The nearest facilities are located 399 metres away. This lack of essential amenities may be a deal-breaker for some, but the unique location and scenic views continue to attract interest.
Hut 319 is currently listed for sale on Beachhuts.com, alongside another beach hut priced at £120,000. The market for beach huts has seen a decline due to rising rates and taxes, which have affected the demand for these properties. Despite this, prices have remained high, with some huts selling for over £400,000.
In December, a wooden beach hut on a pristine Dorset sandbank was sold for £485,000, making it one of Britain’s most expensive beach huts. Local resident Jamie Smith, who has been documenting the huts, noted that prices have increased significantly since he moved to the area five years ago. He remarked, “They are just sheds, let’s be honest! The reason they are so popular is because of their location.”
Smith added that the first sale he witnessed was around £300,000, which he considered excessive at the time. Since then, prices have continued to rise, with some huts selling within 24 hours. While he believes they could be a good long-term investment, he emphasized that living in them is not feasible for half the year.
Other beach huts have also fetched high prices, with two others selling for £480,000 and £415,000 respectively, both lacking basic utilities like a toilet, running water, or gas. Over the past 20 years, prices for beach huts at Mudeford have surged from £80,000 to nearly £500,000. The value of beach huts has risen sharply in recent decades, driven by the increase in staycations following the Covid pandemic.
The record price for a beach hut was £575,000 in September 2021, highlighting the growing demand for these unique properties. As more people seek alternative accommodations, the market for beach huts continues to evolve, offering both opportunities and challenges for potential buyers.
