Southwold beach hut for sale at �60,000

The diminutive chalet is advertised as offering 'uninterrupted beach views' during the summer months and comes complete with a veranda on which to enjoy them.

But despite Beach Hut 78 being exiled from Southwold's promenade between October and April to protect it from storm damage, local estate agents Durrants is confident it has market appeal.

The asking price is relatively modest compared to those sold in the past for up to �100,000, or another hut just south of the pier which sold privately this year for �80,000.

Roseanne Green, Durrants' Southwold branch manager, said: 'It hasn't sold as quickly as we thought, in context with beach huts at Gun Hill that can sell instantly in excess of �100,000.

'But it is now the end of the season and there is no evidence on the promenade of where it stands – in the spring there should be more interest.

'It's in good condition and has been refurbished but a buyer is really paying for the right to place it in that spot.'

The hut, nestled at the foot of the town's East Cliff, is in apparently more habitable condition than a similarly priced example for sale earlier in the year. Both cost more per square foot than an average family home, with the added expense of insurance, annual fees and tax payable to Waveney District Council.

The town is home to about 300 huts, once used by fishermen and bathers, with some available for rent between March and June, and in September and October.

Kathleen Stammers, holiday lettings manager at Durrants, currently has 25 huts on the books. She said: 'We let to people from all walks of life but it tends to be younger families with second homes here.

'Many have been coming since childhood and some just won't book their holidays unless they can get one – we never have too many.

'An owner may not make back their money by leasing, but at up to �200 a week in high season, it will at least cover a lot of outgoings and upkeep.'