In this episode, Natalie explores the beauty and tranquility of the seaside during the autumn and winter months. She discusses the importance of preparing beach huts for the cooler seasons, particularly in preventing damp and mould, which can be exacerbated by the humid coastal climate. Natalie shares practical tips on ensuring good ventilation, such as installing wall vents or using whirligigs, and offers advice on moisture absorbers like bicarbonate of soda and silica gel. She emphasizes the value of protecting belongings with airtight storage solutions and highlights the mental health benefits of spending time at the beach, even in less favourable weather. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Autumn and winter offer unique opportunities to enjoy the beach, with fewer crowds and the chance to witness dramatic weather conditions, making it a peaceful time for beach hut enthusiasts.

• Proper ventilation is crucial for beach huts to prevent damp and mould. Keeping air vents open and ensuring airflow can help maintain a dry environment inside the hut.

• Various methods can be employed to absorb moisture, such as using bicarbonate of soda, silica gel, or commercial moisture absorbers. These can help mitigate dampness even if ventilation is limited.

• Using airtight storage containers or vacuum packs can safeguard items inside the beach hut from moisture damage, especially during long periods of closure.

• Before locking up a beach hut for the winter, it's important to prepare it by ensuring good ventilation, using moisture absorbers, and protecting belongings to avoid costly damage from mould and mildew.

BEST MOMENTS

"The brilliant thing about a beach hut is that you can still enjoy the beach. Sun, rain, wind or worse."

"Mould is a microscopic fungus that spreads by travelling through the air in the form of tiny spores."

"Good ventilation is really important. Blocking air vents and ceiling windows might prevent heat escaping, but in a small space like your hut, this can also block essential ventilation."

"Bicarbonate of soda has a high water absorption capacity, so is rather good at removing excess moisture from the air."

"If you intend to leave the hut for a long period of time, one option is to use a damp proof storage container."

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.