Is this the end of the beach hut?

Some consternation about the long-term viability of beach huts has been raised by North Norfolk District Council in its latest report. Increasingly poor weather is leading to rising maintenace costs which is worrying officers at the council who wrote this:

The beach huts and chalets are being impacted by adverse weather conditions causing damage to them and the promenade. The cost of the Council rectifying the damage is expected to be not financially sustainable if adverse weather conditions increase in frequency. The leases have been changed to include a clause enabling the Council to remove the beach huts in such an event. If adverse conditions become more frequent to the point it is no longer viable, officers may recommend that no beach huts leases are made available.

Those with huts in prominent spots such as Sheringham, Cromer and Overstrand would be most at risk, not least because the number of people looking to rent the huts dropped last summer thanks to the wet weather and left the council in the red - its repair and maintenance costs last year were 70% higher than the average over the last four years. 

Meanwhile, Great Yarmouth Borough Council is looking at an ongong delay in its plans to build more than 40 beach huts thanks to  £200,000 overspend. These should have been completed last summer but will now not begin constrution until around September 2024.

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Monday posts are sponsored by Cosy Garden Rooms, the UK's No. 1 bespoke garden room designer and builder.

 

Friday Finery: garden office with flowerbed

As the weather turns out nice again, here's one of the nicest flowerbeds for a garden office we've seen, courtesy of Cabin Master.

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Friday posts are sponsored by Warwick Buildings, manufacturers of outstanding quality timber buildings. Click here for more information.

L-shaped garden office and gym

Combining two of the most popular uses for garden buildings is this excellent L-shaped build from Cosy Garden Rooms for a client in Lincoln who wanted office space to work away from the main house as well as space to use as a gym for exercise and yoga. Features include a 4m x 4m canopied sheltered seating space at the front, a 7m x 3m main room, wide double sliding door, large corner window, and composite decking. 

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 Thursday posts are sponsored by Cabin Master: garden offices and   

 studios to fit any size garden. Top quality contemporary or traditional

 buildings.

 

Shedfest 2024 date confirmed

It's back! The annual UK Men’s Sheds Association shindig returns to Worcester University Arena  on July 11. Full details to be confirmed but ickets will be available from the June. If you've not been before, click here for details of previous Shedfests and the video below is of one they made earlier.

 

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Wednesday posts are sponsored by Booths Garden Studios, the UK's No.1 supplier of zero maintenance and portable garden studios

 

The Art of Hutting by Peter MacQueen

One for your shedworker's bookshelf, The Art of Hutting by Peter MacQueen (recently published by Black and White Publishing) who presents his own BBC Alba TV show Gàrradh Phàdruig from his hut in Scotland. Here's what the publishers say about it

'Is farsainn beul a' bhothain'
There is always a welcome at the hut

Are you ready for the good life? Huts, whether in the country, by the sea or near to home, are a glimpse into nature, letting us slow down and enjoy the details of life's little things and create time for self-care, health and a sustainable way of living.

Whether you will design alone, build as a group, or just want to find the perfect spot for a restful interlude, Peter MacQueen shares his knowledge and insight on all things hutting - from foraging and places to stay, to fire making and solar panels - alongside some seasoned hutters who share their tales of the joys and challenges.

Full of tips, stories and recipes, The Art of Hutting will teach you how to create the ultimate sense of wellbeing and community, take the sting out of nettle soup and even bake the Hebridean way!

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Malvern Garden Buildings offer a premium collection of garden buildings, displayed at 11 UK showsites.

Friday Finery: Garden office window seat

I think this is the first time I've seen a window seat like this in a garden office. A clever piece of design which doubles as extra storage space from Cedar Living.

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Friday posts are sponsored by Warwick Buildings, manufacturers of outstanding quality timber buildings. Click here for more information.

The Book Nook

Entries for this year's Shed of the Year close at the end of the month so get your skates on if you're planning to take part. Pictured above is not only one of the newest entries for the annual competition but already one of the Shedworking staff's favourite builds in the whole field. 

Located in London, it's called The Book Nook and is owned by Yannick Read who describes it as like a mini shepherd's hut. Features include being on wheels, barn-style doors, a hanging fire pit, and a bird feeder, as well as lots of books and comfy seating. Enjoy the video of it below.

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 Thursday posts are sponsored by Cabin Master: garden offices and   

 studios to fit any size garden. Top quality contemporary or traditional

 buildings.