CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE. REPEAT IF REQUIRED.
The wind kept up this morning, but the rain did not return until this afternoon. The light changed by the minute.
As the sunshine came and went, I had to be patient to take this photograph of the front garden trellis which held solanum, roses, rose hips, petunias, lobelia, nasturtiums, and cotoneaster. Only the clematis and honeysuckle have faded from sight.
We took a trip to Highcliffe beach. A pair of dogs romped along the clifftop,
where the sign warning of crumbling cliffs will probably need to be moved further inland.
When checking on the parking fees, Jackie was greeted by a fairly faint rainbow.
A building worker shared his breakfast with the grateful gulls, and
the rainbow shifted in his direction.
Pools rippled in the car park, against which
the Isle of Wight and The Needles were virtually misted from sight.
One young man stood and watched the
choppy seas
and cloudy skies.
I only needed to turn my head inland to look down on walkers bathed in woodland sunshine;
and twist again for a view of the light on the coastline to my left
and the sight of a dog that probably didn’t belong to the surfboard carrier.
Leaving the scrub behind me,
Down steps
and slopes I descended
to the shore.
On the way down I watched a jogger and dog-walker pass each other.
The woman with the dog went on to cross paths with a couple on a lower level,
and a young lady gradually overhauled another pair, as they passed the Lifeguards’ hut.
Waves sprayed the breakwaters, and, unhindered,
rolled onto the shingle, now at my feet.
Across to my right was a clear view of Mudeford Spit and Sandbank leading to Hengistbury Head. The beach huts visible in this photograph cost as much as £275,000. That’s right. £275,000.
According to metro.co.uk this one went on the market in July this year for £280,000. The article informs us that:
‘For £280,000 you could buy a four-bedroom detached house in Huddersfield or two three-bed cottages with an acre of land in the village of Maerdy, South Wales.
The sandbank can only be accessed by a 20 minute walk, a ride on a novelty land train or by ferry but its isolated position is what gives it its exclusivity and value.
Beach hut owners have to share communal bathroom facilities and can only sleep in the huts between March and October, but can visit any time of year.
Hut 78 is in a handy location close to the ferry jetty and the communal facilities.
It looks out Christchurch Harbour where the new owners will be able to enjoy stunning sunsets.
The timber home measures 16ft 7in by 10ft 2in and comfortably sleeps four, with a double bed in a mezzanine level.
Solar panels on the roof power the fridge and lights, the cooker runs on bottled gas and there is a water tank that feeds into the kitchen sink.’
As I climbed back up to the car park, another couple of walkers greeted me and continued along their path.
I rejoined Jackie who drove us on to Barton on Sea. From there we were called back home in a hurry. We had been told by our mortgage lender to expect a call this morning from a surveyor coming to value the house. His call would be to arrange a viewing. He did call me. He was outside our house. He had been given a time to be there. We hadn’t.
I guided the gentleman round the house and garden. We then returned to New Milton for some shopping and banking, and brunched at Wendy’s excellent café. Then the rain came.
For dinner this evening Jackie produced a tasty fish pie, mashed potato, carrot and swede mash, and sautéed leeks, peppers, and green beans. She drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Fleurie.
Say whaaaaat? Why would someone pay that amount for a beach hut?! Er, no thanks! Anyway, London has been very wet today too, Derrick. Thankfully Max and I were indoors when it really started to come down. Hope you and Jackie are well.
We are well, thanks, Persia. Why, indeed!
That is a very expensive beach hut! The rainbow was a lovely catch. Enjoyed all the photos, especially the coastline and water in shadow and light.
Very many thanks, Lavinia
An enjoyable sequence. If I paid that amount for a residence and anyone tried to tell me when and when I could not sleep in it, I’d knock their teef in.
Quite, Leslie. Many thanks.
What? That much for a hut and you don’t even get a private bath? That’s crazy! Great photos, Derrick. I especially loved the black and whites.
Crazy, indeed, Jill. Thanks very much
I love the study in contrasts in the weather photos and the way you used b & w and colour to effect.
Many thanks, Susanne
Similar boxes on Melbourne Beachfront sold last year for $285,000. (close to 180.000 pounds)
I love the bleak grey shots. It is quite overcast here today and I may just go for a drive and shoot a little atmosphere.Encouraged by your efforts.
Thank you very much, Paol. I hope your photoshoot was a success.
My family used to own a beach hut of similar size and appearance – but not at all kitted out like a luxury tiny home. It was I believe purchased for the princely sum of ten quid………. I often wonder what they go for now. I love the photo where you have captured the rays of light streaming down like a spotlight onto the water – now if my painting could approximate that I should be most happy!!
I have a very dear kiwi friend who calls those rays of light ‘Jesus Beams’.
I’ve heard that expression before – possibly on this blog 🙂
Yep 🙂 Taken from Jackie’s friend Barbara
Very many thanks, Pauline
I love the changing light and the variety of color and black and white photos here, Derrick. I feel like I’ve gone on quite a journey while looking at them.
The price of that beach house is ridiculous–but I guess if people are willing to pay it, then sellers will keep asking.
Thanks very much, Merril. Quite ridiculous
I guess the market dictates the price.
So they say
I’d hate to be rich. Most rich people have no taste.
Thanks very much, Bruce
The demand must be there, but those kinds of prices boggle the mind.
I love how you switch between black & white and colour pictures. 🙂
Thank you very much, Widders
I was shocked at the cost of this hut, Derrick! Wow, so glad you shared this since I was curious about the cost. I like how self sufficient it is using solar power, too. ☀
I guess it may surprise how small my parents’ two bedroom cottage (it has a fireplace) is and it still went for a great price due to it being located on a double lot on Lake Erie. 🌅
We placed the money in her account which does help pay for her safe, secure memory care building. It was something we thought about carefully. . .
The black and white photos were beautiful. I liked how you told us it was in color on one area while the other was gloomy and gray. The Isle of Wight hidden almost due to fog and hazy vision.
Man thanks for your usual thorough observation and comments, Robin
It is with much effort and yet, much interest I feel I am caught up now, Derrick. 😊 🌹
Much appreciated X
Waiting for magical light on a brooding day is not without rewards. Stepping out with your camera in the rains is an act of courage, but then again, the proof of the pudding is in the shooting. Now I am not a Bolshevik or something, but there is something wrong about capitalism that manifests in beach houses.
Thanks very much, Uma. The prices of the beach huts are obscene
Wow, the beach huts were definitely expensive, but looked absolutely gorgeous, and always with your photos of Isle Of Wight…
Many thanks, Ivor
You tell a fascinating story – as always I, Derrick. Thank you.
Thanks very much, Roland
Beautiful ocean waves, rainbows, seagulls, rainbows and dog walking views.. And no hut is every worth that amount of money Derrick.. One Major Storm and its driftwood..
Wishing you well Derrick. take care and enjoy the rest of your week
Sue 🙂
Very many thanks, Sue. The hut is quite daft
Very! 🙂
The pictures of the choppy water are so pretty! I love the one with the shrub and the ocean behind it. Wow that is so pricey for such a tiny hut, but an amazing view.
Many thanks, Lynn. Prices are barmy
yes wow
I have questions but must get going on my stair painting project (risers, only) before the steps get sanded, finished and a carpet runner installed. But I can’t believe the prices of those huts.
Quite daft, Steve. Thanks very much
The black and white photos are somewhat of a relief…! I forget how much I enjoy that variation of photography. And the beach huts are like our booming tiny houses sales, perhaps.
Many thanks, Cynthia
You are very creative in making stories Derrick and lovely photographs as usual.
Very many thanks, Rupali.
🙂
I’m surprised there are houses in Huddersfield that cost so much. 🙂
🙂 Many thanks, Quercus
🙂
All looks pretty bleak and unwelcoming, They’d have to pay me £280.000,00 to go there! Kaven’t made my fishermans pie for yonks, have to suggest it to the War Office
I can’t understand why one would want a beach hut at all. Thanks, Brian
Snob appeal???
The more expensive ones, perhaps, but why would you want something that binds you to one beach just so people can’t see you changing?
buggered if I know
An awesome walk to the beach…thank you!
So much money for a beach hut? Each to his own, I suppose…sjoe!
Thanks very much, Rob. It’s quite mad