ITS paint is peeling, the roof is falling apart and there's not even a door - but one property is still commanding a high price in one of Suffolk's most prestigious towns.

Craig Robinson

ITS paint is peeling, the roof is falling apart and there's not even a door - but one property is still commanding a high price in one of Suffolk's most prestigious towns.

Despite its ramshackle appearance beach hut 242 at Gun Hill in Southwold is on the market for a guide value of �40,000.

The small hut is up for sale with Durrants estate agents and comes with the warning: “Potential purchasers should be aware that the hut is in quite poor condition.”

And with no door, a broken window, flaking paint and a dilapidated roof the property can certainly be described as a DIY enthusiasts dream.

Sitting next door painted in a striking yellow and brown is Margaret Rose - a fine example of what could be achieved given a little love and care.

Southwold is famed for being one of the most prestigious resorts in the county and some beach huts in the town have reputedly sold for more than �100,000.

The current economic climate seems to have done nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of those keen to sample life in one of Suffolk's most sought after resorts.

Roseanne Green, Durrants' office manager, said the hut had already generated some interest.

“In spite of the economic climate the demand for beach huts is very high - certainly along the east coast,” she said. “There is always a waiting list and they can demand high prices.

“This one is on the sand and a very small beach hut in quite poor condition. However, we currently have a number of offers for it and are in negotiations at the moment.

“There is a lot of potential. Whoever buys it can do work to get it looking good again - I was lucky enough to see inside the hut next door and it is an absolutely superb example of what can be done.

“It looks a huge sum of money for a little hut in quite poor condition but it's a reflection of what they sell for. Gun Hill is an exclusive area.

“One of the reasons it's so sought after is because the beach there is very long and sandy. When you go a little further north the beach starts to drop away and the huts have to be moved on to the car park during winter.”

For more details contact Durrants on 01502 723292.