Not the Last Resort
The Isle of Thanet is the most easterly point of Kent. Once separated from the mainland by the Wantsum Channel, this area to the north of Deal and east of Whitstable is famed for its golden strands. All 15 of them. Margate Main Sands may be one of the best known beaches, crammed on sunny weekends, but just round the coast to the west is the quieter Westbrook Bay. Really an early 20th century suburb of Margate, Westbrook has its own distinct identity.
Beach huts line the esplanade of Westbrook Bay. Born out of an 18th century sense of modesty, they have become a cherished part of coastal heritage. Still great for changing into swimming gear, beach huts have their limitations as a couple discovered when they set fire to their hut in Bournemouth recently. They are not designed for cooking. Cucumber sandwiches are more appropriate. Beach huts’ latest reincarnation is as valuable real estate. Current prices in neighbouring East Sussex range from £15,000 in Eastbourne to £55,000 in Rye. Whitstable in Kent, £30,000. In 2016, Kent Online featured the extraordinary headline “Margate posh beach huts go on sale for £500,000”. On closer inspection, the article actually refers to beach hut style two bedroom terraced houses overlooking the beach.
