BOURNEMOUTH’S newest beach huts, designed to bring a sense of New England to the seafront, received a lukewarm reception from potential buyers.

The 24 huts at Alum Chine went on sale at 10am on Sunday, Independence Day.

But the £29,995 price tag – plus an annual service charge of nearly £800 – left many saying “Yanks, but no Yanks”.

Laid out in an informal “village” setting just above the promenade, the huts are near the children’s play park and a brand new water play area. But they cannot be connected to any mains service, cannot be used overnight and are being sold on a 25-year lease, rather than freehold.

Stan and Justine Kingsbury, of North Dorset, looked around with their children but did not like the terms of the deal.

Stan said: “I would have made them freehold at £100,000 or maybe even rent them at £3,000 a year.

“If I sell it on in 10 years’ time, it will only have 15 years left on the lease.

“I’m never going to get my money back.”

And David and Barbara McNally, of Branksome agreed.

David said: “I don’t think there’s a lot here for the price.

“I’m just looking at what facilities there are here and it’s not an awful lot.”

Wife Barbara was unhappy with the location: “You can’t actually see the sea – it’s not an undisturbed view, which is what I would want for my money.

“There’s not a lot of sitting out space.”

But others were more impressed. Hilary Knowles, of Broadstone, said: “I love the position.

“It’s nice to be off the main prom – you don’t get people walking past you the whole time.”

Husband Richard agreed but added: “The location and the facilities are fantastic but the killer is the rates.

“Paying £30,000 for 25 years would be okay, but you’ve got to factor in the rates too.”