WITH French doors, balconies and bespoke seaside furniture, Boscombe’s new surf pods bear little resemblance to the traditional beach huts that have graced the promenade for more than half a century.

Reputed to be the world’s best beach huts, the 58 pods were designed by award-winning Wayne and Geraldine Hemingway and are all fitted with mains electricity.

Some have hot and cold running water and each is adorned with iconic images from the ’50s. They come in penthouse, double and single size.

Most will be available for purchase and others can be hired out. The cost of the hip new huts, with views across the surf reef and a location next to the refurbished pier, has yet to be revealed by Bournemouth council.

But it’s unlikely that a slice of seaside chic in the Overstrand beach complex, which is due to re-open in May, will come cheap.