The exclusive new-build development at Findhorn of just 30 timber huts have no windows, running water or electricity and measure just 2 metres by 2.5 metres.

The five square metres boasted by the huts compares unfavourably, however, to the minimum size for a Scottish prison cell of seven square metres, excluding toilet cubicle.

Seven of the first 10 £25,000 shelters at Findhorn have already been sold by CCL Property to locals looking to find an escape from the sea breeze and watch seals playing nearby.

Developer Ian Sutherland McCook from 1 Architects revealed he was regularly fielding inquiries from would-be purchasers.

He said: “I’ve just had two phone calls today from people who had seen them down at the beach and wanted to know how to get one.

“Activity on the site will only increase that. There’s always more interest in projects when there is work underway.”

And interest in the huts has been so strong that work to build another 10 of the colourful huts will begin in the coming weeks.

Retired teacher Dr Jane Miller, 60, who visits regularly from Forres with her 82-year-old mother, Marina, bought one of the first tranche of the colourful huts.

She said: “Anyone who is stressed should get a beach hut, it’s lovely,” she said. “It makes you focus on what is really important, which is the natural world.

“We bring a radio with us but often we don’t even put it on, the sound of the sea is so beautiful.”