Meet our beach hut specialists

Hi, I’m Laura.

After three years of working in the student let market in Brighton, I knew that working within the property industry was the right career for me. I joined Callaways in January 2023 as Administration Executive and moved on to Customer Services Executive the following year, having gained my Propertymark qualification.

I enjoy talking to, and meeting, new and existing clients, using my customer service background to identify their needs and requirements.  I love being involved in the process of helping people to find the perfect place for them to buy or to let, whether it’s a Beach Hut on the seafront, temporary student accommodation, or a ‘forever’ family home.

Heather has passed on her passion for ‘properties on the prom’ to me.  I enjoy meeting beach hut owners and new buyers, and explaining all the ins and outs of owning a beach hut.  If you have a beach hut you’d like to sell, call me on 01273 735237 or via enquiries@callaways.co.uk

When I’m not at work, I enjoy a variety of pastimes – going to the gym, watching motorcycle racing, reading books and travelling.  My last big adventure was backpacking through Central America and bus hopping in Peru with my husband and two children.  I have also previously chaired my son’s school PTA, fundraising for his school, volunteering at and organising events including a Zumbathon, Quiz nights and the annual Summer Fiesta held in Hove Park.

Hi, I’m Heather.

I’m a bit of a beach hut freak – everywhere I travel I’m on the look-out for interesting and colourful beach huts.  My grandmother once had a beach hut in Ramsgate where our family often spent the summer holidays.  In those days I always referred to them as ‘tiny houses’ but of course this description has a totally different meaning now.

My in-laws also had a beach hut on Rottingdean seafront when our children were small.  We spent hours on the beach!

As I love to travel, I’ve spotted beach huts all over the UK and the world – including Australia.

Hi, I’m Vanessa.

I’m part of the Callaways and Land & Brand New Homes Accounts team, based at our Head Office in Worthing.  I am available for my colleagues, our clients, tenants and suppliers.  Laura and I always get excited when a beach hut comes to the market.

After completing my ACCA qualification, I spent 6 years working in practice before purchasing a share in an independent Letting Agents in Emsworth.  There I spent 15 years enjoying growing and building the business.  After selling to a national chain in 2015, I decided I wanted to remain in the small independent agency environment.  So I joined R W Hilder & Co Ltd, the holding company for Land & Brand New Homes, Callaways Estate & Letting Agents and HRH Developments.

As an FCCA I enjoy applying myself to the varied responsibilities of working in a small business, i.e. building relationships with clients, Landlords, Tenants, and Developers.  I also enjoy working with my colleagues in the various departments of Land, Marketing, Sales, Lettings and Property Management.  I think we will all remember 2020 for the challenges it presented in working remotely.

Our new software system has now bedded in, much to the delight of our Landlords and Tenants.  I played a significant role in developing the templates for accounting procedures and training in-house staff.  Our focus on efficiency is now paying off with colleagues reaping the benefits of quicker access to records.

I take pride in the excellent record of rent collection and in presenting accurate and meaningful statements to our Landlords.  Our consistency level for rental arrears continues at less than 1%.  Always ready for a challenge, our aim is to improve on this figure.  Other responsibilities include client and office accounting.

I have seen many changes during my working life.  Letting agents come and go, but Callaways has remained a steadfast Estate & Lettings Agency in Hove since 1935.  Callaways continues to provide a reputable service to those who want their properties marketed and managed by a professional Propertymark licensed team.

When I’m not at work, my life revolves around my 2 children and travel.

Melanie has been part of Brighton & Hove’s property scene for over 20 years, combining industry knowledge, practical experience and genuinely personal service.

Joining the family property business in 2005, Melanie later project-managed the creation of Callaways’ Property Management Department following the agency’s acquisition in 2008. Since then, her experience has expanded across property management and lettings.

Today, Melanie helps landlords and tenants navigate the increasingly complex world of property management, staying ahead of changing legislation while coordinating contractors, maintenance and day-to-day issues with a refreshingly practical approach.

A strong advocate for ‘proptech’, Melanie believes technology should create more time for what matters: conversations, relationships and solving problems.

Outside work, she enjoys travelling and exploring Brighton & Hove with her two daughters.

Melanie brings together modern property management, traditional values and the all-important human touch.