Revamping Our Fireplace for Winter: A Cosy Transformation

As the days grow shorter and the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a crackling fire. Living in the rural countryside, having a wood burner stove isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. We don’t have access to mains gas, so we have to buy oil which is very expensive. Our 300 year old home, features a fireplace that has always been the heart of our living space. This year, we decided it was time to revamp our fireplace to ensure it’s ready for the cold months ahead, while preserving the charm that makes it so special.

The Charm of a Wood burner Stove in Rural Living

In the countryside, where the winter weather can be unpredictable, a woodburner stove is essential, providing reliable heat and even somewhere to cook even when we lose power. There’s something incredibly satisfying about gathering wood, stoking the fire, and enjoying the radiant warmth it offers.

A Fireplace Steeped in History: The Wooden Fire Surround

Our fireplace has a rich history, featuring a stunning wooden fire surround that originally came from Cadbury House. When we decided to update our fireplace, preserving this surround was a top priority. Its beautiful wood grain and craftsmanship are irreplaceable, and we wanted to ensure it remained a focal point in our living room.

Navigating New Building Regulations

When we decided to replace our old woodburner stove, we found that new building regulations would mean we would have to adapt our plans. New standards require that any combustible materials near the stove, like our wooden surround, must be adequately protected from the heat. This led us to the decision to have a custom guard made to shield the wood from direct exposure to the stove’s heat, preserving both safety and the integrity of the original surround.

Choosing the Perfect Tiles: Marais Green Wall Tile from Porcelain Superstore

With the need for additional protection in mind, we decided to enhance the fireplace by tiling the back. After much consideration, we fell in love with the Marais Green Wall Tile from Porcelain Superstore. These rippled tiles aren’t just beautiful; they’re also fire-safe, making them an ideal choice for our project. The deep, rich green tones adds a touch of elegance, complementing the natural colour of the wooden surround. Giving us a classic and timeless look.

The Importance of Fire-Safe Grout and Adhesive

When working with tiles around a woodburner, it’s crucial to use materials that can withstand the intense heat. Standard grout and adhesive won’t work in this setting. Instead, we used special fire-resistant grout and adhesive, designed to endure the high temperatures generated by the stove. This choice ensures that the tiles remain securely in place and look pristine for years to come.

Our New Vision 500 Stove from Clearview Stoves

The final piece of our fireplace transformation was selecting a new stove. After careful consideration, we chose the Vision 500 from Clearview Stoves. Known for its efficiency and sleek design, the Vision 500 is perfect for our needs. It offers excellent heat output, keeping our home warm and cozy throughout the winter, while its large glass window allows us to enjoy the mesmerizing view of the flames.

Future plans

The new stove is just part of our future plans for the living room. In 2025 we hope to replace the carpet with a wooden floor, add a picture rail around the room and reintroduce some Georgian fitted cabinets, as well as redecorating and adding new curtains!