Hi All!! ok so we have bought a fixer upper i Wales dating back to 1899. it used to be a hotel and is now 12 apartments. We have a fireplace in the main living space and Im I’m trying
to work out if its original! help!! the hideous burner is definitely going.
Most old house have been altered throughout their lives, sometimes for the better and sometimes to their detrimen: it's all part of their history and charm.
I personally love this fireplace, but obviously, it's down to personal taste. However, I wouldn't rush to remove it, even though I know from personal experience, that the urge to get out the sledgehammer is sometimes very strong in certain people!
Could you try living with it for a while------- I know that in terms of more disruption and mess you want to get it over and done with in one go, but better that than do something you would later regret
The red tiling smacks of 1930s as Margaret has suggested. So I would suggest Art Deco. Here’s a couple Of pics I’ve found of similar fireplaces to yours.
Clearly the two styles don't match or fit together in terms of dimensions. I think the result is ugly. But the burner cleaned up, could look great in the right setting - so sure, remove it, but please don't smash it up.
It's all part of the rich fabric and history of a house. I love the stove and the fireplace, but if you don't, I agree with others: go half way and remove the stove, but live with the lovely fireplace for a while, then decide. And no, it's not from 1899 and neither is the mantelpiece.
I get the whole thing about respecting the ongoing history of the building and not just changing things for the sake of change, but in all honesty if it was me I could not live with those red tiles for a second longer than I had to!
Elizabeth Forrest