Britain’s Heritage Mantel to feature in BBC’s The ABC Murders on Boxing Day

Prime Time Boxing Day TV sees the start of a new three part Hercule Poirot detective mystery called The ABC Murders. The story is based on the Agatha Christie novel of the same name, first published in the UK at the start of 1936.

Original ABC Murders Novel
Original ABC Murders Novel

This exciting, fast paced story is gripping from the start as Poirot starts to receive letters from an unknown Serial Killer calling himself ABC, soon after the first victim “Alice Ascher” and the second victim “Betty Barnard” a pattern starts to emerge.

The TV Version

The new TV Version has a star filled lineup including the Hollywood heavyweight John Malkovich starting as Poirot. Inspector Crome will be played by Rupert Grint (Harry Potter fans will know him well) as well as Andrew Buchan as Franklin Clarke, Bronwyn James as Megan, Jack Farthing as Donald Fraser , Freya Mavor as Thora Grey, Tara Fitzgerald as
Lady Hermione Clarke and Shirley Henderson as Rose Marbury.

This isn’t the first time that the ABC Murders has featured on Television in the UK, two other versions have embraced our screens including the 1965 film “The Alphabet Murders” and during the TV Series “Poirot” staring
David Suchet an episode titled “The ABC Murders” aired in 1992.

For any french speaking readers, in 2009 an episode called “Les meurtres ABC” featured in “Les Petits Meurtres d’Agatha Christie”.

John Malkovich is Poirot in tense new Agatha Christie adaptation

When is it on?

Channel: BBC One 
The first episode is Boxing Day (Wednesday 26th December 2018)
Time: 9pm

The following episodes are on at the same time Thursday 27th December and Friday 28th December.

Britain’s Heritage Surround Featured

We are extremely proud to have sold one of our Antique Wood Surrounds to Mammoth Screen for Studio 81 in Leeds UK. Mammoth Screens have produced the ABC Murders with the fireplace to be used in the one of the main rooms in Poirot’s home.

 Original Antique wood surround
Original Antique wood surround

The original antique Art Nouveau wood surround was originally purchased by ourselves from a house renovation project in Sheffield. It has an impressive over mantel and original mirror with carved decorative spindle supports.

Our restoration team restored the surround back to it’s original splendor.

We are excited to see what this stunning fireplace will look like in the show and what, if any, adaptations they may have made.

See our Fireplace Restoration Service for more details or for similar fireplaces see more Art Nouveau / Art Deco Fireplaces for sale

Antique Fireplace Restoration Leicester Heather Hall

Antique Fireplace Restoration – Part 2

Receipt of Josh`s Bedroom Cast Iron Fireplace for restoration. The fireplace surround was covered in layers of paint with missing shelf. The Insert did not match the surround opening size. The Insert was missing bars grate and damper isolation from the chimney space.

Antique Victorian Fireplace Restoration Bedroom UK Cast Iron Project Leicester - 1 Antique Victorian Fireplace Restoration Bedroom UK Cast Iron Project Leicester - 2 Antique Victorian Fireplace Restoration Bedroom UK Cast Iron Project Leicester - 3Bedroom Victorian Fireplace Restored.

1. Shot blast to remove paint and add a shelf to surround.

2. Weld on an extension piece to match the surround opening.

3. Add bars with log holders and an ash cover.

4. Add a Chimney damper plate to isolate the chimney closed. (This fireplace is for decorative)

5. finally apply a Rust Inhibitor coating and finish in an antique black using grate polish. Read more

Antique Victorian Fireplace Restoration Bedroom UK Cast Iron Project Leicester - 4


Restored Master Bedroom Cast Iron Victorian Fireplace.

1. Shot Blast to Remove paint

2. Weld fireplace together and apply high strength joint compound sanding to match together.

3. Fit ash cover and fabricate a metal back ready made to cradle a Bio Ethanol high spec fire.

4. Apply a rust inhibitor and finish in an antique finish using grate polish.

5. Remote Control Fire Efficiency at 100% – Hand Held Remote Control – Output: 2 700 W (9 000 BTU) – Capacity of the tank: 2,25 L (0,6 Gal) – Consumption: 0,4 liter/hour (0,11 Gal/hour) – CO² detector – Combustion block heat detector – Safety bin heat detector – Burner levels detector – Fuel tank high and low levels detectors, with visual and audible alarms on the LCD screen – Accelerometer (seismic and tilt detector)

Master Sitting Room Cast Iron Fireplace for restoration. The fireplace was covered in layers of paint with missing shelf and damaged fire back. It was also missing an ash cover

Restored Will`s Bedroom Cast Iron Restored Victorian Fireplace. 1. Cut top of fireplace to even the broken cast piece. weld corner to match. Grind and fit shelf. 2. Shot blast to remove paint. 3. Add bar set and ash cover. Fit a fabricated metal fire back isolated against chimney (use is decorative). 4. Apply a rust inhibitor coating and finish in an Antique traditional black using grate polish.

Antique Fireplace Restoration Services UK Nationwide

UK specialists in fully restoring antique fireplaces, sales of antique and reproduction fireplaces and stoves. Send a message via our Contact Form or call our highly experienced team for free advice on 0116 251 9592.

Victorian Fireplace Restoration Project 2018

Heather Hall Victorian Fireplace Restoration Project

Restoration Project For The Heather Hall Fireplaces. Some of these Victorian fires were broken with lots of missing parts. The scope of the project included modernising the burning method by adding Two Bio Ethanol Burners.
The specification from the client included Remote control use and high safety features . We supplied a certified 2.7 kW 100% efficient Bio Ethanol Environmental Friendly fire to European and USA Standards fabricating the metal fire backs to fit the fires.
Should you have an antique fireplace that needs restoring and repairing, call our team of experts on 0116 251 9592 for free advice or visit our Fireplace Restoration Leicester page.
Cast Iron Antique Victorian Fireplace Restoration UK Project Before PhotoJeff Dennis Owner Of Britain`s Heritage Talks about project Part 1


Jeff Dennis Owner Of Britain`s Heritage talks about completion Part 2

Cast Iron Bedroom Victorian Fireplace Restoration

Ben`s Bedroom Victorian Fireplace Restored
1. Shot blast to remove paint.
2. Add Front Bars and Ash Cover.
3. Fabricate a Metal fire back and isolate closed against the chimney ( for decorative use only.)
4. Finished the fireplace in a rust protective coating complete with an antique black finish using black grate polish.


UK Nationwide Antique Fireplace Sales and Repairs

Britain’s Heritage stock of original antique fireplaces includes elegant carved Georgian Fireplaces and Hob Grates, Exquisite French Marble, Elaborate Victorian and Edwardian Fireplaces as well as distinctive Art Nouveau and 1930’s Art Deco . All fully restored to their original splendor.

How to Replace An Antique Fireplace

How Do I Replace An Antique Fireplace?

Fireplaces are the heart of living rooms in historic houses. Before the middle of the 20th century, almost all the rooms of a house, including bedrooms, were heated by open fires. Even though gas fires and central heating are now used for heating, many houses still have antique fireplaces.

Note: Listed Building Consent may be required to remove or alter your fireplace if your house is a listed building, and you should seek advice on this before carrying out any changes.

Listed Building Consent Advice for Replacing Antique Fireplaces

If you want to alter or extend a listed building in a way that affects its character or appearance as a building of special architectural or historic interest, or even demolish it, you must first apply for listed building consent from your local planning authority.

You should check first with your local authority Conservation Officer whether or not consent will be needed for what you plan to do. You should also get an outline of what might be acceptable and find out whether ideas need to be adapted to make them more likely to succeed. This simple step could save a lot of time and money.

When the planning authority considers whether to grant or to refuse an application, it must give particular attention to the desirability of preserving the building, its setting and those features which make it special. These are the things you should think about when you are planning your proposed changes.

Unauthorised work is a criminal offence

You need to be aware that carrying out unauthorised works to a listed building is a criminal offence and individuals can be prosecuted.

A planning authority can insist that all work carried out without consent is reversed. You should therefore always talk to the local planning authority before any work is carried out to a listed building.

An owner will have trouble selling a property which has not been granted Listed Building Consent for work carried out.

Changes to the way listed building consent can be granted have been introduced, and are explained in our web page on the effects of the Enterprise and Regulatory Act 2013.

Antique Fireplace Anatomy for Replacing The Grate and Hearth

Fireplaces have three main parts. The chimneybreast contains the flue and often projects into the room.

The hearth is the opening that contains the grate where the fuel is burnt: this is usually iron and may have tiled sides. The chimneypiece is the ornamental surround to the hearth opening, and is often made of stone or wood. Normally there is also a stone slab in front of the fireplace: this is the hearth slab.

The chimneybreast is part of the structure of your house and you should think very carefully before planning to remove it. You may think that the chimneybreast takes up too much useful space, but it almost certainly helps to strengthen the wall it belongs to.

It also contains flues and if these are not blocked, they help to ventilate your home. Blocked flues can also create damp problems. You should seek structural advice before removing a chimney breast, and will need Building Regulations approval, as well as Listed Building Consent (if your house is listed).

Antique Fireplace Design

Whether it’s plain or ornamental, a chimneypiece is part of the history and design of the room. It helps to tell the story about how the room was used. Quite often the chimneypiece is one of the original fittings and a deliberate visual focus.

However, if it’s damaged then replacing it will If you want to take out or change your chimneypiece and replace it with an original restored antique fireplace/ Britain’s Heritage stock of original antique fireplaces includes elegant carved Georgian Fireplaces and Hob Grates, Exquisite French Marble, Elaborate Victorian and Edwardian Fireplaces as well as distinctive Art Nouveau and 1930’s Art Deco . All fully restored to their original splendor.

Maybe you are looking to replace with a new reproduction Marble Reproduction Fireplace, Wood Reproduction Fireplace, Slate and Stone Reproduction Fireplace and Reproduction Arch and Tiled inserts.

You will first need to find out whether or not the fireplace is an important part of the house. You may feel that your present chimneypiece is the wrong date or style for the room; it’s not unusual for chimney pieces to have been altered to fit in with changing taste. It may also have been adapted from a larger opening with the insertion of a smaller fireplace.

If you need more advice, call our team of experts on 0116 251 9592. It will help your discussion with your local authority if you can find a picture of the kind of chimneypiece that you want to install.

Changing an Antique Fireplace Grate

The grate is the functional part of a fireplace. You may want to install a different kind of grate, or convert it to gas or electricity. Or you may want to install a wood-burning stove.

You will usually be able to make the changes you want, unless the grate is of special historic interest. Wherever possible you should make sure that the installation is reversible, meaning that you or a future owner can undo the change without causing damage to the original building.

You should keep the hearth slab if you are going to have any kind of live fire. The purpose of the slab is to keep fragments of burning wood or coal away from the timber floorboards or the carpet.

Britains Heritage, UK Nationwide Delivery and Restoration

UK specialists in fully restoring antique fireplaces, sales of antique and reproduction fireplaces and stoves. Send a message via our Contact Form or call our highly experienced team for free advice on 0116 251 9592.

Wood Burning Stoves and Fireplace Buyer’s Guide

10 Woodburning Stove Tips

From energy efficiency through to seasoning and storing fuel, this article answers the most common questions about woodburners

Looking for a stylish, sustainable way to heat your home? Then a woodburning stove could be the answer. Whether you’re after a traditional-looking version to warm a cosy sitting room or a cool contemporary design to sit at the heart of an open-plan living space, you’re sure to find something to suit. But how do you select the right appliance for your needs? Our Q&A will help you decide.

1) Why should I go for a woodburner?

Heritage Fireplaces offer a wide selection of wood burning stoves.

You can buy online and take delivery to your door, additionally we offer a fitting and delivery service combined. Give us a call on 0116 251 9592 with your location in the UK and we will happily provide a competitive quote. Alternatively, send us a message via our website Contact Form.

These stoves offer a great combination of aesthetic appeal and eco credentials that few heating appliances can match. From classic cast iron models to designer versions in steel or ceramic, they make for a captivating focal point. And with technology allowing for ever-larger viewing panes, the beauty of a real log fire can be enjoyed to its fullest.

Add to that the fact that responsibly-sourced, well-seasoned timber is a carbon neutral and energy-efficient fuel, and these stoves stand a class apart as attractive, practical heaters.

Woodburning Stoves Fireplaces Sales Delivery Installation Restoration Antique Cast Iron Milti Fuel-1

2) What are the style options?

The traditional matt black firebox set atop four solid legs has enduring appeal for both period-style homes and contemporary spaces – but these days there’s a huge array of statement designs to choose from.

Switching the enamel to a different colour – from sleek whites to eye-popping pinks – can help to ensure your stove adds an extra dimension to your home’s decor. Then there are wall-mounted and pedestal versions, or even models that appear to be suspended in the centre of a room.

The classic double-aspect stove is another great choice; and has now been taken a step further with the introduction of show-stopping 360° designs. If you prefer a clean look, then a cassette model that fits flush with the wall – perhaps integrated into a log store – could be an ideal option.

3) How much heat can I get?

The vast majority of stoves are sold as individual appliances designed to provide a cosy atmosphere in a single room. You can get a general idea of the size of room heater you need by measuring the space in cubic metres (L x W x H) and dividing this figure by 14 to reveal a rough estimate of the kilowatt (kW) output required. For example, a 7m (L) x 5m (W) x 2.4m (H) living room might need a 6kW stove – but you should always use a qualified heating engineer to determine the exact output required.

Some appliances can be hooked up to radiator-based central heating and even supply domestic hot water for taps and other outlets. Typically, these boiler stoves can run around 12 radiators either as the primary heat source or in tandem with a conventional gas or oil-fired boiler (in which case the stove works to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels). Stovax’s Stockton 14HB is a 14kW model able to supply enough hot water for a network of 19 standard-size radiators.

Double Sided Wood Burning Stove

We love this style and it’s a popular choice when you want to heat a large room effectively, the double sided door design is a great feature to have on those cold winter days.

Double Sided Woodburning Stoves Fireplaces Sales Delivery Installation Restoration Antique Cast Iron Milti Fuel- 4) How efficient are woodburning stoves?

There’s really no comparison between stoves, which burn at between 70%-85% efficiency, and open fires that waste about 90% of the warmth they generate by blowing it straight up the chimney. But how do woodburners size up to conventional boiler-powered central heating systems?

According to the Energy Saving Trust, a log-fuelled boiler stove hooked up to radiators should cost around £90 less to run every year than gas-fired heating. However, unlike some types of biomass, log burners aren’t eligible for payments under the Renewable Heat Incentive. If you’re interested in taking advantage of this scheme, then you’ll need to invest in either a wood pellet stove or a full-blown biomass boiler.

5) What features should I look out for?

Modern stoves offer a plethora of advantages over older models – mainly aimed at either boosting efficiency or improving views of the flames. Airwash technology, which is fairly standard these days, draws air down the inside of the window to help keep it clean and get rid of performance-impairing residues. This air will also act as the primary supply for combustion of the wood.

To further improve performance, cleanburn systems introduce secondary and tertiary air into the chamber. By combusting the excess hydrocarbons in the smoke, this boosts thermal efficiency and ensures a cleaner burn – reducing the amount of unpleasant particles that go up the chimney.

If you live in a smoke control area, you can still have a stove. Many models offer a smokeless burn – check whether the product you’re interest in carries a Defra exemption certificate.

6) Who can install my stove?

Heritage Fireplaces offer installation – Call us on 0116 251 9592 with your location for an accurate cost proposal.

Fitting a woodburner is notifiable work, so your installation must conform to the Building Regulations. The most straightforward route to compliance is to use a suitably-qualified HETAS engineer, who will be able to self-certify the job as a competent person.

This isn’t just a case of nestling an appliance into an existing chimney. All woodburners need a flue to channel the expelled emissions out of the home.

This will usually be run up your chimney, which may need to be re-lined at a cost of around £900-£1,100. Typically, your installer will also deal with calculating the right size of stove and, once it’s commissioned, run you through how to operate the appliance effectively.

7) Which woods work best?

As a rule, hardwood is your best bet for fuelling a stove. Its density means a cubic metre of this fuel can weigh up to 50% more than the same volume of softwood. So if you’re buying by volume (which is pretty common) you’ll get more fuel, a longer lasting burn and have less need for storage space by opting for hardwoods such as ash, oak and beech.

If there’s any excess moisture in the timber, it will take time to boil away in your stove – producing steam rather than heat and reducing its efficiency. In the worst case scenario, the wood may even produce tars that could damage the stove lining. So it’s important to only use properly seasoned products – and most stove manufacturers recommend wood that’s been taken down to a moisture content of 25% or less.

With hardwoods, this will generally mean using logs that have been cut and split well before they’re to be used and that have gone through at least two summers’ worth of air-drying before buying. It is possible to purchase green wood for home drying, but bear in mind you’ll need a significant amount of storage space for this, and will probably need to split the logs yourself.

8) Where can I store the fuel?

It’s vital that you keep your seasoned wood in a suitably dry place; a well-ventilated shed with one open end is a good option for long-term storage. Logs should always be kept off the ground – typically by stacking them on top of the biggest lengths, with gaps for air to circulate. The firewood should always be cut to the right length at least six months before it’s to be burned to ensure that it dries out properly. Splitting it to expose a greater surface area will help, too.

You can buy pre-seasoned fuel from the likes of Log Delivery and Certainly Wood; both offer kiln-dried hardwoods, too, which should be ready-to-use within two weeks of delivery. The Forestry Commission recommends you bring wood indoors for a few days prior to use.

9) What about stove maintenance?

Provided you stay on top of basic upkeep, such as clearing out the ashes and removing any stubborn soot from the glass and internal surfaces, you should get 20+ years of life out of your new woodburning stove (though most warranties stretch to just five years).

It’s worth keeping an eye out for signs of potential problems – such as holes in the ash pan, cracks or spots of rust in the finish. If you notice any of these, it’s time to call in a specialist. Most manufacturers strongly recommend a professional annual service (at around £70-£100) both of the stove and, importantly, of the chimney and flue.

10) How much do woodburning stoves cost?

A small room-heating woodburner can start from as little as £600 – but even with this kind of installation, you may be looking at upwards of £1,500 once you’ve factored in professional fitting and a new flue. A constructional hearth (which can be required for the setup to meet Building Regulations) will cost at least £350. If you’ve set your heart on a high-end product or you’re opting for a boiler model that requires new pipework, you can expect to pay significantly more – typically anything from £3,000 to £7,000 in total.

The Alpha 1 4.9 kW Multi Fuel Stove

Reference: DOC-ALPH1 – The Alpha 1 multi fuel stove features state-of-the-art clean burn pre-heated tertiary air which wrings out every last bit of heat from your fuel to maximise efficiency and create a greener, better burning stove. 84% efficiency. Maximum Output 4.9 kW.

Call us on 0116 251 9592 quoting the Britain’s Heritage Fireplaces reference “DOC-ALPH1” or fill out our contact us form here.

Multi Fuel Stove Details

  • Brand Name: Docherty
  • Fuel Type: MULTI FUEL
  • Colours: Black
  • Finish: High Temperature Paint
  • Width: 445mm
  • Height: 605mm
  • Depth: 401mm
  • Output: 4.9 kW

Features

  • Adjustable Feet
  • 5 “(125) Flue Pipe
  • NO Additional Room Air Vent Required
  • Flue outlet TOP and REAR
  • Heat Efficient
Prices adjusted for accuracy – Original article by Chris Bates

How To Restore An Antique Fireplace

Antique Fireplace Restoration

Britains Heritage have been restoring fireplaces for over 30 years. Our expert and friendly fireplace team are ready to answer all of your queries – we’re waiting to speak to you on 0116 251 9592 or visit our Fireplace Restoration Leicester page.

How To Restore An Antique Fireplace

Gone are the days when homeowners would routinely plasterboard over or brick up a fireplace in order to give a more modern, streamlined look to a period property.

Some old houses once had a fireplace in every room, a setup that’s admittedly not always desirable these days in bedrooms and bathrooms, even as ornamental objects. However, in our principal living spaces we are now much more likely to regard a fireplace as a prized original feature.

The rise of clean, highly efficient solid-fuel stoves and gas fires (as opposed to inefficient, smoky open fires) is a further argument for creating a beautiful focal point in the room – one that can also keep you cosy and warm.

If you are considering restoring an antique fireplace there are some legal implications to consider – as well as from a builder’s perspective. Has the antique fireplace been renovated previously? It is legally safe and sound for burning wood? Have you thought that a gas insert may be a better decision?

Britains Heritage Victorian Fireplace Restoration Project 2018

Restored Victorian Fireplace with Tiles Iron Fire Grate AntiqueHere you can see the original Victorian tiles show this fireplace in it’s original stunning glory. Featuring an iron fire grate this entire surround is ready to buy in our Leicester Workshop.

Professional inspection

Breathing new life into an old fireplace will usually involve multiple stages of work, from recreating/enlarging the opening to installing a new hearth and flue liner. Some are more DIY-friendly than others, but as Building Regs apply, people often farm out the whole project and find a local retailer-cum-installer for their chosen appliance.

Establish what fuel you want to burn (gas or solid), since that will point you in the direction of who can do the work. “First speak to your local retailer, who will arrange for a site assessment. They’ll be able to check whether the chimney is in good condition, or whether it might need lining to get it into working order,” says Dave Saunders, Stovax’s technical standards manager.

This Shillington model reproduction from Capital Fireplaces has art nouveau inspired tulip details to give your scheme a period feel
Charnwood’s Skye woodburner adds additional heating and a cosy focal point to a modern living space

This typically involves a smoke test to establish whether there are gaps in masonry joins or damaged flue pipes. If significant leaks are happening, a new flue will be needed.

There are different requirements for gas or solid fuel. For example, a woodburning stove has to be used in tandem with a twin-wall flue to cope with high temperatures.

Don’t buy a stove without first uncovering the builder’s opening (the original cavity where the fire goes). You’ll need to know its size to make sure the stove fits and leaves enough clearances to conform to Building Regulations rules surrounding the distance the appliance can sit from combustible materials.

Repairing an existing fireplace

If you’ve just moved in to a new home and have inherited an existing fireplace that you want to get working again, “at the very least you will need to have the chimney swept before it is reused,” says Dave.

A chimney sweep can clean and inspect the flue and advise on any repairs. If an unused chimney has been sealed up on top of the stack, it will need to be opened again. Find a sweep via the HETAS website or a trade body such as The Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps.

Period fireplaces create a characterful focal feature. The Georgians favoured classical-style stone or marble surrounds, with a plain aperture containing a firebasket.

Victorian and Edwardian houses typically had one-piece cast iron fireplaces (with the surround and insert combined), or cast-iron inserts with surrounds made of stone, marble or timber. Tiled inserts on the cheeks (or sides) add a further decorative element.

Typical issues with period fireplaces include layers of overpainting, damaged tiles, cracked hearths, disfigured firebacks and missing or harmed metal components. Some of these issues can be tackled by a competent DIYer, such as removing paint with chemical stripper (the Victorian Society recommends avoiding a heat gun, because it can crack old metal).

If your cast-iron fireplace just needs a cosmetic spruce-up, buff it with a specialist polish such as Liberon paste, or cover it with matt black fireplace paint specially formulated for higher temperatures. You’ll need to call in the professionals for missing or damaged metal components. A restorer should be able to recast features such as hoods and grates.

Stonework can also be cleaned, restored and resealed, usually in situ, while new hearths (in standard sizes or custom-made to your dimensions) are widely available online, or try your local granite/marble yard.

If a fireplace is very dilapidated, you may be better off starting again, with a good-quality replica or a reclaimed model (restorers often also deal in good-quality salvaged examples).

Exposed brickwork

If you want a bare-brick fireplace with no mantel – a clean, minimal setting for a woodburning stove – don’t expect to find perfect brickwork lining the original opening. It’s often a mess, using offcut bricks and rough mortar, because it was intended to be covered with a fireback.

Slotting in a made-to-measure brick-faced chamber will restore a neat finish – but many opt to render it, or line it with a non-combustible board such as Thermalux.

How to uncover the builder’s opening

  •  Any property with a typical chimney breast (with alcoves either side) will have a fireplace inside – even if it’s been blocked up.
  • If there is a vent, remove it and have a look inside with a torch – this will give you an idea of the size of the opening, and the condition of the chimney. With the vent removed, you should also be able to tell what material has been used to conceal the fireplace (usually brick, plasterboard or a sheet of timber).
  • If you open up the chimney breast, first cover everything with dust sheets, remove skirting boards and uncover the hearth.
  • Sometimes there’s a subtle line left behind on the wall, giving a useful indication of the size of the original opening.
  • Plasterboard/timber coverings can be prised out with a wrecking bar; bricked-up apertures can be knocked out with a hammer and chisel, starting from the area around the vent.
  • The builder’s opening will be spanned by a lintel or brick arch at the top, which must be left in place. Damaged lintels will need to be replaced; wooden versions (even undamaged ones) should be swapped in favour of a non-combustible equivalent.

If you like the look of an open fire in a traditional setting but want efficiency, too, look for gas fires with a glass screen that completely covers the aperture, which can be paired with a period mantel. Gazco’s Reflex 75T or Capital Fireplaces’ DL500 are both good options.

Meeting regulations

“If you want to install a new or replacement appliance, you must use a registrant of a competent person self-certification scheme,” says Bruce Allen, CEO of HETAS, which deals with solid-fuel fires such as woodburning stoves.

“Alternatively, contact your local authority building control department and seek a building notice, which gives you permission to undertake work covered by the regs. This can be the most expensive option, with fees payable to the local authority – something that can be avoided if you use a scheme member like a HETAS registrant.”

The regs must also be adhered to if there are going to be structural alterations, including replacing the lintel above the aperture. If you are decommissioning an old gas or electric fire, this needs to be done by a qualified pro. Source

Is Your Antique Fireplace Good To Restore?

Can You Restore An Antique Fireplace

Before the permanent shift in energy use and the way homes were heated, the fireplace was the key component in most rooms. Some historical homes have many different fireplaces, and even though they might be beautiful, many are no longer functional.

For those who love the idea of restoring an antique fireplace the center of the room once more, they are faced with many logistical roadblocks. Has the fireplace been renovated before? It is safe for burning wood? Would a gas insert be a better option? Can the fireplace itself be restored?

Our friendly and experienced team are happy to answer all of your queries over the telephone on 0116 251 9592.

Here’s what you need to know about fireplace restoration and use in old historical homes.

Retrofitting Antique Fireplaces

Not all fireplaces in older homes were made to burn wood. Sometimes new developments in fuel sources meant the previous homeowners had to change the fireplaces to be connected to the first central heating systems or that the space for burning logs was changed to hold a space for a coal stove.

If you truly want to restore the fireplace to be wood burning once more, it’s important to know if the space was ever retrofitted previously. The soot from burning coal may coat stone or brick and weaken it, so a few decades of coal burning in the past might mean an old chimney will need some additional TLC.

For fireplaces that had at one point been connected to antique central air systems, there might be holes in the brick or old pipes running through the chimney that will need to be removed. These holes can sometimes be plastered over, so it’s important to carefully strip the chimney and fireplace down to bricks to assess its condition.

Fireplace Structural Enforcements and Safety

After you’ve successfully gutted and prepped the old fireplace, it’s time to make repairs and get it ready for actively burning again.

Choose Your Fuel or Insert Type

If you want to burn wood again, consider a wood burning insert with doors to go in the fireplace opening. These are much more energy efficient than open wood fires that actually draw heat from the room, and they still provide the ambiance of a fire with glass doors.

You can also buy Victorian fireplace inserts that keep the original style of the fireplace. Not all fireplaces in old houses were open flame. Many had cast iron faces with decorative plates that were much more effective at heating the home. These stove styles are still available today, with modern updates to improve effectiveness even more.

Gas fireplace inserts are also a popular choice as they are low maintenance; there is no ashtray to clear or doors to clean. If you really want the old, open-fire look (no doors in the way), you might also consider gas logs. These logs can be remote controlled so you don’t need to light them, and they produce realistically cheery flames.

Prepare for Repairs

Read our FAQ on Repairing and Restoring Old Fireplaces

The type of burning or fuel you hope to use will inform the type or extent of repairs you need to make. For older brick chimneys, you may need to repoint crumbling mortar and get the chimney lined and insulated before it is safe to burn wood or any other fuel. Without fixing structurally compromised brick, you risk the safety of your home.

Lining and insulating are essential because they provide a heat barrier and a heat-resistant surface to reduce the dangerous buildup of creosote and other harmful burning byproducts. Chimneys are easier to clean and maintain if they are lined.

Older chimneys may be unlined or they may be lined with clay tiles and smooth mortar. Usually, these tiles are cracked with age and the mortar is no longer effective. Without the liner, the brick and mortar of old chimneys gets weaker with each fire, simply because of the intense heat and corrosive creosote.

New liners are made with new clay tiles (the most traditional option), cast-in-place concrete (just as effective as tiles, but less costly to install), or inserted metal liners (common with gas and alternative fuel inserts). The type of flue liner you need depends on the state and shape of your old chimney.

It’s much easier to install gas inserts in a fireplace space because these simply need to be vented with a metal flu liner instead of a fully restored chimney, which can be less costly. Be sure the insert is installed properly so that you don’t experience drafts from the outdoor venting when the fireplace is not running.

Safety Tests

After restoration and installation, you should make sure that you run several safety tests. Ask your fireplace professional to check for flue leaks and heat loss. You’ll also want to measure emissions in the room to make sure you’re not at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning or smoke inhalation.

To keep a newly restored fireplace in good shape, you should be committed to cleaning. Wood burning fireplaces need the most attention, since creosote can build up quickly, especially if your fire is not burning hot and your wood fuel is not as dry or clean. Have your fireplace inspected and checked for safety annually.

For more information, contact us on 0116 251 9592.

Antique Fireplaces – Reproduction Styles

Antique Fireplace Designs With A Modern Twist

When it comes to modern fireplace design, a lot of people are selecting options that give the look and ambience of a standard log fire, but with the added convenience of being gas fired. Of course, this isn’t going to be a suitable solution for everybody, as rural locations are often without a gas connection, but for anybody living in a more urban setting, a gas fire is a terrific idea.

Gas Fireplaces and Mantel Surrounds

All the gorgeous good looks of a working fireplace, but with none of the mess. What could be better or more modern? Nothing, when natural slate trims and a slimline mantle is included to finish the whole installation. Our Slate Surrounds are a great example of how homely yet contemporary a fireplace can look.
Antique fireplaces fireplace restoration victorian aga repair edwardian damaged UK

Fireplace Restoration UK Nationwide

Do you already own an antique fireplace and want to breathe new life into it? You may already have a room in mind that you would like to to feature.

Britain’s Heritage are renowned experts at restoring and repairing fireplaces and aga cookers, our door to door service means that even if you aren’t local to us in Leicester we can arrange to pick up your fireplace and carry out the restoration and respraying in our workshops and deliver it right back to your doorstep.

Send a message via our Contact Form or call our highly experienced team for free advice on 0116 251 9592.

Contemporary Fireplace Ideas


When an extremely contemporary fireplace design is the only thing that will do, flush-fitting inset options are absolutely the way to go and because they look so incredibly beautiful, they are often mounted in such a way as to replace a television as well. We certainly don’t think there’s a TV programme that can compete with the good looks of a style such as this one!

In terms of fireplace ideas, modern inset boxes are really rising in popularity right now and though they will incur specialist fitting fees, they are more than worth the investment. Negating nothing in the way of heating potential, while creating an absolutely incredible focal point, these long, lean and dramatic designs are adaptable enough to work in a new build home or even a rustic property that could use a little updating.

Original Edwardian Cast Iron Fireplaces with Tiles

Antique fireplaces fireplace restoration victorian aga repair edwardian damaged

Any modern living room with fireplace potential can be brought to life and warmed up no end, even if the space seems a little awkward or weirdly shaped. A great example of original an Edwardian fireplace will be the centre of attention in the room. This example features original green and white tiles.

So many people seem to be labouring under the misconception that to have a fireplace, a proper hearth and central position is needed, however even the most unusual walls and rooms can be made to accommodate a terrific statement fireplace such as this.

Luxury Fireplace Mantels Antique Reproductions

marble Antique fireplaces fireplace restoration victorian aga repair edwardian damaged UK

Fireplace mantels are a fantastically traditional motif that heritage homes love to showcase but they are in no way mandatory! Here, we see a Georgian period  marble contemporary fireplace, the overarching sense of luxury and showmanship isn’t lost at all, thanks to a decadent marble surround being included.

Fitting flush to the wall, the marble here adds in a sense of traditional glamour and really frames the fire itself, just without a shelf for displaying trinkets and accessories. By using a small coffee table as a display stand instead, the fireplace itself has been kept simple and sleek, which allows the functionality to shine through. We feel warmer just looking at it, so who actually needs a mantle these days?

Rustic Meets Modern Fire Baskets

Fire Basket Antique fireplaces fireplace restoration victorian aga repair edwardian damaged UK

No rustic or country home is complete without a gorgeous fireplace, but that doesn’t have to mean that a dirty hearth and messy grate have to be tolerated. Modern Fire Basket designs are absolutely mastering the art of combining effective heating with stylish aesthetics and, as an extra touch of genius, can even be likened to hearty woodburner styling too.

This amazing fireplace has all the charm of a woodburner but has been finished in such a way as to offer a contemporary feel that really livens up what looks to be a lovely country property. Set into a dedicated chimney breast, this steel or brass basket creates such a neat and ordered aesthetic but still manages to be the cosy heart of the home. Contemporary meets rustic; who knew that such a thing could exist and work so well?

Antique Room Accessories Of Interest

While the installation here is not a fireplace per se, adding an original wall light fitting does give a good idea of how stylishrooms can be elavated with accessories.

Things have come a long way since old fashioned designs, but sometimes only the original retro feel of a Georgian, Edwardian or Victorian fire surround, brass lamps or grate will do.

Check out our Antique Special Offers here

Brass lamp pretro vintage antique

All images copyright Britains Heritage 2018.

Antique Fireplace Buying Guide 2018

Antique Fireplaces, Reproduction and Vintage Repairs

A fireplace is usually the focal point in any room, whether it’s a cosy roaring open fire, a contemporary fire basket, a gas fire or an antique cast iron fireplace surround, so it’s imperative to get it just right.

Antique Victorian Stone Fireplaces

How to choose the right style of antique stone fireplaces.

Some customers are looking to reinstate original features in their period property, so we take time to ask questions about the overall style and era of the home, whether it’s Georgian, a Victorian town house or a listed Regency or Louis mansion – we have extensive experience to give great advice.

Then there’s the homeowners who are looking for a reproduction fireplace with a variety of features that will blend perfectly with modern colour schemes.

What Year Was Your House Built? Is it Victorian or Georgian?

When we speak to our customers over the phone or in person at our Leicester showroom helping them to choose a fireplace for their property, our first question to them is usually “How old is your house?”

 

Our Boscombe Surround and Hearth limestone fireplace (below) impresses with a timeless classic design and superior quality workmanship, plus it features a chamber inner hearth and stove or a panel for gas fires.

Antique Limestone Fireplace Surround UK

Antique Marble Fireplace Surrounds

We have an extensive range of genuine antique marble fireplaces which you can buy online. Here we showcase a fireplace which is of breathtaking beauty.

Antique Edwardian Carrara Marble Chimney Piece

Heritage Fireplaces acquired this Edwardian beauty and carefully restored to it’s former glory. It’s a large piece – the dimensions are as follows: Opening Width: 37.76″ (959mm), Opening Height: 37.28″ (947mm), Opening Rebate: 0.98″ (25mm), Shelf Width: 68.11″ (1730mm), Shelf Depth: 10″ (254mm), Height: 47.01″ (1194mm) and the width across the legs is 61.77″

Antique Edwardian Fireplace Carrara Marble Chimney Piece

Choosing the right size of a fireplace for your room

Get out your tape measure and find out the following measurements before you start shopping for your fireplace:

  • The height, width and depth of the fireplace opening
  • The entire width of the chimney breast in total
  • Dimensions of the room and the wall chosen for installation
  • The ceiling height from the floorboards upwards

Choosing the right size fireplace

Should the fireplace opening be slightly off centre on the chimney breast  simply take the shortest measurement from the opening to the edge of the chimney breast. Tip: The fireplace shelf should not go beyond the chimney breast, it’s considered to look better when the shelf is at least one inch from each opposite edge of the chimney breast.

Send a message via our Contact Form should you need help with this.

 

Victorian and Edwardian Antique Fireplace Tiles

In the latter periods of the Victorian and Edwardian era, the fireplaces often had tiled inserts. Tiled inserts require a larger opening so be vigilant when measuring up for your room to allow for this. Here at Britain’s Heritage we always have stock featuring a diverse range of original antique and reproduction tiles available.

ANTIQUE Victorian MAJOLICA LEAF Fireplace TILE SET

ANTIQUE Victorian MAJOLICA LEAF Fireplace TILE SETThis Majolica Leaf Antique Fireplace Tile set includes both sides to suit a cast iron tiled fireplace. Unusual rare set date unknown prob. around 1890s.

For Tiled Inserts for these Tiles please Click Here to Open Tiled Cast Iron Inserts Pages!

Antique Fireplace Restoration Services UK Nationwide

How much does it cost to restore a fireplace or old Aga? Every project is unique so therefore every price is unique and dependent on the materials required and the amount of hours’ labour that’s needed to bring back a fireplace to near original condition.

·  First of all, take several photographs and email us direct on info@britainsheritage.co.uk

·  Remember to provide as much information about the fireplace, dimensions, history (if known). Is the restoration request simply down to age or was there accidental damage, for example?

·  Depending on the size of the job we will provide a telephone, email, hard copy quotation or proforma invoice.

·  Our courier will call the customer on the phone in advance of picking up the fireplace to arrange a suitable date.

·  What’s the courier cost? Is this pick up and delivery? Prices are from £70 each way.

Read our full Restoration FAQ’s here.

We are proud to be experts in fully restoring antique fireplaces, sales of reproduction and antique fireplaces and stoves throughout the UK. Send a message via our Contact Form or call our highly experienced team for free advice on 0116 251 9592.

Britain’s Heritage stock of original antique fireplaces includes elegant carved Georgian Fireplaces and Hob Grates, French Marble, Victorian Fireplaces and Edwardian Fireplaces as well as a range of Art Nouveau and 1930’s Art Deco . All fireplaces and surrounds are fully restored to their original splendor.

Our Leicester showroom is open Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 5.00pm – Closed Sunday & Monday. Pop in for free advice, we’re looking forward to helping you with your next project.

How To Refurbish An Aga Cooker

How To Restore and Aga Stove in 2018

Do you have an old Aga that is in need of restoration? Perhaps you are in the property clearing industry, or have come across a forgotten Aga in a relatives abode that’s not been able to finction for decades?

Here at Heritage Fireplaces we pickup, restore and redeliver Aga Ranges UK Nationwide and have outstanding experience in our field.

How to restore an aga stove range cooker before and after
Aga Stove Restoration – Before and After photos

Timeline of events to restore an Aga Cooker Range

  • Contact us and send as many photos as you can with background information – has it been working recently? Has it been stored in a garage? Is it a barn find you have purchased?
  • Once the Aga has been transported to our workshop then we can begin. The Aga will be expertly stripped and cleaned in preparation for a highly thorough examination of its condition and repair potential. We document the steps required to restore the Aga to pristine condition and communicate with you of our findings and also to confirm the repair cost.
  • All cast iron parts are cleaned and treated against corrosion, with worn and broken parts being replaced.
  • Should there be any chrome parts we will replace with new shiny parts.
    We will replace all door linings, seals, and side panels of the range.
  • Our team of retoration experts then examine all enamel surfaces to double checked for issues then the vitreous enamelling can be applied in the colour of your choice.
  • Once the chrome parts, door linings and side panels are in place and the enamel surface coating has dried, we then carefully rebuild ensuring that all of the Aga surfaces are prepared and new seals applied.
  • In the workshop enamel parts are reconstructed up with the doors being refitted to the front plate, the Aga door linings are replaced and the lids reconstructed.
  • A telephone call to the client will be made for approval, and either collection or redelivery.

Aga Cooker and Fireplace Restoration Services UK Nationwide

Read more about our Fireplace Restoration Methods with photos or read the Restoration FAQ’s. Need more information or have questions? Send a message via our Contact Form or call our highly experienced team for free advice on 0116 251 9592

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