The open fireplace has been converted into a large stove - with a fireplace inset. At first I was not at all fond of this idea - I love watching the fire burning - but now that it's done I'm really happy about it. The big window allows an excellent view of the flames, and an open fireplace is just completely uneconomic. The manufacturers claim that an open fireplace generates just 20% energy from the wood and a fireplace inset 80%.

We were testing it over Easter and it makes quite a difference. When the stove was on there was no need for other heating in the living room. What is definitely an advantage is, that the heat in the room doesn't just slip out of the chimney - this was a problem with the open fireplace! One cool feature: the handle doesn't get hot - you can touch it with your bare hands.