Chimney breast

[judy]

This may be opening a can of worms, but I've been pondering long and hard and can't make a decision on this one:

The dining room's the last to be tackled in our cottage and we're struggling to decide what to do with the fireplace & chimney. There's a hideous painted over (in orange!) non-original brick fireplace with gold gas insert which definately has to go. The question is what to put there instead. We'd never have a fire in that room as it's too small and would be far too hot as it's next to the kitchen. So do we put in a non-functional fireplace purely in order to retain a feature or do we remove the whole thing (fireplace and chimney breast) and gain the space for a proper country dresser? It goes against the grain to remove it but it would provide lots of much-needed storage space. I'm in need of inspiration!

conflicted of essex x

 

[middi]

Hi Judy

The chances are that behind the hideous facade it exists an original chimney structure, the ideal thing to do would be to remove any fake or badly constructed facade and restore/rebuild with some originality by using the appropriate materials to match existing. If an original chimney breast exists, by removing it completely you would ruin the character of the cottage.

You need to do some investigative work to find out if an original chimney should have been there.

Also it has to be appreciated that by completely removing a chimney all sorts of stresses may be induced into the whole house structure. Planning permits may be needed with architects drawings included.

You do not say how old is the cottage or if it is listed or if in conservation aerea as there may be other restrictions as to what you can or cannot do.

 

[Lime]

I'm in agreement with middi, removing this fireplace just because you want more space is not a good reason to destroy the building's character.

The practical aspect of removal is much more complicated than in the past.
Then it was quite common when a fireplace and chimney breast were removed to leave the entire upper chimney hanging on a few headers (bricks) sticking out of the house wall.
correctly removing the upper portion of the chimney requires proper support and involvement of local building control.
If it is on a party wall agreement with your neighbours is required by law too.

Removing the modern fireplace is relatively simple compared to removing the breast.

 

[FamilyWiggs]

I agree - sounds to me like you need to make sure the gas is disconnected and then spend a pleasant evening with a lump hammer and cold chisel. Hopefully you will have something original by the end of the evening. Just make sure you stop removing plaster before you get to the door on the other side of the room!

Let us know how you get on.

 

[chuckey]

As said, I would not remove the fire breast, its a major job. What age and construction is the cottage? Was there a range in there?. I.e. if there is no chimney or flue in the kitchen, this may have been the scullery with the cooking done on a range in your dining room. Depending on the age of the property the original fire place might have had a proper brick arch, tatty brick arch supported by a curved strip of iron or a stone lintel. As in your mind some major work will have to happen to the chimney breast, I would take a 1/2" wide chisel and remove a strip of plaster(2" wide) verticaly in the center of the fire place. With some luck you can then determine what the fire breast's construction is, how high the opening and if its arched/ lintel'd. More info == better decision.
Frank

 

[judy]

Thank you all for your comments, we're going to remove the brick fireplace, plaster and lots of old pipework (there was some kind of boiler in there at some point) and see what's underneath. I have since spotted a fireplace that's inspired me (in Starbucks of all places!) where the hole is the same size as the wooden fireplace surround and has been filled with logs - a sensible potential use of the space!

 

[Penners]

Newport has some very fine buildings, and in the past obviously enjoyed the same wealth as Saffron Walden, Thaxted, etc. So (depending on the age of your house) you may find a fine old fireplace behind your current monstrosity.

Like others, I beg you not to remove the old chimney.