Fireplace - How old is it really ?

[1650dml]

Hello, We have just moved into an old farm house, built in 1650, it is grade 2 listed. We would like to know how old the fireplace in our living room is and any advice on what we can do with it please ? I know that some of you may cry "it's period property, what do you expect !" but it is rather rough and falling apart in some places. I have attached a photo. We are rather new to all this some would really value some advice. Can we replace it (with something of the period but in better condition) or can we repair and/or paint it ? Thank you

 

[plasticpigeon]

Hello, the concrete hearth would make me think that at very least the surround has been taken off and put back on again at some time. I'm afraid I know little about the style of the the period of your house, so I can't comment on whether it might be original or appropriate, but if your house is listed, you should really talk to the conservation officer before doing anything like taking out a fireplace or surround. Hopefully the CO will be knowledgeable enough to make appropriate suggestions as well as just beiong a bureaucrat who says yay or nay.

 

[Mickey]

Hi there and welcome to the joys of owning a listed property. Check your listing, is the fireplace specifically mentioned? What else is mentioned? Even if the fireplace is not mentioned does not necessarily mean it's not original to the house however. Your CO should be the 'go to' for any advice on what you can and cannot do....before you do it!

Best of luck with your project.
Mickey

 

[1650dml]

Thank you for your advice. I suspected as much , that we should speak to the CO. I think we'll do that then. I am not adverse to keeping it - just giving it a little TLC..... Enjoying our new home and the joy of living in a period property ! Sometimes drifting off to another era !

 

[88v8]

Hello and welcome.

You're right, that's what we're likely to say.
As far as I can see from your lopsided miniature picture, it's a superb fireplace. In what respect is it 'rough'?

Many members on here have spent hours and hours removing paint from fireplaces, and other features that should never have been painted.

Do you think you could take some better pictures?

Ivor

 

[Roger H]

Check your listing, is the fireplace specifically mentioned?

Bear in mind that very few list descriptions will list internal features - this doesn't have any bearing on whether the fireplace is significant or not. More recent listings tend to detail areas of significance within the building - older listings were often done from the exterior only - although the entirety is protected by the listing.