What should I do with my fireplaces?

[Quodlibet]

We are in the process of doing up a first floor Victorian maisonette. It's a nicely proportioned flat with a mixture of some lovely period features still remaining, and inevitably some not so nice alterations done over the years to rectify/live with as budget allows.

None of the original fireplaces remain. In the living and dining rooms the fireplaces have been left as open squared-off holes (with flues stuffed with cushions by previous owner to keep out the drafts, which I imagine is not the best long term solution!). The carpet goes into what would have been the hearths.

What do I do with the holes where fireplaces used to be? Reinstate fireplaces? Build in storage? Fill with twigs and pebbly shit? I am a bit stuck for ideas.
Although chimneys are sound we live in a smokeless fuel zone so I am presuming that even if I reinstated Victorian fireplaces I'd only be able to leave them as unfunctioning or at best run them with gas?

Inspiration anyone?

[ILikeBirds]

You can get wood burners approved for use in smoke free zones.

[lalalonglegs]

Reinstate fireplaces. You can get originals dirt cheap on eBay (don't use reproduction, they hardly ever look convincing and make sure you get yhe proporrions right). A beautiful, period fireplace will always enhance s room.

[Shattereddreams]

Agree reinstate but fake is fine.
Get a chimney sweep round, do a smoke test to see whats feasible

[Quodlibet]

Thanks for these thoughts people. Anyone know how much it costs (ballpark) to reinstate a fireplace? Presumably you have to get the flue lined if you are going to use it?
I want to know more about wood burners in smoke free zones! I would love a wood burner in the dining room.

Currently my fireplaces look as if they have been designed specifically with twigs n pebbly shit in mind. It wouldn't surprise me.

[MinimalistMommi]

Try googling Clearview stoves, they're suitable for smoke free zones.

[mamapants]

I was talking to someone the other day who was quoted 860 + VAT for lining a 2 storey chimney.
We are going to get a 1 storey one relined but haven't got quotes yet.
Whatever you do don't stuff them to keep draughts out this can cause real problems with damp

[monniemae]

We got our woodburner fitted incl. lining for £400 , Think the materials cost about £150. So £550 should be enough ...(plus cost of woodburner, DEfra approved are pricier, probably min. £400). We had to ask around though.

Are you in London? Blue Mantle on Old Kent Road is excellent source of advice and they'll do surveys for you. They quoted about the same too but we had already booked another builder in.

Also you might not need the flue lined. We did but probably only because of some damaged mortar at the top of the stack, it was a toss up between repairing that or just lining the chimney.

And you can have open fires too instead of woodburner if you use smokeless fuel.

[Quodlibet]

Thanks people - Monnie we are v near Old Kent Rd so I will pop down and have a chat, thanks for the tip.

[monniemae]

cool - ask for Sid