Log burner on or off for winter viewing?

[BunnyWilliams]

We've got a viewing tomorrow (only the 4th since September - praying this means things are picking up). It's really cold here in North Yorks at the moment. We've got a lovely big inglenook with a log burner - shall we light it? The house doesnt need it from a warmth point of view as we've got radiators in the living room but it does make it really welcoming. Normally I keep it off and clean for viewings but as we've still got the Christmas decs up, I thought it might make it cosy?

Photo of what it looks like this evening with no fire lit for context (not clean currently). Lighting not great as it's dark out.

I vote yes, light it!

On balance, yes- as long as it's not smoky.

It's going to be cold in most of the UK tomorrow. I think lighting it will make it nice and warm and show off the fireplace well.

It looks lovely.

Agree

I'd light it as long as its not smoky

DH is a master fire-lighter so I'll make sure he does it for me! I'm terrible at it 😆

I’d light it - they’re so welcoming and it’d be a huge plus for many buyers.

Very pretty, light it - you have to link the house now :)

It’s hardly a huge dilemma? Would you light it if you were just staying home?
If yes, just light it 🤷🏻‍♀️

Great! Thanks all. We'll get it lit and hope it's the push we need (if only!) to get some happy buyers!

I appreciate the opinions of others, hence why I asked. We wouldn't normally have it on during the day because we have young children. I didn't know if some potential viewers might not like the firey smell.

I actually wouldn't.

Because if you can prove the house can be well heated just with the radiators that would be a plus for me as I don't like log burners and wouldn't have to rely on one on a regular basis.

But I am a bit more practical than most people who seem to be of the opinion "ah cosy pretty" is more important.

Oh, does it smell?
Your fireplace is fabulous, btw. Really beautiful.

If the log burner isn't lit in the online listing it would be nice for viewers to see how it is when it IS lit. I wouldn't have it banked high, in case it makes the room too warm, just so it looks good and you can feel the warmth.

Also just to add, your Christmas decorations look lovely and so in keeping!

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Thank you. It only smells the way any fire would when lit. It's not overpowering or anything but there is a slight log-burny smell.

Exactly this. If I went for a viewing when a log burner was lit it would put me off because I would be worried the room might not be warm enough without it.
To me they shouldn't be essential to warm the room, they should be a bonus.

It looks lovely in that photo. I would clean it and get it set up for being lit, but not actually light it. I agree with pp and as a viewer I might actually be suspicious about the radiators if it's been lit for a viewing.

I think I've split the thread down the middle with my 2 penniworth now! I hope your viewing goes well.

That one picture says ‘cluttered’ to me.

Perhaps open a window if it is like this?
Or say, "It isn't usually like this, I hope the cat's not sneaked in their again".

That's a beautiful fireplace !

I'd light it but not have a inferno blazing.
Can your DH light it early in the morning so it's settled to a flickering warm glow ?
I think it would show it off better

Absolutely light it!

Have it going low, not full whack. Ours was overpowering when it was in full swing!

I'd light it.
It's on my wish list for when we move!
It looks beautiful x

A lit wood burner would make me very suspicious that the house was very cold.