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.

Clean it well and clean the glass properly. Lay a fire "ready to light" but not actually lit.

Light it! Buyers decide subliminally whether they want to live in a house, then engage their heads to test assumptions. Yours looks like a 'heart' house so appeal to that. Good luck !

On, every time

There are very few people who dont love a wood burner or opoen fire. Most of those few people make up the MN population somehow

The person in the street will love it.

The person in the street will hate it if they have asthma. Or their windows open. Or their washing out.

Yes I would it’s going to be cold

Yes definitely light it

I'm very anti logburner so a big no from me

Mainly cos of pollution

I don’t think many people will have washing out when its -2 and forecast snow!

As for the person that said it looks cluttered! Honestly! All I see is a few logs, a couple of blankets or rugs and some Xmas decs. It’s that kind of house. Perhaps not for those wanting characterless and sterile.

OP I’d definitely light our fire this week if I had viewings.

Never used to set my asthma off.

I'd light it and ventilate the room well (but keep it cosy) so nobody viewing is coughing!

If you are doing the viewing add in that the rooms don't need the log burner on for heat, it's purely to show them that it works.

This was a good thread

Lots of info re the danger of log-burners. Argument from both sides but it's clear they are dangerous.

HIGHLIGHTING DANGER OF WOODBURNERS http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/amiibeingunreasonable/5214354-highlighting-danger-of-woodburners

I know from experience that a wood burner makes the room so warm that even if you have the heating on in the rest of the house, the other rooms will feel noticeably cooler when you move out of the living room - so be careful not to create that issue in your viewers’ minds.

Lighting it is a privilege reserved for the owner. Let them use their imagination and leave it unlit.

Definitely light it - your home looks wonderful with lots of character unlike the majority of drab grey featureless rooms you see on Rightmove so I hope you are inundated with prospective purchasers in the new year.

I love the scent and sight of a wood fire and appealing to all the senses is a great move when you’re selling. It’s absolutely freezing out so will be very appealing.

I agree with the PP who said to lay it so it’s ready to light, but don’t light it. It would look lovely, but I think having a consistent warm temperature through the house is more important. And your lovely mantle lights are making it cosy anyway.

What is the paint colour you’ve used by the way? It looks lovely.

Good luck with the viewing!

How was the viewing, @BunnyWilliams ? Fingers crossed for you.

If it's lit when I visit, then I know it's working and maybe even get a view on how well it works. I have learned the hard way that doors that never get opened when we visit are probably welded shut, taps that aren't tried probably don't deliver any water, cabinet doors that I don't open will probably fall off when first tried, etc !!

Yes, put it on. We always did for winter viewings, it helps people see what it would be like to.love there.

It's a very beautiful fire place.

Thank you! It's F&B Bancha.

It went well I think. 🤞

I didn't end up lighting the fire in the end as didn't have time for DH to do it before he took the children and dog out of the house in preparation for the viewing.

I did spend about 7 hours absolutely blitzing the house and making it 'show-home clean', so I'm hoping my efforts weren't in vain!

We got a second viewing! Apparently it ticks all their boxes and they love the house and the location. The only downside is that they're yet to receive an offer on their house...

That’s positive news Bunny. I would light it for the second viewing if possible. I’m a sucker for a log fire in other people’s houses even though I have asthma so never light my own fire.

Good idea!

Hurrah! Great news about the second viewing. I'd definitely be lighting that fire now, too. It looks like a loved and lovable house: I'm convinced that if a buyer loves a house they will find ways of making the practicalities work.