Our bodged fireplace!

This is the fourth fireplace that's been uncovered in our row of cottages and this is the first one that has been a problem!

We hadn't anticipated any problems and had thought that this would be one job that could be completed while we wait for plans to be drawn up. Once Merv had uncovered it, it was clear that there were lots of problems. The top lintel has been raised, presumably to enable a larger `range' to be fitted in the space, but the bricks didn't look to have been cemented in place. The other problem is that the right stone upright is cracked and our fear is that without support it could move along the crack. We think the flue is probably a legacy of an earlier coal fire (before the gas fire which we've just taken out.) Merv has patched up the weakest points with cement. The architects are involving a structural engineer as part of the plans to knock through so the project is now on hold until we are able to consult further.

These are the unexpected things that make this kind of project so much more costly! Let's hope there are no more.

November Rose - for something a little more traditional!