I've been busy

Earlier in the year we had planned to have a gas stove set in the chimney breast with an oak mantle above, got as far as paying a 50% deposit and then the guy pulls out the day before installation was due to start with what sounded like made up excuses. No money lost and no hard feelings as the deposit was returned in full within a couple of days but it put me off going through the whole process again so I opted for a less ambitious DIY approach. Ripped out the old fireplace and installed a new marble hearth and fireback paired with an oak surround. Waiting on the plumber to refit the gas fire and we're good to go and I'm over £3,000 better off.

Deep down I wish the original plan had proceeded but this will see us out :-)