Another project that has kept us sane, was the installation of the wood burning stove. As already mentioned, the heating system here is on it's last legs and is not aided by the drafty windows etc. We decided to put a wood burning stove in the front room, to replace the old gas fire that we had never dared start up. I wish I had a picture of the old surround for the gas fire, as it was made up of such an asortment of tiles that only had two things in common... being pale and ugly. But I don't, best I have is the hole that was left after the destruction of the old fire.

We bought a lovely chunk of local stone for the hearth, tidied up the fireplace and installed the stove. The installation of the chimney liner was perhaps the most troublesome, with M's dad on the roof, an M climbing up the chimney from inside...he does not have the obvious chimney sweep physique! Despite having had the chimney cleaned, it was a mucky job, even now we still find patches of the black soot on M and behind some item that has not been moved for a while.

We got it installed early Autumn 05 and it was brilliant, it made the room so warm and cosy, it even gave some heat to our bedroom above. We like it so much that another one is planned for the back kitchen and dining room. It has also been a small comfort we can offer our brave winter guests, "would you like a roasted marshmallow, before heading up to the unheated, drafty guest bedroom...?"