The romance of the cottage Fireplace

Woodstoves are practical; fireplaces are romantic.

For a while fireplaces were out of fashion - they were being bricked over, sealed up to prevent heat loss, filled with candles or baskets of flowers, but they are making a comeback.

Gazing into a fire is as relaxing and lulling as watching television, yet instead of following a narrative, you can contemplate your internal thoughts and desires, distracted only by the periodic shower of sparks.

Whether you opt for a wood mantle, metal surrounds, or custom stonework, fireplaces can be designed to match any décor. And old fireplaces can be resurfaced to be modern and sleek or magnificent and traditional. Stone veneer products (half-stones) can be used simplify the process; or drywall around the existing piece to create a smooth surface.

Be aware that a custom mason fireplace can take up to a few weeks to create and install. They can be done off-site and then brought in and assembled, or created right there on the premises.

Gas or wood?

The novelty of lugging wood in from the yard wears off as you get older. Stacking cord after cord as it is dropped off by the deliveryman; dropping it piece by piece to knock loose any eight-legged hitchhikers; going outside on the cold winter days to get the next day's fuel. But then again, you can pay someone to do most of that for you.

In 2001 gas was winning the war. About 57% of fireplace products shipped that year were for gas fireplaces. In 2002, that number climbed to 62%. Still, gas fireplaces are made to mimic their wood-burning ancestor for a reason - the aesthetic appeal is just greater. Ceramic logs are placed inside to imitate wood, but what is a fire without the pops and crackles?

Wood fires typically generate more heat than gas, though manufacturers have been creating competitive versions with a special vent (direct vent) to radiate heat into the room. So now you can have the heat and look of wood, without having to deal with stacking and carrying logs, stray spiders, and ashes after the fact.

(Are we even going to discuss the plug and play electric version? No. It's a cottage after all. We have to maintain a certain amount of practicality, and an electric fireplace gives off no heat. Electric: great for the condo, not so great for the woods.)

Accessories

• The firebox is not really an accessory, but they come in a variety of models and styles, so we have opted to put them in here.
• Mantles - wood, stone, large enough for photos and mementos, or just a wisp of molding - it's up to you.
• Chimney pots are the short pipes that sit atop the chimney. They increase ventilation to the fireplace and reduce smoke. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be a subtle and whimsical expression of the cottage owner's personality.
• Fire screen - subtle black mesh, or vibrant, hand-painted wood. I've never really understood the wooden fire screen, carved meticulously or jig sawed to resemble a small town vignette; it's always just seemed like a bad idea to me. And yet they are incredibly popular, and available hand-crafted at woodcrafters' studios in the country, or mass-manufactured at chains.
• And of course the poker-brush-shovel set. A favourite house-warming gift or search antique shops and flea markets for the perfect one.

Care and feeding of your fireplace

Once a year, before the chill is in the air, so, in the late summer, have your chimney, firebox, mortar, damper, and flue inspected.

When it passes with flying colours, have your chimney cleaned. Creosote buildup is dangerous, as are bird's nests or other flammable surprises.

Related items:

• Safety
• Wood Burning