Let's talk fireplaces and fire surrounds

JUST LOOK AT THAT FIREPLACE

JUST LOOK AT THAT FIREPLACE

Now, one thing we don't have in this house is fireplaces, and so you might think it's an odd thing to feature in my Let's talk series. But I haven't always been fireplace-less. In my previous house I discovered some original fireplaces which had been boarded up.

A magnificent - and lucky - find, and as you can see (on the right) the one in my old front room took pride of place (and let me just say it was the early 90s, so please excuse the rest of the decor!) Those tiles were original too, one was cracked, but still gorgeous and worth keeping.

When we moved into 139a, it seemed odd not to have a fireplace and it's one of the things I miss from my old house. I know that sounds odd, but even though I know we don't have space for one here, every now and then I can't help but find myself lusting over a beautiful antique fireplace, such as those on the Westland antiques site. 

Last summer I was able to get my fireplace "fix" while on holiday in the Loire during our visit to the Chateau de Blois, remember this post: Ceilings, fireplaces and fancy floors?

Today I'm sharing my top 3 pieces from there, so you can join me drooling over some of their gorgeousness.

1. A Victorian Cast Iron Fireplace Surround

This is my absolute favourite, and proves once again that I have expensive tastes! MOH won't be surprised at all. But I think he'd be easily persuaded by its classic charm. He's the traditionalist in decor, while I tend to go for the more modern styles - but I think this one would please us both.  It seems quite large at 1.75 metres wide, but I think even with its £3,800 price tag, for the right space it would really make a room, don't you think?

Photo credit: Westland Antiques, see more details of this item

Photo credit: Westland Antiques, see more details of this item

2. A Victorian Cast Iron and Steel Tiled Firegrate

Yes, this one has a nod to the fireplace photographed above.  In fact looking at it again, it's closer in style than I expected it to be. Black is a more classic look than my self-renovated version with copper paint. I'm sure all of the fireplace affectionados are gasping, but it worked for me. 

This is most likely a similar size at just under a metre wide, and easier on your purse too at £1,500.

Photo credit: Westland Antiques, see more details of this item.

Photo credit: Westland Antiques, see more details of this item.

3. A Louis XV French Rococo Style Portoro Marble Antique Fireplace

Now I've shocked myself with this choice, as I wouldn't describe myself as a marble kind of girl. But I think it's fair to say, this isn't your usual kind of marble. It dates from the late 19th century but with its black and gold Portoro marble looks decidedly modern. 

Reading more about the marble, it's almost certain that this came from the quarries on the Island of Plamaria, in the Gulf of La Spezia in Italy. That's probably unremarkable to you, but we stayed just outside of La Spezia when we visited the Cinque Terre a good few years ago. Coincidences like this amaze me, there are hundreds of items on the Westland site, and yet I've stumbled across one that comes from somewhere I've visited (or very close by at least).

This size of this one is between the other two at 1.5 metres, but with the largest price tag of £6,800.

Photo credit: Westland Antiques, see more details of this item

Photo credit: Westland Antiques, see more details of this item

As well as the cast iron and marble items I've shown you (and many more besides) there's also antique stone and wood fireplaces, and many more architectural and garden items too; the site is a complete treasure trove and one I think I'll be going back to over and over again.

So what do you think of my fireplace and fire surround choices?  I've decided I need a new house to suit them!

 

* This is a collaborative post but all views are my own.

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