Fireplace Fantasies and Realities

Have you ever had a fireplace in your home? What kind was it?

From Castles to Castles

Once upon a time, in a little castle I designed, built, and lived in for over 25 years, there were an impressive 13 fireplaces in total. Three of them were wood-burning, eight were gas-fired, and one even had dual fire-breathing Dragons! It's still a prized possession in my collection, along with the salvaged fireplace from the London townhouse of the late Shah of Iran. Clearly, I have a fireplace fetish.

From California to Carolina

I have lived in nine different houses, each with its share of fireplaces, accumulating a total of 12 fireplaces among them. Most of these were prefabricated fireboxes with wire mesh and glass enclosures, a few utilized gas log-lighters, and a couple were constructed from firebrick. Although they provided a cozy atmosphere during the chilly evenings, they didn’t really offer much heat. This lifestyle was particularly common in California, where cooler evenings are relatively rare.

Four years ago, I acquired a house in South Carolina that did not come with a fireplace. Searching for a way to add warmth and ambiance to the large, somewhat gloomy downstairs library, I recently installed an electric fireplace. I believe it will do an excellent job of cheering up the room, providing the comfort and ambiance fireplaces are famous for.

Wood Burning in the Big Apple

Currently, I reside in New York City, where I have one wood-burning fireplace in my abode. It boasts a massive opening and is used as soon as the weather starts to cool down. I keep it lit until mid-April, enjoying the warmth and the authentic experience of a real fire. I personally dislike gas or alcohol-based fireplaces because they lack the aroma, sound, and visual authenticity that wood-burning fireplaces provide.

Fireplaces have always been more than just a source of heat; they create a sense of community, set the ambiance, and add charm to a living space. Whether you’re designing a castle, a house in South Carolina, or a cozy apartment in the Big Apple, a fireplace can breathe life into any home.

Related Keywords: fireplace, home heating, indoor ambiance

Keywords: fireplace, home heating, indoor ambiance