Keeping with tradition..

It seems that I have developed a bit of a custom, when moving into a new home. This custom seems to be carried out within about the first day of moving in. This custom involves a hammer pick.

 

It took about 15 minutes from my parents waving ‘bu-bye’ to me discovering (through use of a hammer and sheer brute force) that there was a hole behind the plasterboard, deep enough to create a fireplace. This was my first flat, way back in 2000. I had created a firehole! Albeit a small one.

In 2008 I moved to the nice bit of town, but to a much smaller flat. One of those old electric fires, the kind with the smoked-glass cabinets either side, stood in front of a blank chimney breast…

Challenge accepted.

Built using old shelves and the wood from an old wardrobe, I cobbled together my first proper fireplace. It was a proud moment. It was bloody massive too!

So, when I discovered that number 69 had two very obviously concealed fireplaces, I had to continue this custom. The removal men left, I got the hammer.

Relive the moment with me…

YAAAY!

 

Best. One. Yet.

It had a couple of layers of various shades of cream paint, which definitely had to go. I tested a patch with paint stripper to see what was beneath. I was hoping for marble or slate, but sadly, it wasn’ t to be. It seemed to be some sort of coated concrete/composite material, as there were chips underneath, revealing a different colour.

So what?! I got me a fireplace in the bedroom!

A wee bit of work later, and she scrubbed up nicely. Once it dried off, the surround looked really patchy. The tiles and metalwork however…

I LOVE THEM!. The hearth is a bit damaged in places, but not enough to detract from it’s loveliness. I can tell you it looks fantastic in the room. Which we will be talking about soon…