(EDIT Pls move to chat:-))
Right… I’ve read the threads, and now you’ve got me in trouble as I’ve bashed a hole in the wall.

fireopening by Shuhockey, on Flickr
So just had a sweepy around to do a smoke test and the chimney is buggered, so needs lining. The whole is only small and not much depth so I’m guessing it has to be (I’m not making the hole bigger!) a inset stove, recommendations?
So what do I need to do next?
The socket will need to move, depending on with way its wired I could stick a switch on top of the fire place.
How far round do I need to knock of the plaster?
Can I tile straight onto the brick?
Will probably get a man into do the liner but would like to do the rest myself. Help? Cold weather and lots of forum threads is dangerous..
Thanks

Look here for info. may help you. http://www.stovefittersmanual.co.uk HTH.

Get rid of the socket. 😉

and maybe also the odd skirting board across the front of the hearth

The wall paper has to go as well (fire legislation outlaws wall paper that is not nice)

Yes the skirting board will go, didn’t want to go all the way until sure it’s use able.
Some good stuff on that website to read
Ta

Anyone got an inset stove or would like to recommend one?

Contura insets meant to be very good – they are not exactly cheap though.
They also do standalone units that can be fitted to small spaces, as they are built like insets.
Looked at them and quality was excellent.
Eventually went for something cheaper myself.

Just waiting for a Contura 51l to be delivered, it looks lovely.

Just a quick update.
Had a HETAS fitter round to give me a price for lining etc for a inset stove. He had a look and said that it was possible to open out and fit a free standing stove and that there already was a big lintel in there. So I’ve knocked it out and but down some sandstone slabs. Ordered the Firefox 8 Cleanburn from Stovesareus amazing price. This was delivered on Friday and he is going to fit this coming Friday so very excited.

Yes the back is going to be lined and painted,
No the wall paper is staying
Yes we are getting some kind of surround to hide the edges, probably rustic oak bits (any suggestions or cheap places to get these?)
Yes the skirting board is going back on
Yes the stove does have some legs to be put on
Yes the slab on the far left is not straight!

Thanks

IMG_20131115_175220 by Shuhockey, on Flickr

IMG_20131116_105219 by Shuhockey, on Flickr

IMG_20131122_145454 by Shuhockey, on Flickr