> The fireplace was not functional (I presume there’s some law that actually forbids burning wood or something) That's exactly right, and a good thing for all

> The fireplace was not functional (I presume there’s some law that actually forbids burning wood or something) That's exactly right, and a good thing for all our lungs. I don't get why people are so attached to open wood burning fireplaces when anymore they just make houses colder, and are terrible for local air quality. Then this from the article: > Whether in working condition or merely decorative, original fireplaces are often the highlights of old homes. Dramatic and elegant, they introduce personality and amiable hospitality that exude the idea of warmth, even if they’re filled in. This is putting form over function in a pretty vacuous sounding way. A non functional "classic" fireplace at best looks bizarre if filled in, and at worst is a tease on a cold day. It at least should have a gas insert to make it useful.