Provence Made to Measure Fireplace

At the time, we were competing against two other fireplace suppliers for the project. Ultimately, the client chose Carl Finnell, not simply because of the fireplaces themselves, but because of the level of thought and craftsmanship we were able to bring to the design.

One small detail perfectly illustrates the difference. Look closely at the header of the Provence and you will see a Yorkshire Rose carved onto the face of the stone. Both competing suppliers had proposed carving the rose into the surface of the stone. Our recommendation was very different.

Rather than simply engraving the design, we proposed carving the stone face back around the rose, creating a genuine three dimensional relief. This allows the Yorkshire Rose to emerge from the stone, creating natural shadow, depth and definition as the light moves across the fireplace. It is a relatively subtle difference, but one that completely changes the character of the finished piece.

After 35 years of designing, making and installing fireplaces, we have developed a detailed understanding of how stone, proportion, light and architectural surroundings work together. For us, designing a fireplace is never simply about choosing a model from a catalogue. It is about understanding the building and creating something that looks as though it was always meant to be there.

The Provence was also made taller and wider than its standard proportions to accommodate the client's impressive French Godin cast iron fire. The additional scale gave the fireplace the presence required for the room while maintaining the elegant proportions of the Provence design.

The Godin itself was another project within the project. We arranged for the original cast iron fire to be fully refurbished, with replacement components specially made by a local blacksmith. The result was to preserve the character and authenticity of the original fire while allowing it to take its place within a completely bespoke fireplace.

This was just one of the many details that made this refurbishment so special. Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing the full story of this remarkable North Yorkshire project, including the design process, the craftsmanship and how we created a collection of 14 completely individual fireplaces, each designed specifically for this impressive home.

For us, this is where experience really matters. The finest fireplaces are not simply supplied. They are designed around the home, the architecture and the people who live there.