Carl Finnell · Case study · Scarcroft, Leeds

A modern stove behind a restored period surround

A fireplace renovation for a client in Scarcroft, Leeds. The aim was to keep the character of the existing timber surround while swapping a tired open grate for a clean, efficient multi-fuel stove. The result keeps the charm of the original and adds the warmth and control of a modern ACR Rowandale.

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ApplianceACR Rowandale, multi-fuel

LocationScarcroft, Leeds

WorkFireplace renovation, surround restored and reworked

FlueFlexible stainless liner, anti-downdraught cowl

The finished fireplace: an ACR Rowandale behind the restored period surround in Scarcroft, Leeds.

Before and after

The same fireplace, brought back to life

Before: the old open grate and marble insert.

After: the restored surround, new chamber and ACR Rowandale stove.

The job

Keep the surround, lose the open grate

The client wanted to keep the existing timber fireplace surround while replacing the outdated open Baxi grate and solid fuel back with a modern, efficient multi-fuel stove. We opened up the existing chimney to create a larger, more attractive fireplace opening, then lined the chamber with non-combustible Glasroc Firecase board for a safe, durable and paintable finish.

To complete the installation we supplied and fitted a new Antique Leather granite hearth, and installed a flexible stainless steel chimney liner with an anti-downdraught cowl on the pot. The cowl helps the flue draw properly while keeping birds, rain and wind out of the system.

The result

Original character, modern performance

The original timber surround was carefully removed and restored to preserve its character and craftsmanship. We stripped back the old paint finish, then added a new timber rebate to the inner opening to give it a more refined, substantial look. The decorative plinth blocks at the base were reshaped with clean, square edges for a more balanced, contemporary finish.

Once the restoration was complete, the surround was professionally repainted and reinstalled to complement the new stove and chamber. The finished fireplace combines the charm of the original timber with the efficiency of a modern multi-fuel stove, a proper focal point the client was delighted with.

The thinking

Restoring a surround instead of replacing it

The easy path in a fireplace renovation is to strip everything out and start again. The better path, where the bones deserve it, is the one this Scarcroft job took: the period timber surround carefully restored and kept, with a modern ACR Rowandale multifuel stove set within it. The room keeps its history; the fire gains this century’s efficiency and cleanliness.

The Rowandale suits the role because its traditional cast iron character sits naturally inside period joinery, while its wide panoramic window gives the restored fireplace a living centre rather than a black box.

The craft

The discipline of working inside old joinery

A timber surround near a working stove concentrates the mind: clearances to combustibles are worked out from the stove manufacturer instructions and held without compromise, heat shielding and chamber materials are specified accordingly, and the flue is brought fully up to standard behind the scenes. The certificate at the end of the job says the marriage of old timber and new fire is a safe one, permanently.

This is also what the free survey is for in a period home: reading what can be kept, what must change, and being straight about both before any quote is written.

Near you

For period homes across north Leeds

Scarcroft sits among the villages and suburbs of north Leeds, Shadwell, Thorner, Alwoodley, Adel, where period homes with original fireplaces are the rule rather than the exception. Most of Leeds sits under smoke control rules, and the Rowandale is DEFRA approved for wood burning in exactly those areas, so heritage looks and legal burning arrive together.

The same stove appears in our Nether Poppleton case study on a reclaimed York stone hearth, the rustic sibling of this more polished room.

Questions about this kind of job

Asked and answered

Can you keep an original fireplace surround when fitting a stove?

Often, yes, and it is usually worth it. The surround is restored, the stove is chosen and positioned to hold safe clearances from the timber, and the chamber and shielding are specified to suit. We assess what can be kept honestly on the survey.

How close can a stove sit to a timber surround?

At the distances the stove manufacturer specifies, which vary by model and output. Holding those clearances drives the stove choice and position in a job like this, and it is not negotiable, which is exactly why the design work matters.

Is the Rowandale legal to burn wood on in Leeds?

Yes: it is DEFRA approved for wood burning in smoke control areas, which cover most of Leeds. We confirm the position for your exact address as part of the free home survey.

Do you work across the north Leeds villages?

Constantly: Scarcroft, Shadwell, Thorner, Alwoodley and Adel are home ground for a Leeds-based installer, and this case study was fitted exactly there.

HETAS Registration Number 2087

HETAS registered

Installed with care, certified with confidence

Carl self-certifies every installation and notifies Building Control on your behalf, so the work is signed off properly and your certificate of compliance is issued for your records.