What to do with this fireplace?

[stuntmanmike]

Hi all, new to the community here. I'm purchasing a circa 1840 colonial in NY's hudson valley, and trying to figure out what to do with this fireplace. The mantle is a neat hand hewn beam, which i'd keep - it's the brick that i'm not in love with, I doubt that is original to the house. Any links to pics or suggestions on other design ideas would be great.

Also, can anyone recommend an asbestos removal guy (gal) near new paltz ny? Is there a part of this forum for those kind of questions? Thanks

npfireplace.jpg (26.9 KiB) Viewed 507 times

[HeatherCanada]

I like this http://www.art.com/products/p15420753-s ... s-1750.htm

[HeatherCanada]

Hi StuntManmike ...Is that a drop ceiling? and if it is whats under it

[cs]

Hi and welcome! New Paltz has some great old houses! I'm down-river from you in Dobbs Ferry.

Anyway... here are a couple of nice fireplace examples for you:

Here's an original from the 1840's: http://www.rumford.com/McKinnis.html

here's an original that is a slight bit older then yours:
http://www.rumford.com/Venezia.html

And here is a very nicely done reproduction:
http://www.rumford.com/classicphoto.html

Chris
http://www.saracenihouse.com

[stuntmanmike]

Hi StuntManmike ...Is that a drop ceiling? and if it is whats under it

Hey, who knows what's under there. I intend to find out as soon as we close! And remove all that paneling!

[stuntmanmike]

So what really is the question here? To rid it down and build a better one, or dress this one up? This looks to be at the end of an ell? No, not original to the house at all and I agree, something should change.
Might just be nice to dress that wall up with some period paneling.

I'm looking to dress up, either with stone, or as you suggest, paneling might be a nice touch. Thanks for the idea.

[V-Man]

I'd replace with a period mantle...

[Don M]

That is obviously a new fireplace probably built when the room was paneled. Both fireplaces in our 1830-40 vintage house were rebuilt. The living room has a fairly nice surround though not old. The dining room has a fairly unattractive brick face with a reclaimed mantle rather like yours. Who knows what happened to the original mantles but they apparently were long gone by 1919 according to a man who was born & brought up on the farm. Raised paneling as suggested might work & if your fireplace works well I would not tear it down but build a colonial mantle around it. I don't think stone is appropriate for a house of your vintage althogh more pictures would be helpful. Good luck & welcome!

[melissakd]

Good to meet you, Mike. Going by your nickname, you have the best attitude for old-house ownership

Begorrah, I do believe that room is a 1970s Colonial showplace. Which is not necessarily a compliment.

MelissaKD