Brick Inglenook Fireplace Restoration in Essex

Inglenook fireplace before restoration 2

Inglenook fireplace before restoration 3

Inglenook fireplace before restoration 4

Inglenook fireplace brick mortar rake out

Inglenook fireplace restoration with stove

Project Info:

A case study by Scarlett Fireplaces of an Essex red brick inglenook fireplace restoration

The image gallery shows the step-by-step renovation works Scarlett Fireplaces completed to this original brick fireplace built in 1600's Stondon Massey, Essex, including the installation of a modern wood stove and chimney liner.

The ancient fireplace and chimney structure in this 17th century farmhouse had seen centuries of abuse, with numerous bodged repairs and alterations to suit the needs of the occupiers through different eras of fireplace design. Removing modern additions such as cement render, we uncovered a beautiful brick arch with shaped brickwork. The brick arch was structurally unsound and much of the surrounding brickwork was dilapidated.

After supporting the structure, the bricks were cleaned, and the mortar raked out ready for the natural hydraulic lime mortar repointing. Dilapidated sections were carefully removed and replaced with the same locally sourced clay bricks. The washed sand for the lime mortar was selected from a mixture of local sands to replicate the original colouring.

The inglenook chimney was then relined with a flexible stainless-steel liner and an insulating flue wrap. A natural slate tiled hearth and the addition of a Charnwood Island 1 wood burning stove gave the final touches to this stunning original inglenook fireplace restoration