Life has changed. Peace and contentment has fallen over My Friend’s House Towers. Even the cat seems better disposed towards me. Why? Because I had a stove fitted, of course. Yes, we can sit in the house without our coats on! Yes, we can spend hours debating which log is most dry and fire-ready (they call me The Log Whisperer)! Yes, the cat finally respects me.*

I had it put in late November, but hesitated to post a picture as the scene was lacking a shelf, and even a paint job. The whole wood mantelpiece and surround that had been there previously had to come off (health and safety) which meant a lot of replastering and a rushed solution for where on earth to store all my decorative crap.

This is how it looks today. It’s waiting for me to fill, prime and paint the plaster, but basically I wouldn’t hold your breath. Where the front room was quite formal and cold before, the rough plaster and basket of logs has given the whole room a bit of a hippy’s cottage makeover. Cosy. Beyond faffing around with where to put that tissue paper pineapple (bet you want one, huh, now you see it?) I have a feeling that the finishing touches to this project may only get done once the glory of the fire has been left behind for summer. Thanks to Matt and his team at Casa too for the stove and fitting.

*I expect this last claim can’t be fully backed up