Greatest Homes: open fireplaces

The period feature everybody loves, the focus of a room and a warming influence

Whether you want to surround it in fairy lights, family photos or simply leave it as a strong unadorned statement in your living interior, an open fireplace is a beautiful sight. As the evenings draw in and the family gather, it makes a stunning focal point this winter, whether your home is large and sprawling or small and perfectly formed.

North Road, Hove

Fancy a spot of period splendour? Then look no further than this rather breath-taking five bedroom cottage with its own self-contained granny annexe above the garage. With the living room benefiting from this fabulous focal fireplace, as well as beamed ceilings and exposed brick- and stone-work, this home combines very desirable period features with convenient modern living. It includes three bathrooms, a well-fitted kitchen/breakfast room and a truly beautiful garden. Rather lush, no?
>£949,000
>Mishon Mackay
>01273 821800

Lovers Walk, Brighton

Just off Dyke Road Drive, at this adorable address, is an enchanting Victorian style semi-detached house with loads of original features – including a cast iron fireplace in the living room. With four bedrooms, a kitchen/ dining room, patio garden and a garage, this great home is opposite Preston Park and not far at all from the stations. Quite a find.
>£499,950
>Fox & Sons
>01273 508761

Church Hill, Patcham

Step back in time with this Grade II
Listed cottage, enjoying all the delights
of aninglenook fireplace, wooden
beamed ceilings and timber doors with
latches. The master bedroom in the
two bedroomed home has an oriel bay
window,and a particularly lovely
feature is the wood burning stove in
the fitted kitchen. Positioned within
walking distance of a bakery, deli
and other fabulous shops, and with an
attractive patio garden, this offers an idyllic existence.
>£199,950
>Spencer & Leigh
>01273 565566