The Clunker!

Well, we moved into our little cottage roughly three years ago.  It was built in 1930.  When we first looked at the house, it was snowing...and we risked our lives to get up the slippery steps to the back door.  It was dark outside and I looked through the door window and what caught my eye...then I knew in my heart....that I loved the place.  I could see the staircase and wood floors. 

Now, when we finally got to go in, the basement held a questionable feature, a 'steam boiler'.  Never had one before so we were a little skeptical.  After doing a little research on the old boiler systems, it seems that they produce nice warm heat.  Oh, I forgot to mention that it still has the old radiators, but are nicely hidden under wood frames.

We went again and bought the house.  Everything has been great.....but now....the old boiler broke!  Yep, not working anymore, has a crack.  The plumber came in and shut us down...  One positive thing came out of this experience, my dear husband decided to see if the fireplace worked.  To our surprise, it did.  How wonderful it looks! I just love the look and feel it gives me.  Plus, it does help heat the home for now.  Looking into getting prices on the boiler..  WOW, they sure are expensive!  Someone told me to change it over to forced air, but to be honest, I don't want to ruin my beautiful plaster walls.  We have a very large air-conditioner at the top of the stairs and it cools the whole house. Eventually we will get the air put in through the attic.  Even the plumber said he wouldn't change it over, steam heat is nice.

So here is a picture of the fireplace in all it's glory!