The Old Vicarage B&B, Little Ouse

The Art Deco library is a stunning addition to the house, in what was the original dining room to the property.

Work carried out in this room

1. Fireplace – The original slate fireplace surround had survived, though its hearth and fire insert had been replaced with a 1960s tiled insert and open fire. This 1960s fireplace did not draw smoke efficiently. Rather than attempt to recreate a period fireplace a number of options were looked at. Although an open fireplace would have been a preferred option, to ensure that the fireplace was efficient and met the strictest new regulations, a new Chesney Alpine 6 multi-fuel stove has been selected and a professional installer (Opulence Stoves from Bury St Edmunds) has taken  the challenge of returning this to a working fireplace. Their work includes removing the old fireplace and creating and lining a cavity to receive the new stove. Templating and cutting a new slate hearth. erecting scaffolding, lining the chimney with a new liner and then using an absorbent gravel like material to absorb any damp which might get in the chimney and finally topping the chimney with a bird guard, to stop unwanted bird nests.
2. French doors – The original single glazed doors from 1869 were still in  place. However, their state of repair was such that the majority of the bottom half was missing. As replacement was the only option, it allowed a more robust double glazed option with raised and fielded panel at the bottom to be created. The new doors and frames have been created in the best hardwood available (sapele) and replaced the original pine ones. As the originals lasted from 1869, it is hoped that these will last considerable longer!