A TINY​HOUSE IN NORMANDY
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a tiny house in normandy blog

WOOD STOVE ENVY

3/6/2016

3 Comments

 
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Wood stove by Andrew Wyeth
They say it's been snowing lately in Lonlay l'Abbaye and the surrounding villages. Even in Los Angeles, where we are, yesterday was gray and cool with some much needed rain last night. Thinking of snow and rain has put me in a mind to consider just how we can make our little renovation cozy and warm in the dreary weather. We will have some electric wall heaters, but I feel we must have a small wood stove as well. There is nothing quite as primal as a fire to make a room feel welcoming in winter. 

A realtor friend of ours believes that people are either fireplace people, or they are decidedly not. Same thing with swimming pools. I can live without a swimming pool (especially in Normandy, where it might be a bit too brisk most of the year), but I love having a fireplace.

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Our fireplace in Los Angeles
I have to admit that our fireplace in L.A. gets scant use, but on those cold and dreary days of late fall, or around the holidays, we really enjoy having it. I also like the focal point it provides in our living room at home. As much as I love an open fire, I understand that most people in Europe have moved to wood stoves, as they are much more efficient for heating, and less polluting. Wood is a renewable resource, and not as expensive in Europe as it can be in parts of the U.S.
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I know, our fireplace opening at Lonlay l'Abbaye is pretty sad-looking for the moment. Once upon a time, the opening in this chimney was probably quite a bit larger. Over the years, it was closed in and plastered, then eventually covered with a faux tile board. When Jim D. our builder first ripped away the board, we discovered the remains of some birds' nests. There was work to be done here!

Perhaps hoping to distract me from the hearth's sad state, Jim's business partner Nicola has given us some catalogs of wood stoves so we can try to decide what we would like. At some point, we will need their advice about which size and shape will work with the renovated chimney space, but meanwhile we can familiarize ourselves with the alternatives. My favorite wood burners so far are those made in cast iron by Invicta, a French company.

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                       I'd like to have a wood stove set into a fireplace surround like this one above.
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 Or maybe more like these settings, similar to our place in size and scope. These look to be vintage woodburners though, not new ones. Invicta makes several in vintage styles.
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Invicta has a wide range of classic wood burner stoves, some of which can heat a whole house. Others are more for what we need, just a little extra warmth and atmospheric flames on the coldest days. Due to improvements in the way the wood stoves are made today, they burn not only the wood but also the gasses. This maximizes the energy output and saves fuel. http://www.invicta.fr/en/wood-stoves
Some of the designs are quite futuristic. These look more like characters from a Star Wars movie to me than a container for a log fire. What would they say, if they could talk?

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And then there is the matter of color! Not all models come in colors, but it is tempting to consider those that do.
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                  A dramatic setting can take a dramatic color, but I think ours will be gray or black.
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​The wood stoves can be installed in different ways, sometimes with flue pipes going into the walls or ceilings. Installers have to know what they are doing, or they risk creating a fire hazard in the home.

You also don't want to have a woodburner that will throw off too much heat in a small room. It should be in proportion to the room and its purpose.
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I was fascinated to see that Invicta makes a full-sized wood stove for cooking. Like something my great-grandmother (or Andrew Wyeth) might have used.
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You can put it in a modern kitchen, but you'd still have to be storing your wood somewhere nearby. Perhaps in a sleek metal container, rather than a rustic basket. I wonder who would buy and use such a stove? They can't be inexpensive.
Still a bit chilly in here. I think I'll see if we have a firelog in the kitchen...
3 Comments
Miami Fireplace & Stoves link
1/1/2025 04:01:34 am

What a beautifully written post! It’s inspiring to see your thoughtful journey toward creating a cozy and inviting space during the colder months. There’s nothing quite like the warmth and charm of a wood stove or fireplace to bring life to a room, especially in dreary weather.

For anyone considering wood stove installation or fireplace renovation, it’s essential to start with a proper assessment of your chimney and flue system. At Miami Fireplace & Stoves in Vancouver, WA, we specialize in chimney repair and fireplace installation, ensuring safety and efficiency for every setup. Whether you’re looking to restore a vintage chimney like the one in Lonlay l'Abbaye or install a modern wood-burning stove, our experienced team can provide expert guidance.

We also offer a curated selection of wood stoves through our fireplace store, with options ranging from classic cast iron designs to more contemporary styles. And of course, proper installation is key to avoiding potential fire hazards—our certified technicians are here to ensure everything is installed safely and works seamlessly with your space.

If you’re ever in the Vancouver, WA area and need assistance with your chimney or fireplace needs, feel free to reach out. Wishing you warm and cozy days ahead as you finalize your beautiful renovation!

Reply
Sixpenny Chimney Sweeps link
3/6/2025 09:54:27 pm

Your renovation journey sounds both exciting and challenging! There’s nothing quite like the warmth and ambiance of a fire, whether from a classic wood stove or a beautifully restored fireplace. Given the history of your Normandy home, a properly maintained chimney will be essential for both efficiency and safety.

At Sixpenny Chimney Sweeps, we’ve helped homeowners in Woodbridge, VA, and beyond restore and maintain their fireplaces, ensuring they’re both functional and aesthetically pleasing. If your project involves reopening and renovating the old hearth, a professional fireplace inspection is a great first step. It’s crucial to check for creosote buildup, structural integrity, and proper ventilation before installing a wood stove or making any major changes.

Beyond safety, a fireplace remodeling project can truly transform your living space. Whether you're looking to update a historic hearth with a modern insert or create a more traditional wood stove surround, the right approach can enhance both style and efficiency. If you're ever in need of expert advice or a chimney sweep in Woodbridge, VA, our team is always ready to assist!

Looking forward to seeing how your renovation unfolds—your dream of a cozy, fire-warmed retreat is well within reach!

Reply
Frechette Chimney Sweeping link
3/11/2025 10:28:56 pm

A fireplace or wood stove isn’t just a heat source—it’s the soul of a home in winter. The crackle of burning wood, the flickering glow—it’s pure comfort. But before you strike that first match, there’s one thing every cozy fire needs: a chimney that’s clean, clear, and safe.

That’s where Frechette Chimney Sweeping steps in. We’re not just about soot and sweeps—we’re about keeping the fires burning safely in Portland, ME homes, whether it’s a grand old hearth, a tucked-away wood stove, or a sleek new gas insert. Our expert chimney cleaning in Portland, ME removes years of buildup, while our chimney repair and fireplace repair services ensure your setup is ready for the season.

Found an old fireplace hidden behind plaster? Nesting birds turned your chimney into a high-rise? Smoke not drawing properly? We’ve seen it all—and fixed it all. Our chimney service is about more than maintenance; it’s about making sure your fire is the warm, welcoming centerpiece it was meant to be.

So before you stack the logs and settle in, let Frechette Chimney Sweeping take care of the details. Because the best fires start with a chimney you can trust.

Reply



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