My husband has never been happier since I bought him a wood burning stove. He always grew up in house either with wood burning stoves or open fireplaces and he loves the warmth and comfort that they provide. However, he never had the opportunity to have one in a place that he lived before. He decided that he wanted one in our current house because it had a working chimney and I agreed to buy him one for his birthday It has been a fantastic investment as it will burn all sorts of things. We tend to buy wood blocks which are made from wood shavings which otherwise would have been thrown away and they burn efficiently and well. However, we also take advantage of all of the trees near to us and pick up kindling in the summer ready to burn in the winter. It is great fun and gets the children involved as well. I now need a few fireplace accessories as I do not have a poker or anything like that which would be useful. I think it makes the room look lovely and provides a great focal point. I also look at gas fireplace inserts and feel really lucky that we have the real thing.