Fire Place Vs Open Plan Living

I've some what made my mind up already but looking for others to justify

Recently purchased IP in Brisbane (Aspley) which has two fire places (because it gets really cold in Brisbane). A brick one in the lounge room and a slow combustion in the rumpus room, both have metal flue's.
I see no reason why I could get more rent for having one or two fireplaces in Brisbane but I can see risk with timber stacked up against the house attracting termites, smoke smells in the house, damaged to carpet in front of fire place and potential safety issues. So no upside, just down side.
I've been quoted $450 to remove the flue's and patch the roof, cheap as chips. Still need to address the hole in the plaster ceiling but easy enough.

So...slow combustion fireplace is going. Question is (forgetting about tenants) what would a potential purchaser (or valuer) value higher, a fireplace in the lounge or opening up the space to a more open plan area?

 

Open it up. Ugly fireplace. Inconvenient location.

 

I'd remove that left hand side structure next to the fireplace at least. And maybe add a feature wall behind/around it (can't really tell what's around the area behind it)

 

If was going to keep one, it would be the one that's not built in. I love a fireplace, but the built in one is really ugly.

 

My sentiments exactly.

I did cost up installing a gas fireplace which was about $5,500 and it would be LPG with tanks in the garage/carport. It would need to increase the value by at lease $10k to justify the expense.

 

Remove it.. its ugly as.
Will look a lot bigger without it.

 

Brisbane does not get that cold to need a fireplace/s and for the occasional time it does, a small heater or A/C should cover it. Melbourne would be a different story.

 

Maybe it's for the romantic atmosphere, not the actual heat...

 

Done...I had sort of made my mind up, just needed justification

The wall is structural but the fire place and brick box will go and open up the area from what was traditionally the formal lounge and formal dining. At a later date I'm planning on opening up the kitchen also so the three rooms are more combined.

Pics below show the dining room behind the fireplace.

Thanks for the feedback all.

 

That will be so awesome once it's gone - you'll actually be able to see the beautiful shutters that are tucked away in there. Perfect nook for a study or the kids toys.

 

Yeah screw the environment!