By the fireside

hen the rain is hammering and the winds are howling, there’s nothing more comforting than cuddling up in front of a fire; welcomed by the flickering flames and the crackling of the wood as it becomes embers. The fire has been the heart of the home for centuries, from the grandest mansion to the humblest cottage. While the concept of an open fire may seem like the romantic ideal, in reality it is an expensive and inefficient way to heat your home, with nearly 80 per cent of the warmth being lost