Carl Finnell · Case study · Knaresborough

A bespoke gritstone surround with a curved header

On Lands Lane in Knaresborough we designed and crafted a custom Gritstone fireplace with a sweeping curved header, framing an Acquisitions Bloomsbury 5kW multifuel stove with an arched door.

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ApplianceAcquisitions Bloomsbury 5kW multifuel stove

LocationKnaresborough, North Yorkshire

SurroundBespoke Gritstone, curved header

DetailDouble 30mm bullnose, deep mantel shelf

The finished fireplace: a bespoke gritstone surround with a curved header on Lands Lane, Knaresborough.

The design

Designed with the couple, cut to their room

This beautiful home on Lands Lane in Knaresborough was undergoing a complete refurbishment when the new owners approached us to create a bespoke feature fireplace with a wood burning stove as the focal point of their living space. Working closely with the couple, we designed and crafted a custom Gritstone surround with an elegant sweeping curved header and a distinctive double 30mm bullnose profile.

The profile flows seamlessly into the legs before gently tapering towards the foot blocks, creating a timeless design with a strong yet refined presence. To complete the surround we incorporated a deep mantel shelf with a complementary detailed profile, so every element works together in perfect harmony. The result is a beautifully balanced fireplace that combines traditional craftsmanship with classic proportions.

The stove and the finish

An arched door to match the arch of the stone

As part of the installation we fitted a British-manufactured twin-wall stainless steel flexible flue liner, complete with an anti-downdraught cowl to prevent birds, rain and wind from entering the flue and affecting stove performance. To complete the project we installed an Acquisitions Bloomsbury 5kW multifuel stove with an arched door, chosen to echo the curved stone header, along with a carbon monoxide alarm.

The appliance was fully commissioned, tested and demonstrated to the customer, ready to provide safe, efficient heating for years to come. Finally the Gritstone fireplace and matching chamber were treated with Lithofin Stainstop, a premium impregnating sealer that protects the natural stone against everyday staining while keeping its natural appearance and making future cleaning easier.

The thinking

A bespoke surround shaped around the stove

The strength of this Knaresborough fireplace is the way the stone and stove answer each other. The Acquisitions Bloomsbury has an arched door, so the curved gritstone header is not decoration for its own sake. It repeats the stove shape at a larger scale, which makes the whole fireplace feel designed rather than assembled from separate items.

Gritstone suits a town like Knaresborough because it has weight, grain and local character. A double 30mm bullnose softens the edge without making the surround fussy, and the deep mantel gives the fireplace enough shadow and depth to hold a refurbished room.

The craft

Why natural stone needs careful finishing

Bespoke stone work is unforgiving. The legs, curved header, foot blocks and mantel all have to meet cleanly, and the wall around them has to be made good so the surround feels part of the room. The chamber and hearth also need to protect the surrounding finishes from heat, especially with a multifuel stove.

The Lithofin Stainstop detail is worth noting because it is not cosmetic fluff. Natural stone lives with ash, hands, log baskets and everyday marks, so sealing the gritstone helps preserve the look without hiding the texture. For another stone-led project, see the Selby Edwardian surround and sandstone chamber.

Questions about this kind of job

Asked and answered

Why choose gritstone for a fireplace surround?

Gritstone has weight, texture and a strong local feel. It suits rooms that need a fireplace with presence rather than a flat manufactured surround, and it works especially well with traditional stove shapes.

What is a bullnose edge on a stone fireplace?

A bullnose is a rounded stone edge. On this surround the double 30mm bullnose softens the profile, catches light well and makes the heavy gritstone feel more refined.

Can a stove shape influence the surround design?

Yes. Here the arched stove door is echoed by the curved stone header, which is why the fireplace reads as one design. That is exactly the sort of proportion decision made during a bespoke survey.

Do you make bespoke stone fireplaces in Knaresborough?

Yes. This Lands Lane project is a direct example, and similar bespoke natural stone fireplace work is available across Knaresborough, Harrogate and the surrounding villages.

HETAS Registration Number 2087

HETAS registered

Installed with care, certified with confidence

Carl self-certifies every installation and notifies Building Control on your behalf, so the work is signed off properly and your certificate of compliance is issued for your records.