I live in a ground floor flat and my upstairs neighbour has real fires in both reception rooms. He wanted to have my back room chimney swept as the birds were beginning to build nests in it, so this afternoon while I was at work my chimney was swept and when I came home he had a grate and everything in it ready to set up a real fire - I can't wait to get some coal or logs! I've been tempted to chop up the sideboard tonight, it looks so inviting.
Better wait and speak to him first though in case he just put that in to let me see what it would look like!! But I have a feeling it was something he had in his hut.
Will update you when the grand fire lighting takes place!!
No, radiators have no character whatsoever! Unfortunately the grate is just on loan from upstairs and has to go back, but I've been busy burning all my confidential waste in it the last couple of days! I need to look into bring it back for real, I'm hooked on it now!! Oh and it heats my water too!