Hazel - Thank you for the stove recommendation, I hope it is worth it for us here. I have actually done some research...

We live in a smokeless zone, so we can either burn smokeless fuel or get a DEFRA approved stove that will allow us to burn more or less everything. Within reason, give or take.

And that is another thing - one stove is not likely to need much in the way of maintenance over the next few years. It is replacing a gas fire that is on its way out after twenty years of service. That is going to surely save a bit on the gas etc. And gas and electric need more service than a large box of metal.

Dear heaven, just thought ... off to research chimney sweeps!!!

Edited to add - there is one locally, with a website. For some reason I am irrationally reassured by a website.