As the temperature plummets, the benefits of a working fireplace in the home become increasingly appreciated. Not only do fireplaces serve a practical purpose, they also bring style and elegance to any room; for hundreds of years they have served to represent interior design trends of the period. The turning point was in the early 16^th century when the central hearth was replaced by awall fireplace in most domestic buildings. This became an architectural feature which rapidly grew more decorative. Below we have assembled a collection of homes with fantastic fireplaces. Westbrook Barn is a Grade-II listed house situated in the hamlet of Westbrook on the northern edge of the village of Boxford, Berkshire. The four bedroom house has fireplaces in the drawing room, family room, and dining room. Although the four-bedroom house includes a number of fireplaces, the most impressive example is in the drawing room, where an exposed red brick chimney extends up to the high vaulted ceiling. The part-thatched part-tiled property dates back to the 16^th Century, and includes period features, such as exposed beams and wooden floors throughout. The half-acre garden incudes a west facing lawn, mature shrubs, and two greenhouses. The property is on the market for 1,175,000 with our Newbury office (tel.: 01635 45501). For more information please click here.  The Oak Room is a ground floor apartment in Aldersyde house, a Grade-II listed Victorian mansion on the edge of York. The principal space of the apartment is the Oak Room which includes a large marble fireplace, incorporating a sculpture by the famous York sculptor GW Milburn. The Oak Room, which includes siting, dining and study areas, also features extensive oak panelling, oak doors and a double height window. The principal bedroom includes a walk-in wardrobe, bathroom, and separate cloakroom. Externally there are communal gardens and a communal orangery. The property is on the market for 425,000 with our York office (tel.: 01904 625033). For more information please click here.  Farpiece House is located on the edge of the West Sussex village of Elsted. The four bedroom red brick and tiled house was formerly two cottages, which now have been combined. The property features three fireplaces: an impressive large brick fireplace with mantel above is set at the end of the double aspect drawing room, a stove burner in the snug and an open brick fireplace in the dining room. Externally there are 0.70 acres of lawn interspersed with landscaped mature shrubs and flower beds. There is also a three bay open car port with secure storage and a summer house. The property benefits from a close proximity to a number of leisure pursuits: polo at Cowdray Park, racing at Godwood and sailing at Chichester. The property is on the market for 1,150,000 with our Midhurst office (tel.: 01730 812357). For more information please click here.  Long Thatch is a thatched cottage, situated in the Worcestershire village of Offenham. The Grade-II listed cottage dates back to the 12th century but also features 17th century additions. The cottage was once a bake house for the local Abbey and the original bread ovens are still in evidence. These ovens in the sitting room and dining room now act as large Inglenook fireplaces, adding great character to the rooms. A notable feature of the house is the beamed rooms, and originally these beams were from a ship, although they have since been replaced. The three bedroom property includes a secluded back garden, with a vegetable garden, numerous shrubs, trees and flower borders which can be reached by a gravel path. There is also a garden shed, greenhouse and insulated summerhouse. The property is on the market for 295,000 with our Chipping Campden office (tel.: 01386 840224). For more information please click here.