Round, 60 inches. Rectangle 6 x 3 . Allow 12 to 18 inches for chair, and another 12 to 18 inches for the pull back. Good luck!

If you are going to the effort of retiling the fireplace surround, would you consider going to a bit more effort and creating a full wall unit which incorporates the fireplace and the TV, with extra shelves and cupboards to display and store? (I also have reservations about the heat and the TV and associated wiring.) This may also address the lack of symmetry associated with the location of the fireplace, if that is a consideration. Do you use the fireplace often enough to justify keeping it? Alternatively, a wall unit on the left hand wall, which is where the power and TV points seem to be, may be the best solution - as previously suggested. All the best.

Thanks Ruth, I started off with browsing house values around the area, and Homes.co.nz is a good trade me site -spoke to agents for some tips. And now Im calculating how much I need done to give it a wow factor which is inline with the neighbourhood similar house valuation and one that was sold as well.. Its a long process Im sure - but hopefully being realistic and doing my homework diligently and plan it well-attention to details....it will somehow give me something to think about. Attention to cost specially. I have an excel spreadsheet to work on which my kind accountant taught me.....Feel free to contact me -we can share some tips etc. theres still a lot to plan before I embark oh hiring a designer/architect-for major changes as it needs to be properly drawn and submitted to council. (My motto =I hope it works on this is HAVE A PLAN, WORK ON IT AND GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.) TIME AND MONEY SAVER. Next would be a hunt for a builder that you can trust and rely on= it will be a nightmare to find a really good one for reasonable cost. I have no contacts for now. And hopefully after this Im praying I will have enough savings for me and my husband to retire...... Cheers, Shy email : shy@strange.net.nz Peary Road Mt Eden Auckland 0221393223

I have many tree ferns in my back garden, I have a 10 foot fence and its very shady. Some of the tree ferns are now growing higher than the fence and are becoming straggly as the high ones get too much sun. Can I pinch the tops to promote less height and more shrubbyness? I have one that doesnt grow in height but has lots of fronds on its sides and it looks great.