We have black widows rampant... it takes literally inspecting the wood and having a whisk broom handy to de-bug it before putting it in the canvas sling carrier and bringing it in. I've had to go to splitting my wood up a bit thinner to fire my RMH, that has helped too. Neighbor across chunks up and sells firewood, I can get the smaller diameter stuff he can't normally sell very cheaply off him now to fire with; and he has a splitter and has run some of my old 3/4 cord for me. One sling of wood lasts a good 4x of what it used to, so storing inside isn't nearly the issue it used to be.

Heating sources here in New Zealand are typically Heat Pump or woodburner. I see a heat pump merely blowing dirt and dust/hair everywhere... keeping it in the air... and distributing it all over. I've run across this: www.thermaskirt.com which is very interesting. It's like a radiator, using hot water to heat, but on each of the walls, at floor (skirting) level. Since we have 3.3m (11ft) ceilings in this addition, it might be the most effective at providing heat where we need it without blowing dirt/dust around.

Hi pjfee2...thanks for your ideas. Have to admit I have not given the reno in MT much thought this summer, here!! Actually been finishing our beach house re-build down here and a bit 'reno'd out' to be honest. BUT we head back in just over a month so it’s time I did give it some serious thought, so your comments very much appreciated. Already got builders organized so that’s a start LOL I love the idea of adding stone on the outside to the turret part – but guessing that is as far as the budget would stretch. The siding is in good shape so need to stain it to work. Love the idea of pulling a color from the turret stone to do this. Will get a stone that has some of the log house gingery color in it and then stain the newer part of house a tone of this?? So far I’m sure we will · Rebuild the deck to run across the front of the house and form the roof over the front door entryway · Make the entry way wider and mud room inside bigger · Replace the small window to the bathroom with a door off the deck, matching the French doors. · Replace the tiny window in the turret with a longer one. · Cover turret with schist or stone cladding Not sure about replacing the windows under the deck. Added a picture of them from the inside. This living space is the hardest to figure out how to furnish in this house. It has quite a lot of light from a large window on the left wall - out of this shot - and across the back of the room through a wide door way to the room at the back. Thinking of opening up this wall? And from the inside they seem pretty well balance? Big problem in that room is that there is not a lot of places that we can use to create a sitting area. Need to get a couple of sofas in there and push them around to see what will work. It has 4 doors leading off and as you can see large log posts dotted about!! ANDd a stairwell going down to lower level and garages. Not a lot of space to play with. OK time for another coffee...its 7.30am down here!!

The materials will need to meet the requirements for the hearth for the woodburner you choose. They need to project a set distance forward of the firebox opening as well, unless you have a concrete floor or other fireproof material. The structure needed will also depend on the weight of the woodburner you choose. It will need to hold that weight and hold it against sideways loads for earthquake safety. If you want a thin looking one, you may need an engineer to design it.