We've just moved into a three bedroomed cottage, (in a non gas supplied area), which was re-furbished about 18 years ago. The insulation isn't very good, so that has to be looked at but my main priority at the moment is getting away from the overnight electric storage heaters which heat the house, (not very well though). We have a largish lounge, which incorporates an open staircase to the first floor, the lounge has an ingle nook fireplace with a Dovre multi fuel fire. I'd like to utilise the fireplace to fit a new fire with wrap around boiler to heat water and if possible power a central heating system for the house. The summer months obviously need to be covered, and the cottage is in a conservation area, so solar panels or wind power probably aren't an option, so I supplose I'll have to retain some form of electric water heating system. Anyone had similar experiences please who could give me a bit of advice? I'm open to any suggestions, including heat pumps etc.

Cheers

legislation is changing soon anyway, but there really is no reason why solar (water heater) panels should not be fitted to roofs in conservation areas on the back roof slope. as a former conservation officer i approved many solar panels both in conservation areas and on listed buildings if the position was discrete and the applicants gave details of mounting so that the structure was protected. does your rear roof slope face generally southish? a shed or pergola is, of course, another solution, although some (hitachi to my knowledge) are designed to be wall mounted but will then be more subject to position of hot tank unless pump is to be used.

Possibly the Aarrow range - good-size back boilers. Don't try solar @ N-NW.