I took out a 60s style surround and reopened up our original fireplace so we could get a multifuel stove installed. Beyond worth it. But the filthiest work I'd ever done... Until I took down the lime plaster and lath from the hallway, that was
Here's what I did, didn't have access to the pics last night. Took out the surround, opened up and repointed the old fireplace and also took up the manky carpet to give us the old floorboards back. It improved the feel of the living room a ridiculous amount.