Fires To Fall In Love With
With 32 years’ experience advising, supplying and fitting electric and gas fires, fireplaces, stoves and woodburners, Preston’s Burning Desires knows exactly how to turn up the heat without burning your budget, writes Kate Bowyer. Photography: Roger Moore
Over the last year, how to heat our homes efficiently and economically as well as beautifully, has preoccupied us more than we could have imagined. Luckily the experts at Burning Desires have been helping customers seamlessly solve this challenge for decades.
“Astute customers are taking advantage of the summer months to plan for next winter,” observes owner Paddy Umpleby. “Who can afford to maintain an inefficient gas fire, knowing half your increasing energy bill is literally going straight up the chimney? It’s the foresight to invest in a new fire, knowing you’ll reap the benefits of a warmer home for less cost, for years to come.”
Luckily, just as cost-of-living challenges have ramped up, so has the technology. Situated on Garstang Road, handily on the main A6 from the M6 into Preston City Centre, Burning Desires stays abreast of the very latest developments. This enables them to stock the newest efficient models and welcome exclusive partners like British Fires and Dutch manufacturers Kalfire.
“Electric fires have developed out of all recognition in the last two years,” advises Paddy. “Perfect timing for customers considering alternatives to gas. Establishing themselves at the forefront of electric fire and stove design, British Fires marry modern design with cutting-edge ‘air curtain’ technology, drawing cooler room air in and circulating it through special channels to distribute controlled heat into the room.”
For homes where gas remains the most effective option, manufacturers like Kalfire, Faber, Elgin and Hall and Gazco have raised the bar on design, performance and efficiency, including glass-fronted gas fires which operate at twice the efficiency of open-fronted, and many which can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app, to warm the room exactly and only when needed.
To incorporate these exciting innovations, the team at Burning Desires have modified the showroom and introduced new displays, now showcasing over 70 installations across two floors. Traditional, contemporary, hole in the wall, corner, freestanding, ‘floating’ designs and stunning four-metre showpieces – it’s the perfect way to picture exactly which fire feels like ‘home’. Woodburners and solid fuel stoves range from snug to sleek, all benefiting from the highest performance and clean-air specifications.
“Aesthetics and appearance are still incredibly important,” confirms Paddy. “Your fire is the heart of your home, the key to creating feelings of warmth, security and relaxation. This is why I made my twin focuses for 2023 sourcing the best new suppliers and models, and displaying them to the customer’s best advantage.”
It’s been a busy and exciting year for Paddy, who took on the business from Burning Desires’ founder and shareholder Sean Treaddell in January. Having started working for Sean aged just 18, Paddy is committed to continuing the integrity and care that has made the business so loved and trusted by customers.
“Sean created and built an incredible company, which deserves its reputation,” reflects Paddy. “I’m so proud to have been able to take this opportunity. Everything customers have come to expect continues – I’m the same, the team is the same. Between us, we have over 100 years’ worth of experience in the industry!
“Feedback confirms we’re doing the right thing, maintaining the highest standards of expertise, attention and understanding. The only things that have changed are even more exciting new additions to our portfolio and showroom.”
Burning Desires continues to be the trusted partner for an increasing number of architects, interior designers and house builders across the North West and the Isle of Man, and are currently consulting on a project in central London.
“These partnerships benefit everybody,” explains Paddy. “Enabling exactly the right fireplace to be chosen, integrated and fitted seamlessly into newbuilds, conversions or renovations, both domestic and commercial, our experienced and meticulous installation teams ensure the trickiest installation is completed to the highest standard and finish.
“Just as we appreciate buying a fire is a significant decision, our passion is ensuring it is also a life-enhancing one. Our showroom enables you to discover the best and newest models in a relaxed setting, with fantastic staff on hand to assist as little or as much as you choose. We understand this may be a once in two-decades decision, so we’re with you every step of the way to making sure it’s the right one.”
Burning Desires Limited
137-141 Garstang Road
Fulwood, Preston PR2 3EB
01772 716375
burningdesires.co.uk
