Newer houses that are built are also being fitted with antique fireplaces to give them that traditional touch.

Although replica mantels are available on the market, there is no substitute for the real thing.

Fireplaces are not just items of furniture; they are now collectors' items as well.

Works from sculptors such as Pietro Bossi and Sir Henry Cheere, two 18th Century fireplace sculptors who specialized in marble, are now much sought after by people who have become interested in collecting fireplaces as a hobby.

However, for some, antique fireplaces are more than just an interest or hobby, they are a career. Don Ryan has been renovating antique fireplaces since he left school and after he finished University, he went back to the fireplace restoration company that he worked in as a child.

In 1975, Don Ryan and Joseph Smith took over the Tyrone-based antique fireplace company and turned it into one of the largest antique renovation companies in the country.

At any one time, Ryan Smith Ltd. has over 1,000 mantles in stock ranging in price from �150 to �240,000.

The company offers restoration, valuation and the supply of fireplaces. "Most of our stock comes from the UK, but we get a lot of stock from France and Holland, " says Ryan. "Also as a lot more of the older house in Northen Ireland are being renovated or torn down, plenty of fireplaces become available for us to restore and sell."

"We've sold antique fireplaces to people all over the world. Most of our business is based in Ireland, but we have had customers from the UK, America and Australia, " says Ryan.

Despite the amount of traditional homes in Ireland, the majority of their customers aren't fitting out renovated homes, quite the opposite in fact.

"90 per cent of the fireplaces we sell go into new homes. We don't make reproductions, we only restore antique fireplaces and recently people have been installing them in newly-built homes."

Ryan Smith Ltd also offer consultations for people who have seen what they believe are antique fireplaces and advise them if they are authentic or not.

"We encourage people who have seen a fireplace that they feel is right for their home and are not sure about it, to come to us. Even if they bring a photo of the item, we would get a good indication of whether it is authentic. We also go and take a look at some fireplaces to ensure that people are buying the real thing.

"I would urge anyone who is buying an antique fireplace for the first time to either seek advice on it or shop around.

Take photos of it to show to experts and if possible get someone to take a look at it, " warns Ryan.

He adds that there are a lot more replicas coming onto the market and people are being fooled. "There are excellent replicas out there that trick a lot of people. We had a customer who thought that they had bought a traditional Adams fireplace, but it turned out that the model was a copy and only about 25 years old."

Ryan believes that reason that antique fireplaces have become such popular collectors' items is because they have proven to hold their value and often increase in value.

"They are a good investment opportunity for people looking to put their money into something secure. The value of some fireplaces that were bought ten years ago have doubled or tripled since then. It's probably because there are not as many authentic ones about anymore and the demand is high.

"In some cases, we have bought back fireplaces from people we sold them to several years ago and they have definitely increased in value. If there is any work to be done on it, we do it and usually have no trouble finding a buyer for it in today's market."

Ryan Smith Ltd. is based in Co. Tyrone and can be contacted by phone on (028) 8773 8071 or check out www. antiquefireplaces. com

FIVE TIPS FOR GETTING THE PERFECT FIREPLACE

SIZE: Make sure you have all the right measurements and that the scale of the fireplace fits properly.

STYLE: Does the style of the fireplace match your home?

Although personal taste is important, having a consistent style throughout your home can make a huge difference.

MATERIAL: Does wood or metal suit your home better?

The right material in your fireplace is extremely important when choosing one for your home.

CONDITION: Is the fireplace that you are looking to buy in good condition?

Although most fireplaces can be restored to their original quality, it might make sense to choose another fireplace.

COST: Is it good value? Restored fireplaces can range in price, so it's important that you pick one out that is within your budget.