Where would you put either one? Does the area get a great deal of wind? With a fire pit, you can sit all the way around. With a fireplace, you have a focal Point and possible windbreak.

A fireplace can't be beat, if you want something very dramatic. However, with a firepit, it is less expensive certainly, and you can also sit all around it, as opposed to a fireplace, where you can only sit in front.

There's a lot to think about besides just budget: http://www.revolutionarygardens.com/should-i-build-a-fire-pit-or-a-fireplace/

Whatever you end up doing, are you creating a new area for it or working it into the existing hardscape? If it's the existing, it doesn't look like you have a ton of space for a built-in firepit.

Unless you run a hard line for gas a fire pit can move around. Maybe start there and see how you end up using the area before deciding to install a permanent fixture

I think the world has a lot of aging baby boomers right now dominating the consumer market. That said, I think that generation has moved past the family fire pit and is looking for something more refined with less hazard of setting the neighborhood on fire. I would go for the fire place.

Also popular with the younger homeowners are pizza ovens. If you could build a fireplace that includes a pizza oven, I think you'd have your bases covered.

On a personal note, I was debating the same thing. I'm going with the fireplace. In my case, I also felt it would provide some extra privacy from one of the neighbors. Check with some of the garden centers. Many have do it yourself kits that are fairly reasonable. I'm buying one of those and then hiring someone from the garden center to build it for me because I AM one of those baby boomers and I'm past having the energy or endurance to build it myself. ;0)

Fireplace delivers a WOW factor. Go with that

A fire pit would look good. It all depends on the wind tho.

HI -- The house looks rather high end so a built outdoor fireplace would be good for re-sale . But just have one of those modern gas fire tables and you can set it where ever you choose . Do a search , there is a lot available now that will give you lots of options . Looks like you have room at one end for a summer screen house which would also be good for re-sale and would complete the look of the yard .

Nice landscaping, large outdoor fountain, a wood deck, over hang, great landscaping, pavers, round fire pit, nice out door furniture. :)

FIRE PLACE

What a lovely garden you have! I would go with the less expensive option and use a landscape designer to create a landscape that cleverly incorporates the surrounding countryside into your garden. It really is an unexploited opportunity and would give far more joy on a daily basis.

Spherical Fire Pit!

Cambridge offers both fire pits and fireplaces in easy to install kits. You can start with a beautiful, durable pavingstone patio around your pool and then add on the outdoor living kits. Check out Cambridge’s Designscape Visualizer to upload a photograph of your backyard and actually re-design using Cambridge Pavingstones and Wallstones. Visit our website at www.cambridgepavers.com to see our fire pit and fireplace options.

If budget is not the real issue a fireplace with a pergola will complement that open space and create an intimate cozy area for gathering any time and season.

fireplace... it would give you a cozy back drop.

I think some parts of the country have very specific zoning laws about whether or not backyard fireplaces are allowed to be built at all, and which times of the year they may be used.

I would check this out before paying $$$$ for a fireplace.