Oh and I didn't explain the pix. The photo of the stove is the wall that is coming down. The wide shot of the kitchen is what I'm working with and you can see the nook with my desk.

When you lose the wall are you adding an island? I assume because you'll have counter seating. Have you considered putting a cooktop in your island? If this was your forever home I'd say do what you want but if it's only 5 years I think the cooking room might be odd and I personally really like having a casual breakfast nook even with formal dining room and counter searing. I think if you can work it in somewhere else it is better than wasting that room.

You can put a slide in range in an island - you don't need to do a wall oven with my idea.
http://houzz.com/photos/345320

Also just want to add, while I love the arch and appreciate preserving the architectural detail, since you have arches elsewhere losing this one would not kill me if it would allow you to create a more conventional, functional kitchen. I understand the dilemma - I live in an old home too - but I think kitchens and baths are a place to take a little more liberty in making it functional.

Yes @intown123 the counter space will be the island. If I swap the sink and the stove, then the stove will stick out 4 inches further then the nook wall. I'm not sure this is a big deal but what do you think? Also right now the ally is 44' inches wide and it feels nice. Once I swap the stove and sink, there will be the fridge on one side and the stove on the other which are big appliances to not have on the same wall. In one spot it might only leave a walk thru of 33'. Is that okay?

Oh and I really want to keep the old O'Keefe stove. I love that sucker.

Can you clarify where the fridge is going? I don't think I love the idea of the stove on the current sink wall if it will stick out past the arched doorway.

Is there any wall space to the right of the door into the dining room?

I'm not sure I like this. :(

People would love, love to have that old stove, so if it works well, please consider keeping it and not sacrificing it for a slide in range. Current issue of Country Living has an article on vintage stoves. Can't tell if you're using a designer or contractor,but they might have design solutions.

This is too hard to understand. Your pix are confusing, and so is your design problem. I'm afraid you won't get good responses unless you re-write your question.

I'm trying so hard to keep the stove. But it's been hectic the past few months. I had a dinner party where the stove took 30 minutes to heat up. I had a 2nd repair guy out and now the 2 left burners aren't working. Ugh.. Just not sure the beauty of this is worth the hassle anymore. :(