Have you reached out to local fireplace stores/professionals who sell/install/service gas inserts? There are many different brands/sizes and custom surrounds can be ordered. The “correct for the space”, energy-efficient, remote control, quality, gas insert will last 20-30 years if regularly maintained, so it’s money we’ll spent if you use/enjoy your fireplace. Would not diy/place wood logs above the fireplace…sounds hazardous and not to code.

It's unusual and attractive. What was wrong with the standalone gas stove that was there before?

Thanks for the comments so far. I like the idea of a more modern stand alone stove. Thanks Paul for the photo idea.

Susan - that's a good point about the safety. I hadn't thought that far yet! I'll contact our local store.

Nancy - there was nothing wrong with the original stove and it would be beautiful in the right home. We renovated so the house is sleek/modern now and the original stove felt out of place. I agree that the arch it's unusual so I wanted to keep it for a little charactar :)

Love the arch. I like Pauls idea too.