Ben Hanlin, Modernising 1950’s House, Stovax Futura 5
We caught up with Ben Hanlin – Magician and Presenter, on the refurbishment of his 1950’s house in the West Midlands, and how the Stovax Futura 5 wood burning stove fits perfectly into the London Townhouse aesthetic.
Ben Hanlin – Magician and Presenter, West Midlands
February 26, 2026
Tell us a bit more about your home and your renovation.
We have just done a large refurb on our home – modernising a 1950’s house.
We wanted to create a London Townhouse feeling where people can flow through the spaces OR we can shut them off when needed.
As a family of 4, with two young kids we also needed the space to be practical and work for everyone.
Where did you get the stove installed in your home, and why that location?
At the heart of the house is our lounge. This is where we all come together at the end of the week and just relax whilst watching a film.
There was no question when designing this room that the main focal point was going to be a fireplace with a wood burner.
The moment they are lit and you can see, hear, and smell the wood burning the room transforms into the most cosy part of the house.
What drew you to a Stovax & Gazco product?
We looked at many different products and the main thing that drew us to Stovax, and the Futura 5 in particular was the slightly modern take on the log burner.
They look fantastic and we wanted something that wouldn’t look out of place in a modern, homely space.
What was the greatest challenge when undergoing your renovation?
The fireplace was the easy part!
The biggest challenge was our LARGE round window in the dinning room.
We had to source a metal fabricator to create a bespoke metal frame for the window to sit in and the brick layers to insert into the wall.
It was additional time and cost but it was definitely worth it in the end.
Why was it important to you to have a working fireplace?
Both myself and my wife have grown up in houses with fireplaces. Some of our fondest memories were sat in our lounges with the family, whilst the fire was on.
It was never a question that we wouldn’t have a fire for ourselves.
Especially in those winter months – It was something to look forward to on those cold, dark nights.
What do you like about having a log burner?
It looks fantastic – Watching a roaring fire behind the glass.
And the sound and smell top it off!
Also, I like setting the fire up and lighting it.
I find the act of getting the fire ready, really relaxing.
What tips can you offer for making a house a home?
For us it was two things – We didn’t want too many large open spaces – We wanted the option of opening the house up but most importantly, creating cosy private rooms when needed.
And reminding yourself that you’re not creating a house that looks good on instagram – you want a house that actually works for you!! – For us we’ve tried to create a home that can change as our family changes.
Social Media: @benhanlin
Please note that Stovax & Gazco accept no liability for their installation suitability, safety or building regulations conformance. The images shown on these pages are from real independent homes, many taken before installation is complete, and these form no basis of an installation recommendation by Stovax or Gazco. Please consult the complete installation instructions for your chosen product and consult with an appropriately qualified person for your own installation.
Futura 5 Wood Burning Stoves & Multi-fuel Stoves
The Stovax Futura 5 Ecodesign Plus stove prioritises spectacular flame visuals and high efficiency heat. Featuring a contemporary exterior with curved door and large expansive viewing window, this stunning log burner is suitable for both traditional and modern homes alike. Delivering high efficiency heat, the Futura 5 incorporates a state-of-the-art convector heat system and integrated ... Find out more
3 Sides Makes Sense
Matt, Devon
February 4, 2019
Excellent Stove!
Dan, Devon
February 4, 2019
Perfection
Carol, Devon
January 10, 2019
“Warmth and so convenient”
James, Buckinghamshire
January 10, 2019
Bliss
Neil & Anne, Holywell
January 9, 2019
Winter warmer
Emma, Llangollen
January 9, 2019
Really pleased
Sean, Stokesley, North Yorkshire
January 9, 2019
“Enjoying our multi-fuel stove”
Bev & Charles, North Yorkshire
January 9, 2019
We wouldn’t be without it
Dawn, Yealmpton
December 15, 2018
“Picture perfect”
Marcus Giles, St Albans
December 14, 2018
Contemporary wood burning stove
Steve Kidd, Telford
December 12, 2018
“A Pug Heaven”
Gordon, Lancaster
December 12, 2018
Warm and toasty winter
Nicola, Gloucester
October 24, 2018
“So warm and toasty!”
Sharon, Preston
August 8, 2018
Lovely to snuggle up in front of
Stewart, Hants
May 25, 2018
“Wonderful Xmas evening by our new fireplace”
Richard, Coventry
May 5, 2018
Thanks for all the sofa love on yesterday’s post! 💕 I was a bit nervous about its arrival as we had ordered it online without ever seeing it but I just love it and it’s really nice to have a bit of colour for once! I also bought some lovely old lights from @rosiebuddecorative which you can just see in the mirror, they’re now wired up and working ✨✨ i do love this little room! I’m off to Work today but I’d really like to stay at home as I’m feeling really behind on the Christmas front! 🎄Have a lovely Wednesday 😀#stovax #festivefireside
foundandfavour
Perfect Sunday night in with my fave @aaronm01 . . . . . . #camembert #sundaynight #stovax #fireplace #interiordesign #christmastree #christmasdecor #cottagestyle #myhome #realchristmastree #bakedcamembert #yummy #getinmybelly #perfectnight #withmyfave #cottagedecor #christmascottage #christmasstocking #cheeseislife #meltedcheese #logburner #christmasgarland #festivefireside
staceysyerclarke 
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Has anyone else got their tree up? 🎄🔥
alfordfirewood
Here is ours! #FestiveFireplace
My #festivefireside
Emma Fanthom
A very happy Heatland Stoves customer feeling #festivefireside and we love this @stovaxgazco Huntington 35 with gothic doors #heatlandstovesltd #stove #festive #Christmas #xmas #decor #homedecor #northeast #stovaxgazco
heatlandstovesltd
Happy Christmas!! @stovaxgazco 🎄❤️🔥 #stovaxgazco #festivefireside competition #letitsnow #stovaxstudio1
sandylou74
#FestiveFireside
Emma Thomas Pitcher
#FestiveFireside
John Yates
#festivefireside
@JOACKO1968 
#festivefireside
katiewatiewoo
#festivefireside our Christmas fireside, thanks for the new fire x
Rose Dalton
#festivefireside
macfarlanedona 
Dad felt left out after hearing about the competition so here is his #festivefireside with his Huntingdon 40 gas stove 🔥
ceri_ae 
@StovaxGazco I love this time of year, love my fireplace it’s so cosy 🎄🎅🏻😍 #FestiveFireside.
@flickabella1 
@stovaxgazco #festivefireside competition #gazco #huntigdon30 🔥🎄🎅🏽 would love to win the festive hamper 😍
ceri_ae 
Merry Xmas only way to spend a Scottish winter x
William HunterBertie’s Favourite Spot
Lizzie, Burgess
November 28, 2017
“Refurbished lounge”
Louise Talbot, Newport Shropshire
November 7, 2017
#CosyCarvings trick or treat.. ..can you feel the heat..
,
October 30, 2017
#CosyCarvings #Gazco #Pumpkin #Halloween
,
October 27, 2017
bubbsyching #cosycarvings
,
October 27, 2017
dmhicks18 Winter is coming 🔥 #stovax #blazing #pyromaniac
,
October 23, 2017
Someone’s happy the Burner is on 💗Milly #logburner #stovax #staffy
,
October 23, 2017
Fabulous
Chris, Swindon
September 27, 2017
Beats expectations
Micheal, Rotherham
September 27, 2017
All the family love it
Roger, Malvern
September 27, 2017
A sheer delight
Sally, Teignmouth
September 27, 2017
“Contemporary”
Evelyn, Berwick-upon-Tweed
September 27, 2017
“A sheer delight”
Sally, Teignmouth
September 15, 2017
“Cosy and comforting”
Helen, Watford
September 13, 2017
“Even the Dog is Fooled!”
Marion Whitby, Whitby
August 23, 2017
“The dogs approve!”
Robert Elswood, Somerset
August 23, 2017
“Small but perfectly formed”
Dawn, Tyne & Wear
August 23, 2017
Worth every cosy penny
Gary Campbell, Dorchester
June 16, 2017
“Warm glow”
Eric Harrison, Minehead
June 6, 2017
“Transformed the room”
Graham and Joy, Plymouth
June 6, 2017
Instant log burner alternative
Mr and Mrs L, Southampton
June 2, 2017
“Stovax still looks good in the summer”
Paul Green, Coventry
May 15, 2017
“Lovely Gas Fires”
John & Margaret, Keighley
May 15, 2017
Enhances and warms the room
Eric & Linda Bradley, Cotswolds
May 15, 2017
“A Delight!”
Chris Streets, Much Wenlock
May 15, 2017
Even duck loves the stove
Niall, Everton
May 12, 2017
“So really pleased. Everyone makes nice comments.”
Dennis, Bremhill
May 10, 2017
“Delighted”
Barry, Lawford
May 10, 2017
“Great looking stove”
Kevin, Witney Oxon
May 9, 2017
“Heat and looks combined.”
John, Exmouth
May 9, 2017
“Our Home is Cosy Again”
Margaret Harrington, Co. Carlow, Ireland
May 8, 2017
“A Rosie Glow”
Elizabeth Howard, Hampshire
May 5, 2017
“Cosy cold nights”
Graeme Kitchen, UK
May 2, 2017
“Finally!”
Ian, Aberystwyth
April 10, 2017
“Great addition for our lounge”
Barry K Heath, Sandhurst, Berkshire
April 7, 2017
“Beautiful and Functional”
Wayne, Buckinghamshire
April 3, 2017
“Heart of the home”
Jude Bowler, Northwich
April 3, 2017
“It’s brought the room to life”
Stephen Wright, Denmead
April 3, 2017
“Warm and cozy gas fire”
Darrell, Devon
April 3, 2017
“A great heating investment”
Peter, Exmouth, Devon
April 3, 2017
“Brings warmth and cheer whenever lit”
Nick & Jane, Darwen, Lancashire
April 3, 2017
“Heart of the home”
Stuart, Stratford-upon-Avon
April 3, 2017
“A great stove, great heat, great looks”
Lesley, Fort William
March 31, 2017
“Provides a wonderful focal point”
Glyn, Cowbridge
March 31, 2017
“Oscar seems to like the new fire!”
Heather, Newtownabbey
March 31, 2017
“Comfy and cosy”
Di, Sandbach
March 31, 2017
“The Heart of the Home”
Alex, Ebford, Devon
March 30, 2017
“Perfect – wonderful and warm!”
Margaret, Shetland
February 27, 2017
“Fire looks amazing”
Karen,
February 24, 2017
“What A Difference a Day Makes”
Jean, Winlaton Tyne & Wear
February 24, 2017
“Approved by this family member!!”
Bob, Chris and Ollie, Northumberland
February 24, 2017
“Modern Ambience”
Hajra, Nuneaton
February 23, 2017
“Adds to the Artwork”
Brian, Middlesbrough
February 23, 2017
Easy to light!
Caryn Richardson, Lisburn
February 16, 2017
“Superb little dual fuel burner”
Jacqueline Curtis, Eye Suffolk
February 16, 2017
“Looks cool, feels warm”
Linda, Somerset
February 16, 2017
Stylish, Neat and Warming
Graeme, Ashington, West Sussex
February 9, 2017
“Comfortable & Efficient”
John, Buckinghamshire
January 26, 2017
“Wish I had done it years ago”
Colin,
January 25, 2017
“Looks great”
Dave, West mids
January 25, 2017
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