The original fireplace had a traditional dark wood mantel, red brick surround and a dilapidated brass and glass bi-fold door. If you're wondering, it IS an upside Christmas tree in the corner!
The new fireplace has cement board that is built out from the wall a few inches. This was necessary to bring the top level with the existing bricks that we were not about to rip off the wall so we needed to build on top of them. The hearth was laid first and set for a couple of days before work on the wall started. There were only a few four letter words while the wall was going up, but it went pretty smoothly. A shiny sealer was applied to the stone which brought out their individual characteristics.
This pond was dug by hand! My husband and oldest son worked for two days just to get it to a depth of about 2 ft. We had no clue when we started this project how much rocks cost. The kids help stock the pond by catching fish and frogs when they go fishing with their dad. It has been extremely interesting to watch the fish mate, frogs feeding on little fish and even the ducks that come visit us every now and then. The sound from the waterfall is fabulous. This is right outside of my kitchen windows and next to my patio so I get to enjoy the view and the sound most of the day. I only regret that my bedroom is in the front of the house because I do not get the benefit of falling asleep to the sound (as do two of my children). I enjoy this so much that I vow to have one at any house I may live in down the road. Money well spent!