...you do not live in New England! Or any of the northern US states that have winter storms.

WOW, we built our home, in Buffalo, NY, 4 years ago, without a fireplace. Deleted it from the blueprint and put in a spectacular picture window in its place! We have gone twice in the last 18 months for over 36 hours without electric or heat, but hey, that's what family and hotels are for. EDIT Hubby reminded me, that's what the generator he has on order is for too! But every day I get to look out that window and see the deer, chipmunks, and other wildlife playing in my yard. I'll take that over a fireplace any day!