No chimney!

[Tarrel]

Personally, I'd save up and go for a wood burning stove outletting to a new dedicated flue through the wall. That way, you can put it where you want it. Meanwhile, as a hedge against SHTF tomorrow, perhaps invest in a portable calor gas heater and a couple of cylinders. At least that way you have off-grid heat.

You might be surprised how much an open fire or stove ADDs to the value of your house, rather than detracting from it. We found that when we sold a year ago. I think there are those that believe a stove will make them more resilient in the event of a crisis, and those who just think it's cool. Either way, open fires and stoves tend to be seen positively by buyers.

Interesting to see TL's comments about house design. I agree that some houses just lend themselves to continuous, gentle heat. It's one reason why we put a wood-burning Rayburn in our cottage rather than an all-singing-and-dancing wood-fired batch boiler.

By the way, FWIW, you already seem to have an excellent handle on the sort of preps needed for WTSHTF.