Homeowner Sacrilege
Most people, regardless of whether or not they will ever use it, want a fireplace in their home. Not me. I've always hated how fireplaces, even the so-called "clean burning" ones, leave a thin film of soot on walls and furniture.
Even if I did like my fireplace, I'm not supposed to use it because of the lung and sinus problems I've had for the last decade. In fact, I'm not even supposed to use candles in my home.
So in an act of homeowner sacrilege, I asked my architect to remove the fireplace and chimney. He was initially shocked but ultimately agreed that it was a good idea (for our home, if not in general).
As the pile of broken bricks in the driveway grew and the workers walked on the roof to patch the hole where the chimney used to be, many people walking past our house stopped to comment that what we were doing was "interesting". I appreciate their tact in refraining from saying what I think was actually going through their minds, as evidenced by the looks on their faces—that we're crazy and will regret doing something that might lower the value of our house.
Despite the criticism, overt and otherwise, we're undaunted.
Interestingly, a couple from the street behind our house stopped by last weekend to say that they noticed our chimney being removed and wanted to do the same. Could we be starting a neighborhood trend?
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I applaud your decision!! For several years I lived in South San Jose not too far from where you and Richard lived. I was always amazed by the amount of chimney smoke in the air during the winter. It hung in the valley like a thick choking blanket on cold still nights. I remember a friend of mine who always rallied against second hand cigarette smoke, refused to give up her fireplace and burned all winter. I hope you do start a trend, it will bring fresh air to your new neighborhood!