If it were me, I'd go with a gas fireplace, because it's cleaner, both for the environment and for housekeeping (no ashes). But it's not my house. :-)

The president of the HVAC company I use highly recommends vent less gas inserts.

Vent free gas appliances are controversial. I installed one once in a house, and used it occasionally. Among the byproducts of gas combustion is CO2 and water vapor. Too much CO2 is obviously not good, but too much moisture in an old house in a cold climate can lead to condensation, mold and hidden rot. A vented gas fireplace, combined with a stainless chimney liner, might be your best option.

We had wood burning, and while I very much enjoyed the sights, sounds, warmth of a wood burning fire, we converted to gas. I do not miss the dusting, vacuuming, cleaning the fireplace. While we had wood, we were able to cut our own firewood which was a satisfying project at our ages then. I suppose we could still do it now, but cutting, loading, hauling and splitting wood aren't very high on my list of satisfying chores these days - and ordering, buying firewood has become expensive.

Truthfully, we don't use the gas fireplace that often. This sprawled out one story house (1955) isn't hard to heat with natural gas radiant in the ceilings.

I have the fire going during storms, or for the ambiance occasionally and when expecting winter guests and wanting the house to feel welcoming.

^^ Same here - have a gas fireplace and use it only occasionally when having guests or a snowy day for the ambience. Except it puts out a *lot* of heat and I've had guests request I turn it off it's too hot LOL!

If a wood burning fireplace is what you prefer then do the repairs necessary to have one. You are going to be in your home long term. You will make up the money spent in repairs. Plus you will have what you wanted. Wood burning FP is best imo. You don't get the warm, sounds, smells, etc. with a gas insert. Cleaning out ashes is minor compared to the enjoyment you receive. To me it is a no brainer. Get what you love. Resale is not a consideration.

I have a gas and a wood burning.  Nothing like the wood burning.

Friends have a "Quadra-fire" insert. Extremely efficient and the glass door stays clear and clean due to the way it burns. The clear glass really helps make it appear more like a regular fireplace.

Wood all the way. The enjoyment is worth the mess. Also, I like the self sufficiency of wood i.e. I can cut my own wood from my property but I am dependent on the gas company if I have gas. What if the power goes out, does the igniter for the fireplace still work or can you light it with a match?

JMO but I love a wood burning fireplace. In our first home, the chimney was in poor shape. We had a beautiful 1700's kitchen fireplace with beehive oven and pot swing crane. We kept the fireplace for decoration but could not afford to fix the chimney so we tore it down. We gained space for a pantry and 3 bedroom closets but I regretted no fixing the chimney.

As someone who also loves wood burning fireplaces and is currently buying one with a gas insert, get the wood. I'm already disappointed to be losing my wood stove. Do what makes you happy if you can afford it. Also, if you lose power only wood still burns. Gas fireplaces require electricity to operate.

What did you decide on?