I'd never heard of a ventless FP, so did a google search. I'm assuming that you don't live in CA or MA, All kinds of combustion, whether gas or wood, requires the oxygen in air to create flames. Therefore, no fire could ever be truly "ventless," or it would extinguish itself. Ventless gas fireplaces are really using ductless or chimneyless technology, so they vent out into the room. That's why the volume of air in a room is very important Several states within the United States, as well as other countries, have completely outlawed ventless gas fireplaces because of health concerns. Canada, Massachusetts, and California don't allow people to install these types of heaters because of their potential to build up carbon monoxide, deplete oxygen, and lead to unconsciousness or even suffocation. Check with your local building code before purchasing one of these appliances. A milder health hazard offers another disadvantage to this choice. Ventless gas fireplaces lead to an increase in the room's humidity. Burning gas or propane creates water vapor that can build up in a room and possibly lead to mold and mildew growth. If most forms of mold aren't truly dangerous, they will certainly increase allergies and could spoil fabric, photographs, and books. Here is a link that might be useful: What are Ventless Fireplaces?

Not being familiar with what is winter hardy in your region, I hesitate to make a lot of specific recommendations. However, a few things to consider: Japanese maples are adaptable, but have only moderate to low tolerance for salt, so think about whether your road is salted in winter and where run-off goes when you are placing that tree. Basically, think about placing plants to connect your house to the land, so it looks like it is nestled into the setting rather than sitting atop it, and something to soften some of the edges. The large trees behind and alongside your home give you a good start on this. Evergreens will, of course, give you color and coverage year 'round, but don't overlook deciduous plants hardy in your region that will also provide winter interest, like winterberry holly (you'd need a male and a female), red twig dogwood, witch hazel. Plants native to your region are usually a good choice, as they are well-suited to the climate and have co-evolved with and support local wildlife (think birds, butterflies, bees, and a host of tiny beneficial insects that help control pest insects). Therefore, native plants usually (but not always) require less attention from you. There are many non-native plants, too, that will "play nicely" with your native choices. Choose plants that are well-suited to the site where they will be living. Consider the amount of sun/shade, moisture levels, wind conditions, and, very important: your soil. Best bet is to have a soil sample analyzed for structure, pH (acid/alkaline balance) and nutrients. Here in the U.S. we have our cooperative extension services, run by state universities, with offices in most counties that provide a wealth of information, including soil testing. Perhaps you have something similar? If not, then you can do some basic tests at home. Most common landscape and garden plants on the east coast of North America prefer slightly acid to neutral soil that drains well, but is rich enough in organic matter to retain some moisture and nutrients.

Thought I’d post an update. We decided to go with smooth hardy plank. I picked the stone: ElDorado York limestone. I wanted the stone that was in the linked picture up above but I can’t find anything like it in the manufactured stone options, and I have heard real stone costs so much more money so I was trying to stick to the less expensive manufactured stone . Anyway, here is what I am trying to decide between now. We decided to have our trim color Matched to our brown windows, and the only issue with that is that we found there are a lot of pinkish purple tones to the brown of our windows so it limits the paint colors we can choose for the body of the house. I wanted a darker, warmer color, but that is difficult with this specific trim color. My favorite colors so far were Benjamin Moore Kingsport gray, and Sherman Williams warm stone. My designer friend told me they both had too much gold in them, and not enough contrast for the trim color. She pointed me towards Sherwin Williams Keystone gray or Benjamin Moore elephant gray. Both were too llight for me. . I liked the Keystone gray better because it had more gold in it than elephant ear, but wanted it a little darker so I had them darken the Keystone gray to 125% (25% darker) and 150%. (50% darker) ( they left out the extra white when they did that ) Anyway, that’s where we are at. I think I have it narrowed down between 2 of them... the Keystone gray 125% (=25% darker) and 150% (50% darker). my designer friend still likes the original Keystone Gray (one on the right) because she says it gets too golden when it gets darker. I know these pictures won’t be very accurate because the white balance keeps changing depending on what light is hitting it. Here are pictures… from left to right looking at the picture is Benjamin Moore Kingsport gray (she says it's too golden for the tones in the trim), then Sherman Williams keystone gray 150% (50% darker), then 125% (25% darker) then just regular keystone gray on the right which is too light for me. Designer friend likes the lightest one on the right because she likes a lot of contrast between the trim and the body color but I don’t really like a lot of contrast since I like the look of stained wood. In the next few pictures, I have them labeled. BM equals Benjamin Moore Kingsport gray (which designer friend says is too dark and golden), then: 50 equals keystone gray 150% (50% darker), 25 equals keystone gray 125% ( 25% darker ), and then “ - “ equals regular Keystone Gray with no darkening. This next pic is Benjamin Moore Kingsport gray on the top, then the next two down are SW keystone grey 150% (50% darker), then the bottom two are SW keystone grey 125% (25% darker). And I forgot to label this one but the top and the very bottom are keystone gray, the next two in are 125% (25% darker), then the very middle one is 150% (50% darker). I did not paint the Benjamin Moore Kingsport gray on this wall. They All look very different depending on the light and the time of the day. And then just a couple of updated pictures: I don't like how the deck turned out but that's a whole different story. I wanted a darker brownish less orange tone... I would have picked a different darker wood with clear stain. That's what I get when I leave a decision up to the hubby. Kinda like the rough cedar trim hubby decided on to put around all the windows/doors/belly bands vs. having smooth hardi like I would have wanted if he would have asked me LOL. By the time I realized it, 3/4 of the trim was done and I couldn't ask to have it changed. Oh well. Worse things could have happened.

For most people, purchasing a home is a compromise. You have looked at 30 homes. Each with pluses and minuses, but this one is the first one with enough positives to make you want to make an offer. That means that you found the best home within your budget. It may not have everything you wanted, but few of us have the money to get everything we want. Make an offer and keep your fingers crossed that you get the house.