Gas fire choice: cast iron salvage or modern repro?

[Finally_motivated]

My fireplace is currently ripped out. Just bare brickwork and a flue up the chimney remain. I want to install a gas fire. I consider I have two options.
1. Install an old salvaged cast iron fireplace, put some artificial coals in it and have gas flames coming up between the coals. Can this be done, if so, can it be used as a heating method?
2. Buy a brand new mock victorian fireplace with the usual fittings.

Any suggestions appreciated, thanks.

 

[pierrot]

8) Do yo want it to just look nice, or do you require it to heat a room.
if the answer is number 2 then get a modern gas fire suite with all the trimmings.