They make stencils for that, many tutorials online on you tube

Funny you should ask this - I just saw a pair on Gumtree a few minute ago...http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/mosman/bedside-tables/2-smokey-mirrored-bedside-tables/1102324934

By viable I mean workable, functional. A chimney sweep or a builder adept in chimneys will give you a report. Certainly enquire about a future gas fitting rather than logs if possible. I say this as a fireplace anywhere is delightful and, if downstairs, it could heat upstairs through the house, to a certain point too. If you look at the quality of the brick laying, you will see that its not meant to be a feature which is why it was rendered, but that is choice only. Certainly seal the bricks. Good luck and stay with it if you can. Everybody loves the romance of a fire.

Thank you so much for your comments and great ideas kiwimills , Pleased to Bijou Design , Leeder Interiors and oklouise . I agree with the door at the end of the bed being a better and more convenient position. Originally I had not included it there to access some of the light from the other window (obscure glass slider), and to avoid the feng shui coffin position with feet facing the door. On further reading I might be able to remedy it with a tall solid bed-end and blanket box/bench. I can see how walking through the WIR each time would be a pain. An alternate ensuite plan (below) as also suggested by Leeder Interiors. I wasn't sure if I had enough room for this... it would get me a larger vanity 1200+ rather than 900. Not sure however what: the recommended distances from the vanity front and toilet should be ? minimum width i need to have for the toilet space (between the wall and slider opening) ? If not, the extra bench space over the cistern also sounds like a good idea. Thank you