Barry and all,
I was able to buy wood burner stove in France for about 500 euros. it would heat up a room of 30m2 nicely and if you leave the door open it would warm up the next room as well. The brand is called SUPRA COLNAN 2. The conduct should go through your existing fireplace cheminey. Maybe they sell the same iYn Italy.You're right, the paint is much more expensive in Europe than Canada.
Yvonne