I would have the fire towards the middle for efficiency. I don't...

I would have the fire towards the middle for efficiency. I don't know how you can run the heat pump when you must have ample wood from just maintaining the place but each to their own. Clearly the heat pump is the much easier option and some detest the wood heater routine.

If you had the fire in line of sight of the view, so that you could see both, it might be too much for visitors and you risk them becoming overcome with 'an attack of the vapours'.