Can you remove and reface a stone fireplace?

Your idea of hideous is different than mine looks great in the picture anyway. Yes you could do anything if you get a book. I'll tell you when it comes to a skill like that, if you live in a large metropolitan area. They usually have a corner where day labor usually group in the morning, not many people know, these are many drunks, but it's a secret,often that many are very skilled from ex bankers to very skilled workman. I've found people there that could do anything, but they have to be watched closely, about the time they can afford a bottle, they are going to want to get paid. You can buy a book on how to do electrical, but what you are talking about is nearly an art, so it might be worth a try.