There is no way to convert a gas fireplace to burn wood, unless you are very lucky and the gas fireplace is an insert in a properly functioning solid fuel fireplace (in which case you basically just remove the insert, and have the fireplace inspected).

In situations like this, you have a couple options.

Install a Solid Fuel Stove

This option will require the least amount of work, though can still be quite expensive and time consuming.

You'll have to follow all local codes that deal with this type of project, but for this example we'll use National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards (NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances).

Clearances

You'll need 36" clearance from combustible materials on all sides (top, left, right, front, and back).

Floor protection

You'll need a floor protector under the unit, that extends 18" in all directions (except up/down, that would just be silly).

Listed Stoves

The floor protection requirements will be provided by the manufacturer, for listed stoves.

Unlisted Stoves

For unlisted stoves, the floor protection requirements are determined by the length of the legs on the unit.

0" - 2"

Stove must be placed on non-combustible floor.

2" - 6"

4" hollow masonry laid to provide air circulation through the layer, covered with 24-gauge sheet metal.

6" and Greater

Closely spaced masonry not less than 2", covered with 24-gauge sheet metal.

Reducing clearances

There are ways to reduce the clearances, by installing special materials around the stove. Check your local codes for methods to reduce clearances.

Stovepipe

You'll need 18" clearance around the stove pipe, as well as a stovepipe thimble where the stovepipe passes through walls/ceilings.

Chimney

If you don't have a proper masonry chimney to attach the stovepipe to, you'll have to use a factory built metal (A.K.A. prefabricated, Class A, all-fuel) chimney. You likely won't be able to use the same pipe used by the old gas fireplace. You also don't want to connect the stovepipe to the chimney used by your other gas appliances (furnace, water heater, etc.).

Build a masonry fireplace

If you've got the cash and time, you could have a proper masonry chimney/fireplace built (or build it yourself). This option will require modifications to the building structure, lots of masonry skills, a healthy bank account, and a good bit of time.

There is no way that a simple fireplace insert can heat a house the same way that a central air system that pipes the heated air into each room.

It is possible to have a fireplace built that has a heat exchanger built into it that feeds into an air circulation system such that the warmed air is moved around to other parts of the house. However I doubt that your existing fireplace has this heat exchanger system built into it...then yet the ducting to an air curculation system into the rest of the house.

I'm glad to see that you seem to have it in mind that the advice that you get from the fireplace salesman will always be biased toward what he is trying to sell you!!