Heart of Oak is the anthem of the Royal Navy – and also the central theme of a house new on the market in Horndean.

Aptly-named Oak House was built to the specification of the current owners and with its almost 3,000 square feet of open plan and light living space it’s obvious that the thinking behind its design was far from wooden!

There are few people who don’t like the feel of wood. It’s a very tactile material and oak is perhaps perceived as the most British of all woods. The heart of the oak is, after all, the stout stuff that was at the core of our warships before we sailed into the world of steam.

Naturally, the front door is solid wood in a wood-framed glazed surround and opens to reveal beautiful reception space with a feature oak staircase, ceiling beams supported on wood posts, an open plan lounge area to one side – naturally with a wood floor, heavy wood bressemer beam set into the natural brick chimney breast, and two tall logs stores flanking the fire opening.

A matching fireplace is a feature of the dining area on the other side of the hall and this opens into a kitchen with a vast array of storage, hardwearing granite worktops, and a range cooker. Private space is offered by the separate family room and TV room / den.

The house also offers five bedrooms, all of them en-suite, opening off the galleried landing which itself enjoys views across the rooftops to woodland and fields the opposite side of nearby London Road.

“Oak House is fantastic for its combination of wood, exposed brick, and huge living spaces,” says Colin Shairp, of Fine and Country Southern Hampshire.

“There has been a generous dose of imagination used to combine such natural and traditional surfaces in a house that’s perfectly suited to modern life.

“Fine and Country specialises in houses with that real ‘wow’ factor and Oak House epitomises the core strengths of the agency’s brand.

“The property is a rare opportunity to acquire such an individual home that’s close to countryside, urban amenities, and transport links.”

Guide price is £610,000 (EPC Band C). For more information, contact Fine and Country Southern Hampshire on 023 93 277 277 or email drayton@fineandcountry.com