TT,
Yes, we live in the Bitterroot Valley. Although I certainly don't know all the names of the various styles, one of the companies here does the flat-sided logs much as you described (Montana-Idaho Log Homes). And there is a company Bear Creek Timberwrights that does beautiful timber framing whose main office is located in our area.
www.bearcreektimber.com
I will be very frank in saying I am not one of those people who value a view more than an oak, especially one of a venerable age and one so obviously important to local habitat.
Consider that one of the aspects of this area that drew you to it may well be these trees. You are only going to be visiting this site part time in your life, but the landscape and habitat you impact are going to feel it 24/7 365 days out of the year forever. Be flexible in your thinking and give careful consideration to how you might design your dream home to co-exist with the natural lay of the land. Many of the best and most beautiful homes we have seen have been unique in their design as they have blended and molded with what is around them, rather than removing growth first and then trying to "recreate nature" later. Give it some thought.
We have had many friends or clients who have tried radiant floor heat and heat pumps in their homes. Curiously, not a single one has been happy with it. The complaints have primarily been a stable but unsatisfying warmth; i.e., no true "cuddly, warm" spot. And the expense (installation and usage). This could be a local issue.
Which lake are you on?
I also love the wood. I wanted to go with wood wainscoating inside, but financial reality overruled that choice. I did win the wood floor choice. I opted for pine (yes, everyone told me I was insane) as I wanted the old style farm look. We laid 1"X6" tng. Hand sanded it and hand oiled it. Turned out beautiful. We live in our house...it is not a show place with no wear. So I don't fuss about the natural "distressed" finish that appears with age and time. It was also dirt cheap: 61 cents/sq ft.
Metals has it dead on: "Be forewarned, it will be very challenging, and there will be moments you want to break something, or light it on fire... But the end result is always rewarding." Whereas I have never wanted to light it on fire, there were moments...
Sylvia
P.S. Picture is looking out our front door. Bitterroot Range in the Rocky Mountains.