I also spent several years building my own home. Newt left a mobile home here that I added onto, built over and tore away at. The first addition was a 18' x 30' timber frame structure. I cut all the mortise and tenons and the frame is held together with wooden pegs. I have used some of my glass in the windows, cabinets and drawer pulls.
Some door handles are nicely curved limbs from the local trees.
The house continues to get remodeled a revamped as needs change.