When designing a house for a rural environment, I think a huge amount of inspiration can come from kit houses.
The first company I always associate with high quality kit homes is the classic Huf Haus (http://www.huf-haus.com). As they put it themselves, "It's about a deep bond with the basic materials of glass and timber, and a clear idea of the value that goes into building" I love their designs, they look so liveable. It's all about space, wood and glass.
Channel4 has a whole section on kit homes (www.channel4.com/4homes/diy-self-build/kit-houses/).
