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Plus have learned next house (I will build) will not have any water pipes on the north side..no matter how well it is insulated--you still worry when it drops down below 0. Masonry chimney set into the house not on the ouside wall keeps heat in absorbed in the masonry etc..things you learn from experience. Paint all (primer) 6 sides of a clapboard so will not grab and moisture and peel--especially when insulating heavily. Old houses could breathe more, but then heating costs were less.

I am working on designs for a new house. Interest is low, and I wish wood and roofing were as well. Painting all sides of the clapboard is a good idea.
There is a guy down in Oregon that actually makes wooden windows. They can be triple pane, and I have been thinking of using them on the north side of the house.
The north side is where the view is, so that is where the dinning room and living room will face.
As for heat, I was thinking of one of the new enclosed fireplaces, where you can set up a fan and blow heat into other rooms, and the BunWarmer for the kitchen, or some other sort of stove.
Also I am planting cider apples. May well need something to trade!