Just spit balling here, how much would you expect to pay to build a 2500' cabin on a hill top? Possibly a log cabin.
I know it depends on many factors like quality of materials, plumbing, electric, etc. But roughly speaking would you pay the same to build a house as to buy a similar house? We can do many of the basic things but I won't touch plumbing or most electrical.
We'd want to keep it simple and an open floor plan, probably 4 bedrooms and a loft, walkout basement.
So many factors there, location not being the smallest of those. It is really hard to say. But a few things I can say to consider based on the one I bought:
-Availability of builders and contractors in rural areas will drive you mad unless you can ride herd over them and be there to have eyes on them. Things you wouldn't consider at first (like, its hunting season out here in the mountains so guys just simply don't show up to work until they are done getting their hunting fix in).
-Once you find a good builder/contractor, etc, talk to them about who they recommend to work other services. "Hey plumber, who would you think would be a good guy to run some electric?" These guys in these more remote areas all know one another and they know who is good and not.
-If you are truly building in the REAL woods, wildlife area: Give a TON of thought to the fact that you are now the guest in Mother nature's land. That means, think about the building requirements to deter termites, squirrels, rats, snakes,...lady BUGS and wasps! Then build accordingly. DOn't skimp. Seal those roof structures and roof lines and ground entry points and clear that land so you aren't building condos for raccoons and opossums, etc. If your'e building a log cabin, know the pests in the area so you know what material is a death sentence and which will hod up to your hot, dry, moist, etc area.
-It cost money but two words: TIN/metal roof. Okay, maybe that's three words but do it. If you're truly in the woods, the protection against falling trees, blown wildfire cinders, moss, critters, high winds. You will thank me somewhere down the road.
-Simple layout is very good, I agree. Especially when your'e thinking about heating/cooling and relation to remoteness and possible outages. Most cabins have a fire place in some capacity and a fire place is worth its weight in gold (even a propane one...actually, I prefer it for a few reasons).
-Depending on area, the walkout basement may be an issue you want to consider. Unless you are living there full time, are you prepared to concern yourself with flooding, the easier access to humans and critters, etc? Just a thought.
-Get to know your neighbors (even if they are a mile or 5 away). This is just my limited experience based on one experience but it is very helpful and enriches the experience greatly.
Hope this helps, OZ.