Thanks already for the numerous tips! Of course, it is entirely true that I perhaps shouldn't insist on an air-to-water heat pump. I just want to keep it as sustainable as possible (since we already have a climate) and completely avoid fossil fuels. Gas is also out of the question. But wood, of course, is acceptable somewhere. In general, you can surprisingly well find firewood here in the countryside if you browse through eBay Classifieds. From what I’m learning here about renovation, it would also be an option to look for something really dilapidated that can be torn down to then build a new house. That would be easier in many respects. For example, I found a property around 165k, a reasonably large plot, and according to the ad "almost isolated" – I was already enchanted but then saw that there is a campsite 600m as the crow flies, and I quickly filed it away. :D But generally – larger area in a secluded location for demolition and rebuilding would probably be more like it. What can you roughly expect for demolition costs for an old building?