Wood Shingle Roofs
If the cottage-in-the-woods, hand-crafted look is what you're after, a wood roof is a big step in that direction. Like asphalt, wood shingles can only be used on roofs with a slope, not flat or extremely shallow roofs. Your roof should have a slope of at least 4 inches for every 12 horizontal inches.
A properly maintained wood roof lasts 20 to 40 years. One drawback: it's not fire resistant.
If you want an even more rustic effect, go for wood shakes, which are split rather than sawn. For best looks and durability, choose grade 1 shingles - they're knot- and sapwood-free.