It definately needs to be on a hill. The ground is FAR too flat and plain. having it sitting on top of a hill, or on the side of it, should help tremendously. Just, the ground needs alot more bumpiness and variety. Also, the forest need to look like it's creaped up right into the house. Like nobody's done any landscaping…
Well, I'm not sure it's age per se. Here's my rather un-eloquent take on things: For me, I think it's to do with the nature of our medium. But yes, it's surely related to the amount of years spent cooped up rubbing off on you too. Look how many artists in other (more traditional) mediums are perfectly happy beavering away…