Buy a security system with 4 or more cameras along with solar powered motion lights. Put up signs announcing that the place is under video surveillance. Put burglar bars on windows, and a screen door with the same. Don't put in French doors as they're extremely easy to break in from.

Thanks! Security cameras are definitely a consideration. They can maybe help identify someone after the fact. I am hoping to use designs in the construction that will make it too much effort and maybe they pass it by altogether. I hate the thought of burglar bars obstructing the view. I was hoping a "barn door" sliding cover that would go over the actual door, and any first floor window being high would make getting in a challenge.

We had the misfortune of finding out that the guy two doors down broke into our neighbor's house on the other side of us on Christmas eve. Our neighbor chased him to his driveway where he claimed he was working in his garage. The neighbor's garage window where he got in is quite low to the ground.

Then about 2 weeks later our neighbor told us that the side door to the garage looked lik someone tried to break it out with a punch, and of course we all assume it's the same burglar neighbor. All we can figure is that the guy hid something in their garage and needs to retrieve it, but we don't know what.

Because of all this we upgraded to a 4 camera security system with signs announcing it, added more motion lights and are locking our front gate when we think of it. We're also installing a deadbolt on our side garage door, and have the automatic garage door turned off as we don't use it. We've notified a lot of the neighbors about the situation so they can be on the lookout for this guy.

One good way to find ways to secure your home is to check out prepping sites.

My favorite passive security system is an infrared motion sensing camouflage "deer camera", available at the big box sporting goods stores. Holds up to 3000 pics, videos in multiple program modes. Granted, an intruder could spot it and remove it, but mine successfully busted 2 perps in broad daylight, camera in plain sight.

Local law enforcement told me they were the best pics they've ever seen of a home burglary in progress. Perps arrested and did time. Best $122 I ever spent. Not a preventative measure, but a good tool to have after the fact.

A safe would be a great place to keep any valuables or guns while away. Make sure to choose a high security rating and bolt it down! This will definitely help give you piece of mind while away. Here is a link that can help you determine what is right for you...

http://www.brownsafe.com/categories/faq/SafeSelectionHelper.htm

That's an idea. Contemplating putting one inside a hidden closet behind a false wall inside a closet.
I'd also like ideas how I could make it hard to get into to start with as well. Already planning ground floor windows to be high enough that climbing in would require a ladder on the uphill side, and contemplating functional shutters or something like that
I'm for the bluff side.

Good suggestions above.
You want the video cameras to be in plain sight. If the trespassers see them they should think twice and move on (may be not though, for stupid criminals are the ones in jail :) ) And in case the power goes out should run on a battery. As far as ground level windows a garden window may deter them.
Leave a light on inside the house (A porch light is good also but with house dark it says nobody is home), and leave your other car in driveway.

Landscaping can also deter thieves and escaping teens. I still hate rose bushes and evergreen type ground covers.

A rose bush i like. If it's anything ours, those thorns are a good deterant, i.e. i'm not going to walk thru our rose bush any time soon. Not too good looking though in winter, but a beauty in warmer months. Is there an evergreen with thorns that flowers in warm months ? THX to anyone who knows

The best security is to build in an area where you don't need security. Location is everything.