[Lindeggs]

Oooh you're asking all the tricky questions! 

Many people will tell you that your coop doesn't need a window and it will only help predators to see your poor little chickens inside their house!   

My coop does have windows.  I find it helps maximise the amount of daylight the chickens get, especially on short winter days.  It also makes it easy for me to clean out the coop (mine is a walk-in coop made out of a repurposed bus shelter).  My windows are on the north (sunny) side so they keep the inside of the coop warm in winter, but an overhang keeps the sun out in summer.

[Sassy]

They do like a dark nest box though. You mentioned you had considered levelling the area for them. It would not stay level for long! I have large 'pot-holes' in my area where they dustbathe.

[joyfull]

no they don't need any windows 
Remember to put ventilation holes above their head height though to prevent draughts 

[8doubles]

I think the brickie is going to love you if he has green or poop covered stone to work with.
Maybe build a low drystone shelter and roof it to keep the stone cleaner and hens dry.

[AL Hathaway]

No windows are needed hens like it dark and quite when they lay and they only use the coop to sleep so no windows needed and just make sure you have ventilation in the coop

[AL Hathaway]

sorry for the repeat

[Bristol Newbie]

great thanks for the tips, it's progressing slower than I would like.  Busy with work and both neighbours have young kids so I can't do it late.  Should be  done by weekend though