Why is the outside/inside so dark?

For me, Henford on Bagley is dark, particularly in the winter time. The sunset is very early, and it is usually overcast. I assume it is intentional, and set to mimic British weather. It is a little much for me, and I find that it leaves me feeling a bit depressed. The other worlds do not seem to have changed any. I will check out the afore-mentioned mods. I am a quarter way through winter and it has yet to snow. I really want to see what it looks like in the snow.