As for laminates, first I think they look out of character in old
houses,

?

second these old places normally only need a few planks
replacing here and there to get a good sound floor,

but matching them is a nightmare

and 3rd laminate
will look knackered after a while,

Well, what's a while? They'll probably outlast quite a few of us and they
can always be taken up leaving the original floors to show - just as carpets
can.

whereas a trad floor will last a
century.

But how many of us will?

In fact, how many houses will?

Mary