For many people, there is no substitute for period romance in the form of rickety sash windows and walls 5ft thick; for others the convenience of ultra-modern high-tech homes is the ultimate in good living. Fortunately there is a website to satisfy every taste:

Period or listed properties Whether you just want to learn a bit more about old building techniques, or you fancy getting your hands dirty, go to the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings’ website. A brilliant resource for owners of historical buildings, www.spab.org.uk has loads of videos, Q&As and advice. www.periodproperty.co.uk also offers guides on a diverse range of subjects (wattle daubing, anyone?) as well as property listings. And for an extra dollop of practical information on grants and loans, maintenance and insurance, also check out www.listedpropertyownersclub.co.uk

Georgian The most hankered-after period of housing is Georgian. Whether you can afford one or not, pore over porticos and parapets at www.georgianproperty.com . A charitable estate agency, it is owned and run by the Georgian Group, an architectural preservation society (www.georgiangroup.org.uk ).

Victorian For directories of useful books, courses and other resources go to www.victorian-society.org.uk . Unfortunately, there is only very limited information available online.

New homes All those restoration guides putting you off? Search for draught-free, light-filled, brand spanking new homes here: newhomesforsale.co.uk and smartnewhomes.co.uk

lucia.adams@timesonline.co.uk

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