To piggy back: "timber framing" uses 6x6 or larger posts and beams for the structural members of the house and then is cladded over with brick, mud, or other materials to keep out water and air. Although we use still use wood (timber) studs in the form of 2x4s/2x6s, this is usually referred to as "stick framing" because the boards are much smaller. These smaller framing members require more fasteners to hold on claddings ie siding, vapor barriers, etc which means each nail/screw penetrations allows water and air to potentially ruin the house. Stucco and other masonry cladding like brick are naturally porous and water permeable.
Another interesting tid-bit is that while older houses are much draftier and usually less energy efficient, this "airiness" of the house allows them to dry out and avoid rotting. There have been countless class action lawsuits in the US because builders in the 80s and 90s created situations where exterior wall assemblies trapped water against the studs and didn't allow them to dry out in an effort to make the "air tight" and energy efficient.
The brick cladding on old New England style homes either have an air barrier between the brick and wood framing or weeps holes in the mortar to allow water out from behind the brick. This allows them to last much longer.
This is mostly not a matter of construction materials. The oldest houses in New England are all wood frame (much cheaper for the colonists, still is today). As long as you keep the wood dry (maintain the roof and siding), it will last indefinitely.
A lot of homes and construction in the New England area is brick and I bet it will last quite a long time.