Here is a rare example of a French Norman -- or French Normandy -- home. There has never been an example of this historic style on the Home Tour. French Norman was one of the revival home styles that was popular between World War I and World War II. However, it was built in far fewer numbers than the more widespread Tudor Revival style. A typical French Norman feature is a tower with a conical roof through which one enters the house. The present-day owners of this 1929 home have done a superb job of restoring it. Owners: Karen and Nick Burcher.

During the Home Tours, you are greeted at the door of each house by a volunteer docent. There are more docents inside the houses to answer questions about the home, its history or its features.

This is an example of a Tudor Revival home. Soldiers returned from World War I brought back an appreciation for the picturesque homes of England, and this style was very popular in the 1920s. This particular example was built in 1928 and has the typical front-facing gables and half-timbered walls of the style. The owners have done a beautiful job of restoring the house. It has a wonderful basement workshop. And the rear garden is gorgeous. Owners: Gabrielle and Joe Martinson.

During the home tours, you will encounter antique or classic automobiles parked in front of the homes. Several car clubs in the area, and several car owners in Martinez, loan their beautiful vehicles to the Home Tour for the day. Paul Kraintz, himself an antique car owner, organizes the cars for the Home Tour.

Very few houses were built during World War II, but this 1943 example was an exception to the general rule. Built in the Minimal Traditional style, It is deceptively simple on the outside. But on the inside, it has been superbly updated by its owner who has downsized from an estate home in Alhambra Valley to this very cute retirement bungalow. All who have seen this house agree that it is has a well-planned interior which has been beautifully furnished and decorated. Owner: Kathleen Grimoldi.

This bungalow was constructed in 1924. The builder at the time included some Spanish Revival elements such as the arched entrance to the porch (with medallions on either side) and an arch over the front window (with a swag above). The present-day owners have played up the Spanish theme with cactus and succulents in the front yard, terra cotta planters and doors painted a cheerful blue. A thoroughly modern touch is a solar power system which is not visible from the street, but which produces so much electricity that the electric meter often runs backward. Owners: Fernando and Lisa Villalba.

An interior decorator and her contractor husband own this home. The eclectic interior houses the furnishings, many unique, that the couple have collected over the years -- and include period reproductions from Maitland-Smith. The exterior of the home is typical of the California Ranch Style houses that were built in large numbers after World War II, particularly in our state. This style of home has not been represented on the Home Tour before, but appeals to many Millenials who are attracted to the retro look. This example, constructed in 1956, is now 62 years old. Owners: Patty and Tim McLoughlin.

During the home tours, you are entertained by local musicians at several of the houses. This is guitarist Scotty O'Neill.

This 1929 home is an example of the Storybook Style home. It is a restrained example of the style whereas some of the more extreme examples look like Hansel and Gretal's cottage. This particular house was designed by Bay Area architect, Walter W. Dixon, who was prominent in the 1920s. This house was on the Home Tour eight years ago. But it now has a new owner, a warmly decorated interior, lovely antique furniture, and additional Storybook elements such as a new front door in the Storybook style. And the cottage garden in front has so changed the appearance of the exterior that it doesn't seem like the same house that was on the earlier 2010 Tour. Owner: Zoe Ann Carpenter.

Each year, the Historical Society places a "public building" on the Historic Home Tour in addition to the private homes. The year, the public building will be the St. Catherine of Siena Church and School. There will be docents stationed in both buildings during the Tour who look forward to sharing the history of both structures with you. The Church itself is a stucco building (not brick) that was constructed in 1940 to replace the previous wood-framed structure built in 1868.

The interior of St. Catherines has a splendid array of stained glass windows. Most of these windows were donated by Martinez families and organizations. The Gothic ceiling in the Church is particularly impressive also. As is the extensive collection of statuary in the building.

Adjacent to the Church is the St Catherine of Siena Parochial School. During the Tour, you will be able to visit class rooms in the school and speak to parents and teachers. The school has been educating students in Martinez since 1949. It is highly regarded, well certified and, though smaller than it used to be, has very small class sizes that allow for a great deal of teacher/pupil interaction.

The Martinez Refining Company Clubhouse (formerly the Shell Clubhouse) is the starting point for all Tours. There are rest rooms inside and there is plenty of parking outside. Complimentary water or coffee is available. The Clubhouse was built in 1937. It has a great Arts & Crafts interior of natural wood. Location: 1635 Pacheco Boulevard in Martinez.

The Diablo Regional Concert Band will be playing for you at the MRC Clubhouse this year. This is the reason that the theme of this year's Home Tour is "Strike Up the Band." The Band is a self-supporting, all-volunteer organization. If you would like more information about the Band, please call Cora Martens at (925)451-6222.

The Band has been an institution in Martinez since first forming in 1910 as the Martinez Liberty Band. To learn more about the Band, please click here.

Inside the Clubhouse you will find booths and displays set up for the day. This year you will see a Jack London exhibit set up by Kevin Murray. Jack was a California author and journalist known for his adventure books such as The Call of the Wild (1903) and White Fang (1906). Jack was born in San Francisco and often sailed his boat up and down the Carquinez Strait past Martinez.

The Shell Oil Museum is behind the parking lot of the former Shell Clubhouse (now the MRC Clubhouse) parking lot. It depicts the history of oil refining in Martinez -- beginning with the construction of the Refinery in 1915. The Museum is staffed with docents who are retired Shell employees. They open this Museum for the Home Tour visitors.

The Martinez Museum is also open during the Tours. It is the home of the Martinez Historical Society. This year, Martinez received its first semi-professional baseball team, the Martinez Clippers, who are playing games in the new baseball field in Waterfront Park. In conjunction with the establishment of the team, the Museum has a new exhibit entitled Play Ball which will be on the floor through September.

When the Home Tour takes place, there will be a new exhibit at the Martinez Museum for you to see. In anticipation of the November elections, the volunteers at the Museum will set up an exhibit entitled Politics and Patriots. Pictured above is presidential candidate JFK (John Fitzgerald Kennedy) on a whistle-stop Tour of the United States by train in 1960.

Did you know that the Local History Library in Martinez is housed in the back of the Martinez Museum? Among the Library holdings are the albums containing the photos of all the homes on the previous 11 home tours. The many photos in the albums include the home exteriors, interiors and garden. They are a great resource for someone planning a remodel of their own home. To learn more about the Museum, check out its Facebook page.

On the grounds of the John Muir National Historic Site is the 1849 Vicente Martinez adobe. This Monterey Style adobe, dating from before statehood in 1850, houses the largest existing display on the 1775/1776 De Anza Expedtion which founded the presedio (a fortified military settlement) and the mission of San Francisco. To learn more about the Adobe and the De Anza Expedition, please click here.

And did you want to pick up discounted tickets for the Home? If you visit the Martinez Historical Society booth at the Sunday Farmers Market on Main Street, you can purchase tickets for $20.00 instead of $25.00 (or $30.00 on the day of the event).