As it has for over four decades, this year's South End House Tour will give residents and neighbors a chance to catch an unobstructed glimpse into some of the neighborhood's most coveted abodes.

For $25, members of the public receive a map of six to eight homes open for visits between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 16. The Tour committee only accepts homes that haven't been part of the tour before, or in the last 10 years, in an effort to keep the event fresh, said Executive Director Hope Shannon.

"It's a long process finding people who are willing to be part of the House Tour," she acknowledged. "We usually start actively looking, soliciting and vetting potential owners around the beginning of May."

This year's theme is Past, Present and Future, with each home representing a specified period of time in the evolution of South End reclamation and preservation. According to Tour Coordinator Maryellen Hassell, one of homes on this year's tour is lovingly and precisely recreated in Victorian style, while another features both modern and traditional touches. The tour's "futuristic" house is the first LEED-certified home in the South End, Hassell said, and was recently renovated using green technology.

Some of the homes on tour also have elaborate roof-decks, which will be featured in addition to the interiors.

As always, the South End Historical Society's headquarters in Chester Square will be part of the tour as well. Money raised from the event benefits the Society and contributes greatly to the preservation of the South End as a Victorian Landmark District, said Executive Director Hope Shannon.

"The annual tour is extremely popular and we are fortunate so many members of the Society and friends of the members open their doors to the public to benefit the continuing efforts of the SEHS," she said.

Tickets are $25 in advance and can be purchased via paypal from the SEHS website.  Tickets can also be purchased for $30 on the day of the event at Boston Center for the Arts.