LONG BRANCH, N.J. – James and Linda Baratta recently gave their weekend getaways a permanent address at Beachfront North, the new oceanfront community featuring a resort-like atmosphere and a convenient Monmouth County location in Long Branch, N.J.

            "We loved the whole set-up of the community," notes Linda.  "Being able to get away on the weekends and be on the oceanfront is a totally different feeling from our usual work week."

            Residents of the 104 multi-level townhomes and 179 single-level condominiums of Beachfront North enjoy such private amenities as a luxury two-story clubhouse and outdoor swimming pool and spa, as well as the convenience of being able to walk to a number of exciting local attractions. 

            "It's incredibly convenient," adds Linda.  "We like to come as many weekends as possible to enjoy events like the recent jazz festival.  And with Pier Village opening so close by, we will probably start coming even more often," she says, referring to the new pedestrian-friendly development opening just down the promenade with a wide array of boutique stores, restaurants and entertainment venues.    In addition, the nearby oceanside towns of Seagirt and prestigious Spring Lake boast lovely parks and tended gardens.

On-site, Beachfront North's two-story Ocean Club features a well-equipped fitness center, lounge area, clubroom, reading room with computers and heated outdoor swimming pool and spa -- further enhancing Beachfront North's desirable resort-like lifestyle for both part-time and year-round residents.

The Barattas chose the magnificent Esplanade townhome model which boasts an airy three-levels of living with four bedrooms and 3 ˝ lavishly finished baths. The design features a soaring three-story circular stairway, charming porch, gourmet kitchen with breakfast nook, and sumptuous master suite.

"Right after purchasing our home, we walked out and said that it was the best and most organized closing we ever experienced," says Linda.

"Matzel and Mumford took care of everything and the post-closing care was incredible.  And their design center offering the latest finishes and color selections was great."

Beachfront North's townhomes –- called The Bluffs -- features a variety of distinctive designs with three and four bedrooms and from 2,600 to over 3,300 square feet of living space.  Pre-construction prices range from the $800,000s to over $2 million.

The community's single-level condominium homes –- called The Grand Resorts -- features a collection of one-to-three bedroom designs with up to two baths and from 1,075 to nearly 2,100 square feet of living space at pre-construction prices starting in the upper-$400,000s. A number of ocean view homes have just been released for sale with prices beginning in the $700,000's.

Located in three elevator-access buildings, the residences include formal living rooms, open kitchens and a luxurious master bedroom with an oversized bath.  One enclosed parking space with elevator access comes with each home, as does a private balcony.

For more information on Beachfront North, please call (732) 870-0400

To visit Beachfront North, take the Garden State Parkway to exit 105.  Proceed on Route 36 east to end and make a right on Ocean Blvd.  Follow south for .5 miles to North Broadway and make a jughandle/u-turn, taking Ocean Blvd north. Make an immediate right on Madison Ave. and follow to the Sales and Information Center.

Matzel and Mumford is a K. Hovnanian company.