MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J. –- For Steven and Lisa Savino, the search for a new home began more than three years ago after the couple decided they needed a larger home for their growing family. As an architect, Steven was certainly in a unique position to examine a variety of elements and features in new homes that might otherwise go unnoticed by a typical buyer. After countless disappointments, the couple found the ideal home at The Highlands at Monroe, the new Matzel & Mumford single-family home community being developed in highly-desirable Monroe Township.

"With two young sons, we just needed a larger home that included a family room and a study for my home office," said Steven, who's been living with his wife in Manalapan for 12 years. "We definitely wanted to stay in the area. We began looking at resales, but the costs of renovations brought their prices at or above new-construction homes. So we started looking at a number of different builders and communities."

Visits to numerous model homes and reviews of floorplans often left Steven questioning the thought process that went into the designs.

"They just weren't well-conceived at all," the architect notes. "It was as if some of the rooms were designed without any thought of where the furniture might go. Matzel & Mumford's designs, however, were obviously well thought out."

After considering a number of different Matzel & Mumford communities, the couple decided on The Highlands at Monroe.

"We like this location which is convenient to the Turnpike, shortening Steven's commute to work in Staten Island," explains Lisa. "We're also happy to be in a Blue Ribbon School District.

The Savinos selected the community's popular Chesterfield design, and are delighted with the number of included features "There's a sitting room in the master bedroom, a beautiful master bath, crown molding, and oak treads on the stairwells all included in our new home," Lisa points out, noting that these were considered upgrades at other communities.

"Matzel & Mumford also has a Design Center where you can pick from a variety of additional personal choices."

The Savinos are scheduled to move into their new home in September, 2002, just in time to enroll their children in the upcoming school year.

Priced from the high $400,000s, The Highlands at Monroe offers award-winning designs with several traditional exterior treatments brightened by huge windows and made dramatic by soaring vertical spaces. The homes offer four or five bedrooms, up to 3-1/2 baths, 2,900 to 3,675 square feet of well-planned living space, a full basement and a two-car garage. A selection of "Express-Delivery" homes are currently available with August and October occupancy dates.

An impressive array of architectural features can be found throughout the community's homes, including dramatic two-story entry foyers, volume ceilings in several living areas -- including the impressive master suites and baths -- Gourmet kitchens featuring center islands and separate breakfast nooks, sunken family rooms with a wood-burning fireplace, available secondary staircases, and studies with attractive bay windows.

The Highlands is located on one of the most scenic properties in Monroe. Set up high on a knoll, the property is adjacent to an extensive wooded area and offers a terrific sense of privacy.