MORRISTOWN, N.J. –- Shortly after John and Elaine Burger exchanged their wedding vows, the newlyweds began a search for their first home. Little did they know that it would take two years before that search would end at Morris Place, a new townhome community being developed by Matzel and Mumford in the historic Morris County city of Morristown.

The Burgers' requirements seemed reasonable: a spacious townhome design that offered them more room and a better layout than John's long-time apartment possessed, and a location with both a downtown atmosphere and convenient access to Manhattan. Simple guidelines that were difficult to locate.

"We spent an enormous amount of time looking at older outdated homes that were overpriced for what they offered," recalls John, who noted that they became interested in a townhome community with a maintenance-free environment that suited their hectic professional lifestyle.

"By the time we decided on new construction, it was clear that Morris Place was the perfect, well-located townhome community in Morris County."

The Burgers were immediately attracted to Morris Place's Morristown location, which satisfied all of their needs.

"The beauty of Morristown is that it's almost like a small city and has so much more to offer than the sleepy towns in the county," John says. "We love all of the restaurants and the nightlife. And it's not only close to our offices in East Hanover, but offers convenient midtown direct train service to Manhattan," he said, noting that the couple both work at the same company serving the pharmaceutical industry and spend a great deal of time traveling to New York City.

The Burgers purchased the spacious Washington model at Morris Place for its expansive living areas and well-planned design.

"We particularly loved the master-bedroom suite which offers a separate sitting area, private deck and a large walk-in closet," he said.

Scheduled to move into their new home in early spring, 2003, the Burgers are delighted with the decision they made and have enjoyed the entire process.

"We know it's a good time to buy a new home and feel that there is considerable upside at Morris Place because it's new construction and has a great location," John explains. "We also think it's a great stepping stone for us in establishing equity, and feel that the people at Matzel and Mumford have made it an enjoyable and simple process."

Morris Place offers 76 townhomes in three-story buildings with classic Colonial architecture featuring traditional red brick facades, black roofs and attractive clay siding designed to blend with the historic character of the surrounding area -- located close to George Washington's 1779 Winter Headquarters.

The two-bedroom townhomes offer from 1,535 to 1,762 square feet of living space, a one-car garage on the ground level and a host of upscale appointments. Prices begin in the mid-$300,000s.

The townhomes will be located in seven buildings that are situated around a circular internal road, with some adjacent to Morris Street. The primary access for the community will be an attractive entry with permanent monuments and landscaping opposite Ford Avenue, which will become a signalized intersection.

Two distinctive townhome designs offer two spacious bedrooms, 2 ˝ baths, and a private sitting room within the master bedroom. The Washington, offering 1,762 square feet of living space, is notable for its second-story loft overlooking the living and dining area, and also boasts a kitchen with an eating nook and pantry, and a luxurious master-bedroom suite with a deck, walk-in closet and lavish bath with dual-vanity sinks and separate soaking tub and stall shower.

The Jefferson, offering 1,535 square feet, is a similar design minus the second-story loft. Buyers also enjoy a ground level patio off the living and dining area, as well as a tray ceiling in the dining area.

Both designs feature nine-foot ceilings on the main level, ceramic tile in the kitchens, eating nooks and foyer; 42" kitchen cabinets, self-cleaning ovens, dishwashers and microwaves, and Energy Star heating and cooling systems.

Founded in 1985, The Matzel & Mumford Organization, a K. Hovnanian Company, has built more than 2000 luxury single-family homes and townhomes in more than 50 residential communities throughout New Jersey.