MORRISTOWN, N.J. –- For Diane and Richard Picciuto, shopping, dining out, catching a movie or even picking up a video often meant driving from their home in Randolph to Morristown, where the couple relished the neighborhood atmosphere and numerous conveniences.

With a number of friends living in and around the historic Morris County city, the Picciutos also found most of their social gatherings taking place there as well.

It seemed only natural then for the couple, former Morristown residents themselves, to move back into the city that offered them so much, a decision that would lead them to Morris Place, the new townhome community being developed by Matzel and Mumford here.

"It seems like everything we do is east of Randolph," Diane says with a laugh. "We've always loved Morristown and feel that it is an ideal location."

With their children grown and out of the house and their professional careers keeping them busy, the Picciutos wanted to move into a townhome community that would offer them the advantages of a maintenance-free lifestyle.

"We liked the idea of remaining in a townhome community, but once again location was the key in our decision to purchase a new home at Morris Place," points out Diane, who's an Executive Director for a non-profit organization in Cedar Knolls.

"I'll now have a convenient, three-mile commute to work. We also appreciate the community's proximity to Routes 24 and 287, as well as the train station which is just a stone's throw away. Richard is an avid New York Rangers fan and a season ticket holder, so we go into the city a lot. The Mid-town Direct train certainly makes that more convenient."

The Picciutos selected Morris Place's elegant Washington design for its spacious layout and well-conceived floorplan.

"There's a good flow throughout the first floor and we love the large master bedroom," Diane points out. "We also think the loft is very versatile space, and like having the laundry area on the bedroom level."

The Picciutos plan to move into their new home this summer.Morris Place features 76 townhomes with two distinctive two-bedroom designs at pre-construction prices from the mid-$300,000s.

The townhomes are located 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.

Spacious floorplans offer from 1,535 to 1,762 square feet of living space, two bedrooms, 2 ˝ baths, a private sitting room within the master bedroom, a one-car garage on the ground level and a host of upscale appointments, according to Richard Selikoff, Matzel and Mumford's Vice President of Marketing and Sales.

The Washington, offering 1,762 square feet of living space, is notable for its second-story loft overlooking the living and dining area and a luxurious master-bedroom suite with a deck, walk-in closet and lavish bath. 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.

The Matzel & Mumford Organization is a K. Hovnanian Company.