Britney Spears is renting an $8 million New Jersey house.

The singer and her sons, three-year-old Sean Preston and Jayden James, two, will live in the mansion in Alpine for a month, with her record label Jive footing the $30,000 bill.

A source told Life and Style Weekly magazine: "Britney wanted a home away from home while she was on tour, especially for the boys - something close to Manhattan. They talked about Long Island, but she wanted something closer that could feel like home for Sean and Jayden."

Property broker Dennis McCormack described the property as a quiet hideaway in an exclusive neighbourhood.

He said: "It's very spacious, so there's lots of room for her kids to run around and play. The colonial-style home has seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms and two half baths.

"It has an understated elegance, with high ceilings and lots of bright light."

It is believed Britney was attracted to the area because residents are used to seeing A-list stars.

A source said: "Jive president Barry Weiss has set up celebrities at the house before. It's a gorgeous neighborhood with big sprawling houses.

"Diddy has a house in Alpine, and Chris Rock and Mary J. Blige live nearby. People in the neighborhood are used to having stars there and won't bother her. It's peaceful."

'The Circus Starring Britney Spears' - the 27-year-old singer's first real tour in more than five years - kicked off in March.