West Cobb home captures South Florida lifestyle

When Sheri and Jimmy Monger decided to build in west Cobb County, they had the Sunshine State on their mind.

They knew they would center their white stucco-style home with its tile-like roof around a swimming pool, palm trees and bamboo. While many things were flown in from across the world, their detailed glass door was hand crafted in Smyrna. Since the house is on more than 2 acres, they would have room for their llama, goat and four pigs. The 5-bedroom, 41/2-bath home allows for an abundance of light with windows on nearly every wall.

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Sean Drakes / AJC Special

Jimmy and Sheri Monger capture South Florida living with their airy, contemporary home that is trimmed with bamboo and royal palm trees.

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Sean Drakes/Sean Drakes / AJC Special

A sectional and accessories from Huff Furniture accent the home’s crisp, white interior.

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Why this home? The couple had a residence in Smyrna but said they moved to the west Cobb area in 2001 to take advantage of good schools and a low crime rate. Schools are important now with the recent birth of their daughter, Ava.

“We wanted something unique and different. It’s not your average traditional brick home,” said Jimmy Monger.

Cherished item: Jimmy Monger enjoys spending time in the red-and-black-toned six-seat theater on the lower level. His wife, Sheri, loves her bathtub.

“You spend more time in the bathtub than I do in the theater,” he joked with her.

Decorating style: Sleek, contemporary design with a cool palette appeals to the Mongers and suits the architecture of their home. They used Huff Furniture for nearly all their design choices. The Mongers enjoy a white floor in the living area, but because they used Thassos marble instead of carpet the maintenance is easy.

Coolest feature: Sheri and Jimmy Monger plan much of their entertaining around their outdoor pool area and made sure all family members and guests had easy access.

“The pool opens to all the bedrooms — like the Florida-style homes,” Sheri Monger said.

Heart of the home: Everybody seems to gather in the family room and pool area. “We like to relax by the pool and cook out,” Sheri Monger said.

Past/future project: The Mongers would like to dig a well for the property and finish additional areas of the basement. Jimmy Monger, a retired auto body shop owner, wired his five-car garage to accommodate future electric cars when the home was built.

What makes your house a home? The llama, goat and pigs will provide little Ava with her personal petting zoo. The Mongers love animals and also have a farm in Bartow County. “We weren’t allowed to have animals [growing up,]” Sheri Monger said. They’ve made up for lost time: Their llama is well known in the community and loves to ride in their minivan.