Category Archives: Sarah & Gerald Murphy

The Murphy’s Villa America

Original Villa America, Antibes, build by Sarah and Gerald Murphy 112, Chemin des Mougins ,Antibes

"In Antibes and Juan-les-Pins. They still lived in a relative autarky: with their group of friends, their gardener, their vegetable garden, two cows for milk for their children , explains Renaud Duménil, writer and journalist, also responsible for the communication to the office Antibes tourism. But they brought a new lifestyle. Gerald was passionate about jazz, and even today, Juan-les-Pins hosts the biggest jazz festival in Europe....
112, chemin des Mougins
Villa America was sold in 1950 for $ 27,000. Fearing memories that have become too cruel, Gerald has settled the sale remotely. He will come back once for a last move: "I came here with gloomy thoughts, prepared to feel unhappy, but no!" He writes to Sara, explaining suddenly finding herself again "gripped by captivating beauty places, the sparkling transparency of the sea, the tall palms " . Continue reading The Murphy’s Villa America

Walk from Villa America to Garoupe Beach

Sarah and Gerald Murphy and their children liked to walk to the Garoupe beach from the house they build nearby 'Villa America' (112 Chemin des Mougins ). Here is a Google map of the walk so you can follow in their footsteps.

When The Murphy's first came to Antibes and discovered the Garoupe beach, they were staying in hotels such as Hotel Du Cap or rented accomodation. The eventually bought a property and renovated it and called it Villa America.

Some popular books on the Murphys. I have recently read "Everybody was so Young" and "Making it New" each of which I highly recommend. "Everybody was so Young" is a comprehensive account of the life and times of the Murphys. "Making it New" examines the evolution of their stylish lifestyle including Gerald's paintings and is a good one to read following the other book.