As part of the Ceylon Literary and Art Festival which took place in Kandy on 8th and 9th February, Curado offered a tour of Helga’s Folly.  Well known for its art, the captivating Helga’s Folly is owned by Helga De Silva Blow Perera. The well-subscribed tour provided a walk through Helga’s Folly led by Selina Blow, the daughter of Helga,  the chatelaine of Helga’s Folly. Helga, a former Dior model has a fascinating background.

Helga’s Folly was originally designed by her mother – Esme De Silva – in 1930. The brutalist concrete structure boasts a stunning view. The hotel’s allure lies in the vibrant murals covering every inch of wall space, initiated by Helga in 1988 as a therapeutic response to personal challenges. Guests have included Vivian Leigh, Peter Finch, Sir Laurence Olivier, and Mahatma Gandhi. The hotel’s eclectic decor ranges from a black-painted room to a dining room resembling a cheesy nightclub and another celebrating light and air with delicate baubles.

Helga’s artistic touch has transformed this hotel into a unique and visually eclectic experience. Selina, a UK-based fashion designer gave the guests a detailed explanation of the various art that adorned the walls of the property. She was also joined by Helga who cut an arresting figure wearing a heritage kimono, carrying a bejewelled walking stick while wearing one of her many Philip Tracey hats.

"I have really enjoyed the tour of the place. There is history in almost every inch of this hotel.” ORLANDO EDWARDS

"I am glad that we were invited by Curado and the organisers of the Ceylon Literary and Art Festival. This house has so much history and it was nice to share it all with those interested. We look forward to more visitors.” SELINA BLOW

"I am bowled over by the visual aesthetic of this house and the stories that were related to the people who have visited here. The history of this family is amazing.  A well-put-together tour of a quirky family-run hotel in Kandy” ALNAAS ESUFALLY

"What a sight to behold. Every inch is covered with some sort of art. I have never seen anything like it before. I had heard so much about it and now  I can tick it off my  bucket list.” SAVITRI