There are a few dozen families that add bursts of glitter to the kaleidoscopic and colorful history of ours. I’m not certain if it is my travel reviews or an unusual event between two families that got me to reconnect with Ms. Helga de Silva Blow Perera – the proprietress and creator of Helga’s Folly – an interior design maze found amidst the cool hills of Kandy and nestled at the brim of a hilltop. I had the good fortune to enjoy a tête-à-tête with Madam Helga, but before I dive into any of the insightful conversation, I must tell you about this place.
During my own investigations I was warned “the place is fabulously interesting but it’s not for the faint hearted” so at that moment I knew it had my name written all over it. The ensuing research led me to believe it would be everything I wanted it to be.
The entrance promises that what is contained within the boundaries of the estate will be out of the ordinary and the explosion of colour that meets you at the door bears testimony to it.
At first you are stunned, then awe struck and finally your inquiring mind makes a bold entrance – the patterns, the art, the paintings, the mirrors, candle wax and fabric compete for your attention that is swift to be caught by historic photographs, articles and cultural artifacts and thus begins the journey into what seems like an exercise in creative expression.
Yet another defining feature of the estate is the courtesy so readily extended to you by the host’s staff. They are well mannered, polite and well informed. All uniformly clad in red.
There is much to be said about the history to this place and it’s best articulated by the already published information sheet you are handed out. You will find a reproduction of it here.
I was then escorted to the upper chamber of the property where you have several books, with sitting areas and dining facilities.
OH! I should have set the tone to all of this by requesting you to turn on the gramophone to 1930’s music.
As for the art, you must experience it for yourself. There is little I can say for its appeal lies in the eyes of the beholder. The emotions it communicates pendulums between passion, ecstasy, love and fury so you will have to make your own assumptions. But what I will do is tell you answers to three questions I posed to my host.
What is there dream and where does the passion come from? What are your future plans for Helga’s Folly and where did it begin?
Madam Helga chose to amalgamate the questions and answer them thus.
“I was in a difficult, dark place in my life. It was my father who gave me the inspiration to express my emotions through my art. This was our family home and I was lucky to have a free hand.
Over here is the room I was almost born in” she said pointing to a large room thickly decorated. My intention is to run it as it is, and as it has always been a family home – a nursery of imagination if you like. My expressions of art have many sources. Much of it emotion and I like to mix up the pedigrees. I am often asked what the theme is and I always reply saying that akin to life Helga’s Folly has no theme.
I like and feel humbled that many travelers and guests going through a ‘dark’ time find refuge here, and ‘paint out’ as I suggest they do, which they find liberating’.
Helga’s Folly is blessed with an epic provenance from the outset. Walls are adorned with newspaper clippings, poignant photographs, hastily scribbled verses and hastily scribbled verses. They all tell the story of the house, which was designed by Madam Helga’s mother in the 30’s who was a student of the Bauhaus movement. Madam Helga’s father Frederick de Silva was the son of political icons The Rt Hon George De Silva credited with help securing Sri Lanka’s Independence, and Agnes Nel De Silva credited for helping gain Women’s Rights. Aunt Minnette de Silva described as Asia’s first woman architect. Her aunt Marcia De Silva De Vigier the authoress, and of course the ‘Rt Hon Sir Desmond De Silva, the extravagant and flamboyant barrister known as football’s best defender, and who specialized in bringing justice to War Crime Criminals around the world.
She had many wonderful things to say about her staff some who haven’t even painted the property and been with the family up to 47 years in service.
I also had the opportunity to briefly speak with an arts student, a live in volunteer here to do a sculpture in celebration of the life of Ms. de Silva’s brother QC Desmond de Silva. A knighted pride of Ceylon. She had poignant things to say about selecting a lion to represent all that he was. Sadly, he had passed away in England just a few months prior to my visit. But evidence of his countenance and his work is all over to be read.
Housekeeping rules are simple. There is plenty of accommodation, even a family room, a pool and a courtyard and the meals are served promptly and I opted to have authentic local vegetarian food which I found to be delightful. The lemon rice and the tamarind rice in particular were my favorites. On the ramp to the property is a bird’s eye view of Kandy and a morning walk down the hill will do you well. The tropical fruit is sun kissed and the accompaniments to your meals are unusual. For I had a glass of local tonic instead of wine and found it quite interesting.
The services are paid for in dollar terms and its enchanting surroundings are yours to revel in. If you are coming – call ahead and make sure the staff know any special needs you may have and bring an opened mind with you.
However, if you are thinking of coming to Helga’s Folly, please check their website: Helgasfolly.com – it is an ART hotel, with some island history. HF is NOT a boutique hotel as such, or a starred emporium, it is a Sri Lankan home, overlooking the Temple of the Tooth, lake, magnificent mountain scenery and flanked by jungle. If expecting a regular hotel experience, best look elsewhere, there are many, many hotels in Kandy.
Leisure Property Review by Tanya Goonewardene