A couple who purchased a mansion for £32.5 million can return the property and receive a substantial portion of their funds back, following the discovery of a “serious moth infestation,” according to a ruling by a High Court judge.
Iya Patarkatsishvili and Yevhen Hunyak successfully filed a lawsuit against the seller, William Woodward-Fisher, after the judge determined that he failed to disclose the moth issue during the pre-contract inquiries.
The court was informed that Ms. Patarkatsishvili, 41, and Dr. Hunyak, 51, encountered moths in their wine glasses, on their toothbrushes, and within their clothing, leading to the disposal of some damaged items, after acquiring Horbury Villa in Ladbroke Grove in May 2019.
The hearing revealed that Mr. Woodward-Fisher, 68, made “fraudulent misrepresentations” by asserting he was unaware of any vermin infestation or hidden defects associated with the property.
Unbeknownst to them, there was a “serious” moth infestation within the insulation, which had been documented in at least two pest control reports prior to the transaction.
In his testimony, Mr. Woodward-Fisher claimed he was advised that moths did not constitute vermin.
