Image: Horbury Villa – Google Maps

In a recent high-profile case, a billionaire couple has successfully won a refund after purchasing a £32.5 million mansion in Notting Hill, London, which turned out to be infested with moths. The couple, Iya Patarkatsishvili and her husband Yevhen Hunyak, bought the seven-bedroom Horbury Villa in May 2019, only to discover a severe moth infestation shortly after moving in.

Within days of settling into their new home, Patarkatsishvili and Hunyak began noticing moths flying around and landing on their cutlery. The infestation was so severe that moths were found in their clothes, wine glasses, and even on their toothbrushes. The couple had to swat away hundreds of moths daily.

The couple accused the seller, property developer William Woodward-Fisher, of knowingly concealing the moth infestation. Evidence presented in court revealed that Woodward-Fisher had been aware of the issue since early 2018 but failed to disclose it during the sale. He argued that he had been informed moths were not considered vermin and thus not relevant to disclose.

A UK High Court judge ruled in favour of Patarkatsishvili and Hunyak, ordering Woodward-Fisher to refund much of the house’s cost, minus £6 million for the time the couple lived there. Additionally, the judge awarded the couple £4 million in damages, including £15,000 for moth-damaged clothes and £3.7 million paid in stamp duty.

The case serves as a warning to property developers and other sellers who might attempt to conceal defects from buyers. The ruling underscores the importance of transparency and honesty in conveyancing transactions.

Horbury Villa, built in the mid-1800s and extensively remodelled, spans 11,000 square feet and features luxurious amenities such as a pool, spa, cinema, and gym. Despite its grandeur, the severe moth infestation rendered it uninhabitable for the couple. This case highlights the critical need for thorough inspections and disclosures in property sales, ensuring buyers are fully informed about potential issues before making significant investments.

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