Iya Patarkatsishvili, the daughter of a Georgian billionaire, is seeking over £36 million in compensation after a moth infestation destroyed her luxury mansion in Notting Hill, London.
The insects, she claims, not only ruined her expensive clothes but also contaminated her food and wine.
A Luxury Home Turns Into a Nightmare
Patarkatsishvili and her husband, Dr. Yevhen Hunyak, bought the property for £32.5 million in May 2019, hoping it would be their dream home.
The mansion, featuring a pool, spa, gym, wine room, and cinema, was everything they wanted.
However, shortly after moving in, they noticed a serious problem—moths.
The infestation worsened rapidly, with moths landing on their toothbrushes, cutlery, and food.
The situation became so overwhelming that Dr. Hunyak had to swat away up to 100 moths daily.
Despite efforts to resolve the issue with sprays and expert treatments, the pests continued to be a nuisance.
Even now, Dr. Hunyak says he still encounters up to 35 moths a day.
A Lawsuit Against the Seller
The couple has filed a lawsuit against the former owner of the property, William Woodward-Fisher, a high-end property developer and former Team GB rower.
They accuse him of fraudulently misrepresenting the condition of the home or failing to disclose previous moth issues.
Their claim, which has reached London’s High Court, seeks to force Woodward-Fisher to buy back the property and cover all their expenses, totaling over £36 million.
Woodward-Fisher denies any wrongdoing, asserting that he provided truthful answers about the home’s condition and that any moth issues had been resolved before the sale.
He also contends that the estimated costs to remedy the infestation have been vastly exaggerated.
The Moth Infestation’s Devastating Impact
The couple’s lawyers argue that the source of the infestation lies in the wool insulation behind the walls and ceilings, which became a breeding ground for moth larvae.
They claim the insects caused extensive damage, including £50,000 worth of ruined clothes, and insist that the only solution is to replace the wool insulation, which could cost around £9.6 million.
In contrast, Woodward-Fisher’s defense team argues that the estimated repair costs are “fantastically high” and that the moth problem was not as severe as the couple claims.
They maintain that it was a minor issue, not a major infestation.
Ongoing Legal Drama
The court proceedings have revealed a tense back-and-forth between the two parties.
Woodward-Fisher’s defense highlights that Patarkatsishvili and Hunyak did not notice any moths during their multiple viewings of the property before purchasing it.
Despite this, the couple insists they were unaware of the infestation and believe they were misled.
Along with their £36 million claim, the couple is also seeking £50,000 for the destruction of their clothes and £3.7 million in stamp duty.
They are also requesting compensation for the inconvenience caused by the infestation and the decreased value of the property.
The Debate Over Moths as ‘Vermin’
One of the most contentious points in the case is whether moths should be considered “vermin” and, therefore, disclosed in the pre-sale enquiry forms.
Woodward-Fisher’s defense argues that moths do not qualify as vermin, so there was no need to mention them.
The judge has yet to rule on the case, but the outcome could set an important legal precedent regarding the definition of vermin and the responsibilities of property sellers.
As the trial continues, all eyes will be on the court’s decision, which could result in a significant financial settlement or a reversal of the sale.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn