High Court Rules in Favor of Georgian Billionaire's Daughter in Notting Hill Moth Infestation Case
Iya Patarkatsishvili and Dr. Yevhen Hunyak awarded compensation after discovering extensive moth infestation in their £32.5m home.
Iya Patarkatsishvili, the daughter of Georgian billionaire Badri Patarkatsishvili, and her husband Dr. Yevhen Hunyak, have won a significant compensation case concerning their purchase of a luxury property in Notting Hill, London.
The couple acquired the seven-bedroom Horbury Villa in May 2019 for £32 million.
Shortly after moving in, they discovered a severe moth infestation that allegedly originated from the home's insulation, which they claimed had not been disclosed by the seller, William Woodward-Fisher.
Reports indicate that the infestation led to notable damage to their clothing, with the couple claiming to have been dealing with around 100 moths daily at the peak of the problem.
Dr. Hunyak testified in court that moths invaded their children’s toothbrushes, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The High Court heard that the couple had visited the property at least eleven times prior to purchase.
However, they argue they were misled about the condition of the home regarding pest problems.
Woodward-Fisher admitted to not having intentionally deceived the couple but indicated he hoped the issue had resolved itself as he sought to complete the sale.
The court ruled that Woodward-Fisher must reimburse the purchase price minus £6 million, accounting for the period the couple used the property.
In addition to the purchase refund, he has been ordered to pay £4 million in damages for the cost of remedial work, along with reimbursement of stamp duty and around £15,000 for damaged garments.
Legal representation for the couple, represented by Chris Webber from Squire Patton Boggs, remarked that the case serves as a warning to property developers concerning the disclosure of known defects during property transactions.
Iya Patarkatsishvili is the daughter of Badri Patarkatsishvili, a prominent businessman who relocated to the UK in 2000 after becoming estranged from the Kremlin amid political turmoil.
He passed away in 2018 due to heart failure.
The couple acquired the seven-bedroom Horbury Villa in May 2019 for £32 million.
Shortly after moving in, they discovered a severe moth infestation that allegedly originated from the home's insulation, which they claimed had not been disclosed by the seller, William Woodward-Fisher.
Reports indicate that the infestation led to notable damage to their clothing, with the couple claiming to have been dealing with around 100 moths daily at the peak of the problem.
Dr. Hunyak testified in court that moths invaded their children’s toothbrushes, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The High Court heard that the couple had visited the property at least eleven times prior to purchase.
However, they argue they were misled about the condition of the home regarding pest problems.
Woodward-Fisher admitted to not having intentionally deceived the couple but indicated he hoped the issue had resolved itself as he sought to complete the sale.
The court ruled that Woodward-Fisher must reimburse the purchase price minus £6 million, accounting for the period the couple used the property.
In addition to the purchase refund, he has been ordered to pay £4 million in damages for the cost of remedial work, along with reimbursement of stamp duty and around £15,000 for damaged garments.
Legal representation for the couple, represented by Chris Webber from Squire Patton Boggs, remarked that the case serves as a warning to property developers concerning the disclosure of known defects during property transactions.
Iya Patarkatsishvili is the daughter of Badri Patarkatsishvili, a prominent businessman who relocated to the UK in 2000 after becoming estranged from the Kremlin amid political turmoil.
He passed away in 2018 due to heart failure.
