Couple Gets $39 Million Mansion Refund After Horrifying Moth Infestation Discovery
Buying a home is a significant investment for anyone, especially when it involves millions of dollars. It’s a major financial commitment that requires careful planning, due diligence, and a comprehensive inspection process. Ensuring that the property is in top condition is crucial, as buyers deserve to know everything about the state of the property. Unfortunately, some buyers may be blindsided by hidden issues, even in luxurious homes. This was the case for Iya Patarkatsishvili, the daughter of a Georgian billionaire, and her husband, Dr. Yevhen Hunyak, who purchased a $39 million mansion in London, only to discover an infestation that would leave most people horrified. Let’s take a closer look at how this couple’s dream home purchase quickly turned into a living nightmare and how they were ultimately refunded for their misfortune.
A Dream Home Turns into a Nightmare
In 2019, Patarkatsishvili and Dr. Hunyak decided to purchase the Horbury Villa, a grand mansion located in the exclusive Notting Hill area of London. The home offered all the amenities one could dream of: a pool, a spa, a gym, a wine room, a library, a cinema, and even a ‘snoring room’ designed to guarantee a peaceful and restful sleep. These lavish features were supposed to create the ideal living environment for the couple and their family, making it the perfect place to settle into a luxurious lifestyle. However, beneath its surface of grandeur, the mansion harbored an unspeakable surprise.
Shortly after moving in, the couple started noticing an infestation of moths that quickly became unbearable. What began as a minor inconvenience soon spiraled into a full-blown disaster, with the insects destroying their belongings, including expensive clothing and valuable wine collections. The infestation spread across the house, and no room was safe from the relentless pests. The situation grew so dire that Dr. Hunyak found himself swatting approximately 100 moths every single day. Despite the efforts of pest control experts, the infestation proved nearly impossible to eliminate, with the couple constantly battling the relentless moths. It wasn’t just the couple’s clothing that was affected; the moths also found their way into the children’s toothbrushes, cutlery, and even their meals, creating a gross and unsanitary environment for the family to live in. You can read more about the impact of such infestations on BBC News and how pest control efforts can fail to eradicate pests in some extreme cases.
The Legal Battle for Justice
The couple’s case against the property developer, William Woodward-Fisher, was built on the argument that they had not been made aware of the serious infestation before purchasing the property. This lack of disclosure, they argued, meant they were misled about the true state of the home, which led them to file a lawsuit to reverse the sale. The couple believed that they were entitled to a full refund, given the extent of the infestation and the significant damage it had caused to their personal belongings and quality of life.
Representing the couple in the legal proceedings was John McGhee KC, who carefully presented the facts of the case to the court. He emphasized how severe the infestation had become, noting that at its peak, Dr. Hunyak was swatting away around 100 moths each day, which was an overwhelming amount of pests for any household to deal with. Furthermore, despite efforts to rid the property of the infestation through professional pest control measures, the couple’s problems persisted, and their home continued to be overrun by the moths. The extent of the infestation had created a living nightmare for the family, which was compounded by the fact that the pests were making their way into food and other everyday items. This case illustrates why proper home inspections are critical in safeguarding against unforeseen issues when buying a property.
Woodward-Fisher, the seller of the property, denied any prior knowledge of the infestation. However, evidence was presented that two pest control reports—completed before the sale—had highlighted the “serious” moth infestation in the property’s insulation. These reports, which were available to Woodward-Fisher, warned about the severity of the issue but were never disclosed to the buyers. This omission became a central point in the lawsuit and formed the basis of the couple’s argument that the property developer had failed in their legal obligation to provide full and honest disclosure about the property’s condition. You can learn more about why disclosure in property sales is so important on platforms like The Guardian.
Social Media Reactions
The case of Iya Patarkatsishvili and Dr. Yevhen Hunyak has sparked a flood of reactions on social media, with users expressing both disbelief and support for the couple. The idea of a luxurious mansion being plagued by an infestation of moths is almost too unbelievable for some, but many social media users have been quick to share their thoughts and opinions on the matter. Below are a few notable posts that have been circulating:
- Twitter Post: “Imagine buying a $39 million mansion only to find it filled with moths! This family fought for their money back and won! Hope this sends a message to shady property developers out there. #RealEstate #BuyerBeware”
See the post on Twitter - Instagram Story:
“When your dream home turns into a nightmare… This couple was awarded a refund after their $39M mansion was overrun by moths. Don’t let this happen to you—always get a full inspection before purchasing! 🏚️ #PropertyFails #MothInfestation”
See the post on Instagram - Facebook Post:
“I can’t believe this! A multi-million dollar mansion in Notting Hill and it had a moth infestation! 😱 This couple is lucky to get their money back. I would have been livid! 😡 #RealEstateDrama #InfestationIssues”
See the post on Facebook - TikTok Video:
“Watch as I explain the insane story of a couple who bought a $39M mansion and ended up suing for a refund after discovering a moth infestation. Check out the full story here. 👀 #RealEstateNightmare #LegalBattle”
See the post on TikTok
These posts reflect a mix of shock, disbelief, and advice for others who might be considering purchasing high-end properties. The online discussion is a reminder of how real estate stories can quickly gain traction on social media, influencing people’s perspectives on the importance of due diligence and transparency in property transactions.
The Court’s Ruling
After an extensive legal battle, the court ruled in favor of the couple on February 10, 2025. Mr. Justice Fancourt ordered Woodward-Fisher to refund the full purchase price of the mansion, minus £6 million to account for the time the couple had lived there. In addition to the refund, the judge awarded the couple £4 million in damages for the infestation, which included £15,000 to cover the cost of ruined clothing and £3.7 million paid in stamp duty.
The court found that Woodward-Fisher had given “false” information about the property’s condition and had failed to disclose the serious moth infestation. This lack of transparency resulted in the couple being misled about the home they were purchasing, which ultimately impacted their decision to buy it. While the judge acknowledged that Woodward-Fisher’s actions were misleading, he also noted that there was no evidence to suggest that the developer had intentionally deceived the couple. Instead, the judge opined that Woodward-Fisher was simply eager to sell the house and avoid complications, knowing that full disclosure about the infestation would likely cause the sale to fall through.
Despite the ruling, the court was clear in its stance that property developers should not be allowed to mislead buyers, and this case set an important precedent for the real estate industry. The couple’s legal victory served as a reminder of the importance of transparency in property transactions and the legal obligations that developers have to fully disclose any issues with the properties they are selling. If you’re considering purchasing a home, click here for tips on how to avoid these types of situations.
A Warning for Unethical Property Developers
The case of Iya Patarkatsishvili and Dr. Yevhen Hunyak serves as a clear warning to unscrupulous property developers who might attempt to conceal defects to complete a sale. The legal victory highlights the dangers of failing to disclose known problems with a property, and it sets an important precedent for protecting future buyers. Chris Webber, the lawyer representing the couple, emphasized the significance of this case in sending a message to developers who might otherwise attempt to hide issues in order to make a sale. According to Webber, the case “should serve as a warning to unscrupulous property developers who might seek to take advantage of buyer beware to sell properties by concealing known defects.”
This ruling reinforces the principle that property buyers have the right to know about any significant issues with a property before they purchase it. Whether it’s a minor issue like a leaky faucet or a major one like a pest infestation, developers are legally required to disclose these problems. Buyers should be proactive in conducting thorough inspections and should not hesitate to ask for full disclosure of any pest reports or property damage. For more on the implications of hiding issues in property sales, check out this article on The Guardian.
In an age where buyers are increasingly cautious about making large financial commitments, the case also highlights the growing importance of due diligence in property purchases. Legal experts suggest that future homebuyers should ensure that any potential problems with a property are thoroughly investigated before entering into a deal. For those considering purchasing real estate, consulting with a real estate attorney and hiring a qualified pest control service to conduct a full inspection is essential to avoid future headaches.
Conclusion
For Iya Patarkatsishvili and Dr. Yevhen Hunyak, what should have been an exciting new chapter in their lives quickly turned into a legal battle over a property that was supposed to be their dream home. The couple’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for other prospective homebuyers, especially those considering high-end properties, as it underscores the importance of conducting thorough property inspections and asking the right questions before making such a significant investment.
In the end, the couple was granted a substantial refund, and their case not only highlighted the consequences of concealing property defects but also set a critical precedent for holding property developers accountable. This story is a stark reminder that transparency in real estate transactions is crucial, and buyers should always ensure they are fully informed about the condition of the property they are purchasing. If you are in the market for a new home, make sure to take the necessary precautions, including detailed inspections and professional advice, to protect your investment and avoid the stress and frustration that comes with hidden issues.
For more information about property legal matters and home inspections, visit The Guardian and BBC News.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/PeopleImages
