I Patarkatsishvili and Y Hunyak v W Woodward-Fisher

I Patarkatsishvili and Y Hunyak v W Woodward-Fisher [2025] EWHC 265 (Ch)

This relates to a claim for rescission and damages for fraudulent misrepresentation relating to pre-contract enquiries to buy a London mansion for £32.5 million in 2019. The claimants elected to rescind the contract of sale and the transfer of title of the house. They also sought damages reflecting the value of the house in its current condition and the cost of the house on purchase. The claimants won the case and the defendant was ordered to repay the purchase cost and substantial damages.

This very unusual property law case is a warning to property agents, solicitors and conveyancers who assist in answering the pre-contract enquiries and questionnaires. The interesting aspect from a heritage perspective is that the fraudulent misrepresentation consisted of not mentioning a moth infestation, which turned out to be significant. The infestation was due to the use of natural wool insulation in an extension, an environmentally friendly method of insulating walls and floors. Two types of wool were used: a 75 per cent wool product for the internal walls and a 30 per cent wool product in the floor voids. The lambs’ wool in the ceiling voids may have been infected prior to installation. That is something to be mindful of when insulating historic buildings.

This article originally appeared in the Institute of Historic Building Conservation’s (IHBC’s) Context 184, published in June 2025.

--Institute of Historic Building Conservation

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