The developer spent a load of money bringing this 1850s Notting Hill property up to snuff – over £10m – then sold it for £32.5m. But the sale was moth-eaten. He now has to give back the £32.5m and more besides, in damages and costs.

The story goes like this. William Woodward-Fisher bought Horbury Villa, Ladbroke Grove, in 2012 for £10.4m. He is a general practice surveyor. He and his wife moved in and spent another £10m on substantial works over the next few years. In 2018, Mrs Woodward-Fisher noticed a problem with clothes moths in the house; they had damaged some expensive clothing. Pest control folk were engaged. The suspicion was that lambswool insulation was partially infected prior to installation.

Then the moths multiplied. Spray treatment was done and done again, and removal of the insulation was urged. The for-sale boards discreetly went up. Potential purchasers arrived; a deal was in the wind. The usual pre-contract enquiries began. Solicitors were on board.

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