A prominent barrister and his wife are suing fashion director Paula Reed over claims that her £5.5 million Notting Hill home was plagued by flooding, leaks, and mice, which they allege she failed to disclose before the sale.
Tom Grayson Ford, a commercial barrister, and his wife Jessica purchased the six-storey property in December 2024. They claim that soon after moving in, the basement flooded during heavy rain, the kitchen roof leaked, and they found evidence of a mouse infestation, including traps and droppings.
The couple assert that Ms Reed, a former Harvey Nichols fashion director, made misrepresentations during the sale, describing the house as 'well-renovated and in move-in condition'. They are seeking either to return the property or claim over £1 million in damages.
Ms Reed denies any prior knowledge of the issues. In her defence, she suggests the kitchen leak may have been caused by the Fords removing a 'bespoke green roof' of ferns and ivy that previously covered that part of the house.
The property, located on Westbourne Grove near Portobello Market, was renovated decades ago by Ms Reed's ex-husband, architect Alfred Munkenbeck. Ms Reed had moved to Cornwall to renovate an old vicarage before the sale.
