Hollywood Stuntman Sues Surveyors Over Defective Home

A Hollywood stuntman is suing surveyors for £150,000, claiming his newly purchased country home is plagued by severe defects, including overflowing sewage, that were allegedly missed during a pre-purchase inspection. Robert Bowen, who has performed stunts in major productions like Brad Pitt's F1 movie and "House of the Dragon," asserts that his £495,000 Lincolnshire cottage has been a nightmare since he and his partner, Lucy Vaughan, moved in during 2023.

The couple claims they discovered a foul smell and overflowing drainage shortly after moving in, which an investigation revealed to be a defective septic tank. They estimate replacing the tank alone will cost £25,000, with further expenses for a crumbling roof, faulty windows, and defunct solar panels.

Bowen and Vaughan are suing Beehoo Surveying Limited, alleging the company failed to identify these significant defects during a Level 3 survey, the most comprehensive inspection available. Their lawyers argue that the couple would not have purchased the property had they known its true condition.

In their legal filing, the couple's representatives stated that the defendant held itself out as experienced and competent surveyors, and that the defects existed at the time of the inspection and were reasonably identifiable.

However, Beehoo Surveying Limited denies responsibility for many of the alleged issues. The company's defense contends that numerous problems were either not present at the time of inspection, were concealed by the seller, or were located in areas inaccessible during the survey. The surveyors also suggest that the couple's solicitors may have failed to investigate certain matters, and that the property has not been adequately maintained since the survey was conducted. The firm disputes the amount of compensation sought, deeming it excessive.