On 13 October 2025, the High Court handed down judgment in the two consolidated claims relating to the water supply and alleged forfeiture of 20 luxury log cabins in St Neots, as well as its finding on the Defendant’s application to strike out the Claimants’ claim. 

HHJ Walden-Smith, sitting as a High Court judge, stated that she had “never been involved in a case such as this – either in practice or as a judge.”

The Court heard 19 days of evidence, and came “to some extremely serious conclusions that Ms Saunders has deliberately sought to mislead the court in numerous ways.” At one point during Richard’s four-day cross-examination, Ms Saunders had to be warned against self-incrimination by the Judge as she appeared to be acting against the court order not to discuss her evidence with others.

The Court dismissed the entirety of the Claims brought by Ms Saunders, and allowed Pheasantland’s counterclaim.

In doing so, the Court considered the impact of estoppel by convention and what is meant by ‘holiday accommodation’. Consideration was also given to raising unpleaded points in closing.

Richard Bottomley was instructed by Robyn Adams of Debenhams Ottaway LLP

Read the full judgment: (1) Abbotsley Limited (2) Vivien Saunders v Pheasantland Limited and Ors [2025] EWHC 2639 (KB)

Read the judgment on the First Defendant’s application: (1) Abbotsley Limited (2) Vivien Saunders v Pheasantland Limited and Ors [2025] EWHC 2640 (KB)