It was supposed to be the kind of country retreat most people could only dream of: a five-bedroom manor-style house set across seven acres, complete with a swimming pool, tennis court, paddocks, stables and even a private helipad. Jamie and Eda Pierce thought they had found their perfect escape from the chaos of everyday life when they bought the sprawling property in Pootings, a hamlet near Crockham Hill in Kent, for £3.15 million in August 2022. According to a Daily Mail report, the couple had even negotiated a £245,000 reduction from the asking price.But three years later, their idyllic countryside life had turned into a legal nightmare. And in a twist, the couple are not suing the travellers who moved into a field opposite their home. They are taking the previous owners to court, accusing them of concealing a crucial piece of information before the £3.15 million sale.
‘Previous owners knew but they did not disclose’
The Pierces alleged that the former owners, Paul and Elizabeth Nott, knew that a neighbouring agricultural plot was at risk of being developed for traveller accommodation but failed to disclose it.The couple has now launched a multi-million-pound High Court action, alleging fraudulent misrepresentation and deceit.According to their legal claim, the Pierces had specifically asked before buying whether the sellers knew of any plans to alter, develop or change the use of neighbouring land within a quarter of a mile of the property.Their solicitor was allegedly told: “Not to our clients’ knowledge.” The Pierces claimed that answer was false.What made the allegation particularly significant, according to court documents cited by the Daily Mail, is that the previous owner, Paul Nott, allegedly knew considerably more about the neighbouring land than the response suggested.
Previous owner’s unsuccessful bid to buy land
In 2021, months before the Pierces purchased the property, locals had reportedly become concerned about the sale of a six-acre agricultural plot known as Seasons Farm.The documents claimed Nott and another resident attempted to buy the land themselves in September 2021 in an effort to prevent what they regarded as unwanted development. Their offer was rejected and the property was subsequently sold to Patrick Delaney.Nott allegedly became involved in efforts by local residents to oppose possible development of the site. He was reportedly a founder member of the Pootings Residents’ Association, which was formed in February 2022 to fight the proposals.Around the same time, in spring 2022, the Pierces said the Notts put their own property on the market. The couple eventually bought it that August.Then came the development they say they had never been warned about. After moving into their dream home, Delaney reportedly made several unsuccessful attempts to change the use of Seasons Farm from agricultural to residential.
Land finally sold but to four traveler families
In July 2025, the land was sold to four traveller families. On August 22, 2025, shortly after 5pm and just before the bank holiday weekend, the families arrived.According to the account cited by the Mail, trucks, excavators, caravans and mobile homes descended on the site. Hedgerows were removed, an entrance and driveway were created and tarmac was laid. Water and electricity infrastructure, sewage facilities, fencing and other works were installed within hours.By the time a High Court injunction was served on Sunday morning, much of the work had already been completed.Four families, including 16 children, had moved onto the six-acre site.For residents of Pootings, a hamlet of only around 60 people living in 27 properties, the sudden arrival transformed the character of the area almost overnight.Locals have complained of machinery and quad-bike noise, intrusive floodlights and disturbances at unsociable hours. Some residents have also alleged that attempts to challenge the activity were met with intimidation.The travellers were later found in contempt of court for breaching court orders, while a retrospective planning application for the site was rejected by Sevenoaks District Council in May 2026.For the Pierces, however, the battle has moved beyond planning.Their barrister, Jonathan Seitler KC, told the court that had the couple known the development was likely, they would never have bought the property.The couple now claimed that their home has effectively become worthless to them. They were seeking to have the sale contract rescinded and want the £3.15 million purchase price returned, along with money spent on the property, damages, interest, stamp duty and legal costs.Their once-open country estate has reportedly been transformed into something resembling a fortress, with security cameras, high wooden gates and warning signs.The case has yet to be decided, and the allegations against the former owners remain unproven. Paul and Elizabeth Nott have not yet filed a response to the legal claim and declined to comment when contacted by the Daily Mail.For the Pierces, what began as the purchase of a secluded country dream has become a fight over a question that could determine whether their £3.15 million investment was built on a hidden warning they were never told about.
