A British couple’s dream of owning a beautiful mansion turned into a nightmare when they discovered its decrepit state. Martin and Sarah Caton purchased the property in the UK for £1.5 million (approximately Rs 16 crore) in 2014, only to find it was transformed into a “war zone”, with its most valuable assets missing. The original property was a Grade II*-listed Bochym Manor, featuring a Jacobean oak staircase, walnut-panelled library and historic stained-glass windows among other notable aspects.
The previous owner Dr Mark Payne, had allegedly removed essential features from the estate like doors, windows, fireplaces, plumbing and electrics before moving out. Reports indicated that three out of four bathrooms had vanished, along with stunning stained glass windows and library panels. The devastation didn’t stop there, as more important structures, like a staircase from the estate’s clock tower, were also dismantled.
The Catons spent nine long years fighting for justice and they recently secured a court order to reclaim stolen items. Speaking to The Daily Mail, Sarah Caton said, “I was distraught. It was like a warzone or like a tornado had shredded the place. He took pretty much every door handle, tile off the wall, the locks were removed. There was some very random and bizarre destruction. I don’t understand the mentality behind it – it’s staggering that you can be that cruel actually.”
Reportedly, before receiving the key to their new property, the couple felt that something wasn’t right, as Dr Mark Payne often made excuses to stop them from visiting the place. Despite their worries, they decided to get the home to transform the estate into holiday cottages and a wedding venue. However, when they finally arrived, all their fears had become a reality, as the house was in a shocking condition and they immediately informed the local police and Cornwall Council.
Speaking about the first sight, Martin Caton shared, “When I saw it for the first time, all my worst fears came true. I wanted to close the door, walk away and put it back on the market and never come back.”
After the couple reported the situation, the police arrested the former owner on charges related to theft and damage. They recovered a few items in April 2015, but he was released for lack of evidence. The Catons then provided old photographs as proof but the council still chose not to proceed with the case. However, Martin Caton pointed out “it’s odd that if we were to change a small window without permission they will come after you, but if you destroy a house you are allowed to drive away with no consequences.”
The police kept the items they took from the former owner and a hearing was held to decide who the items belonged to. After nine long years of struggle, the Catons finally got their belongings back in March when Dr Mark Payne didn’t appear for the hearing, claiming that travelling 1,000 miles was too much trouble for him. He also argued that if he had actually committed any crimes, he would have faced charges and suggested that the claims against him were just rumours.
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