Inheritance Row Over Glamping Site Declared a “Modern-Day King Lear” Tragedy

The £7.5 million inheritance row over an exclusive “glamping” site in Cornwall has been likened to a “modern-day King Lear” by a judge in the High Court in London. Angela Heyes, an accountant, and her engineer husband, Neil, left their professional careers and life in Surrey to take over a site on her parents’ farm, with the understanding that they would ultimately inherit the property.

Heyes and her husband claim that a decade ago, her parents promised them the farm, including a yurt, but after the death of her father in 2020, they found themselves in a legal battle with her mother over ownership. They are suing her mother personally and as executor of her father’s estate, citing “proprietary estoppel” as the legal concept supporting their claim.

The couple alleges that they moved to Cornwall based on assurances from Heyes’ father that they would inherit the farm and continue the family business. However, Heyes’ mother disputes these claims, stating that any promises made were not clear enough to guarantee the entirety of the land to the couple.

The judge presiding over the case expressed his concern over the impact of the dispute on the family, comparing it to the tragic tale of King Lear. He urged the litigants to settle their differences outside of a full trial, warning that the legal battle could have devastating financial consequences for the couple.

The case highlights the complexities of family disputes over inheritance and the importance of clear communication and legal documentation in such matters. As the legal battle continues, the future of the £7.5 million glamping site remains uncertain, with both parties fighting for their claim to the property.