Contract Law Problem Scenario

Sir Basil and Lady Golddigger-Healthy-Bowel were unable to resolve their differences and have decided to divorce.

1. Clementine Werewolf-Smith, his wife's solicitor has written to Sir Basil stating her client would sell her half of the marital home, Healthy Bowel Hall and grounds, for 3million pounds. Sir Basil was furious and wrote back to Clementine Werewolf-Smith stating that his wife was deluded, it was a horrendous building in a swamp. Perhaps unwisely, he added if Ms Werewolf-Smith's client would take out a full page advert in the Yoghurt Producer's Weekly stating that she was controlling, status obsessed and selfish, he would sell to her his interest in the property for 50,000.

Today, Swamp Developments have made an offer of 50million for Healthy Bowel Hall and its estate, and Clementine Werewolf-Smith has faxed an acceptance of Sir Basil's offer of 50,000, along with a copy of the advert, meeting his conditions, that her client has paid for in the Yoghurt Producer's Weekly.

1. Sir Basil now wishes to accept Lady Healthy-Bowel's original offer. Advise him as to his legal position.
2. Sir Basil says that 50,000 for half of his magnificent Stately Home is ridiculous, and no-one could assume that he was serious. Advise Sir Basil as to whether he may have made an offer to his wife.

b) It is Cleopatra-Maisiebelle-Chivogny Healthy-Bowel's 21^st birthday, and she has asked for a white Bentley convertible. In the local garage, Sir Basil has seen a 1980 Austin Metro for sale for 1000. Last Wednesday, he emailed the garage saying he will give them 500 and if he didn't hear from them he would assume that the car was his and they should deliver it on Cleopatra-Maisiebelle-Chivogny's birthday. Advise Sir Basil if he can expect the car to be delivered as he has said?

c) Cleopatra-Maisiebelle-Chivogny had told her friends she was getting a Bentley and is furious with her father and demanded that he buy her a unicorn. Shortly after, she finds an advertisement for three white ponies in 'Entitled Brat' magazine for 2000 and says she could accept one of those. Sir Basil messages the telling them to save him a pony, but by the time he arrives, the stable has agreed to sell them elsewhere. Can Sir Basil demand a pony?