Tag Archives: Laura Friedman

Judge Rules For Cleves & Siguenza In Cobbs Mill Case

For several years, things have not been ducky at Cobbs Mill Inn.

After Drew Friedman — owner of the legendary Weston restaurant — died in 2016, the executor of his estate attempted to sell the property.

He reached an agreement with Cleves & Siguenza Properties, in January 2022. However, Friedman’s widow Laura objected, claiming the price was too low.

When the Probate Court overruled her, she and Anthony Villano attempted to keep the property for herself. They occupied the site after the sale closed, refused to leave when requested by Cleves & Siguenza, and denied them access to the property.

Friedman and Villano also recorded documents on the land records, claiming an interest in the property over Cleves & Siguenza.

Cobbs Mill Inn

In June 2022, the law firm of McCarter & English tried the case in a 3-day bench trial in Stamford. The court rejected 9 defenses offered by Friedman and Villano.

Last Friday, the court granted judgment in favor of Cleves & Sigeunza for immediate possession of Cobbs Mill Inn. Friedman and Villano were ordered to remove their personal property by August 5.

Joseph Cherico, lead trial lawyer at McCarter for Cleves & Siguenza, says that his clients are “excited for the day when they can renovate and reopen this special property.”

The law offices of Joseph F. Mulvey also represented Cleves & Siguenza.

In response to a request for comment, Friedman emailed one word — “heartbroken!” — along with photos of her wedding to Drew Friedman at Cobbs Mill Inn.

Cobb’s Mill Inn: The Saga Continues

The waterfall still flows. Mallards swim serenely nearby. From the outside, Cobb’s Mill Inn looks like it has for decades.

Inside though, the scene is different.

Closed by lawyers since 2016 — barely 48 hours after owner Drew Friedman died — Weston’s only full-service restaurant/event venue has undergone more than 7 years of legal wrangling.

Laura Friedman — Drew’s widow — says she’s the heir, and rightful owner. But the property was sold — illegally, she claims, and for far less than it’s worth.

During continuing litigation, Laura says, the new owners have shut off electricity and water.

I visited Cobb’s Mill on Saturday. Laura and Tony Villano, the former owner of Il Villano in Westport who is helping her in her fight to regain the property, showed me around.

Furniture from an estate sale fills the Cobb’s Mill dining room …

The chilly day was made colder by the lack of heat. Furniture stored from an estate sale filled every room.

… and near the fireplace …

But despite dust and disuse, the bar and fireplace looked like they had, during Cobb’s Mill Inn’s long heyday.

… and the bar. (All photos/Dan Woog)

And outside, 2 ducks paddled near the ever-flowing waterfall.