Preservation LI holds "Country House Benefit" in Locust Valley

By Thomas Nothel

Preservation Long Island held its 2025 Annual Country House Benefit at the meticulously restored Locust Valley home of designer Alfredo Paredes.

The event was a celebration of Long Island’s incredible architectural history, to supports its mission to celebrate and preserve Long Island’s diverse cultural and architectural heritage.

“We were thrilled to celebrate Alfredo Paredes and Brad Goldfarb's incredible restoration of their 1928 Harrie Lindeberg house in Locust Valley,” stated Jackie Powers, Executive Director of Preservation Long Island.  “The sold-out evening raised critical funds to support PLI’s growing programs.”

The Locust Valley home—now known as “Cocuyo,” meaning “firefly” in Spanish—was thoughtfully restored by Paredes to pay homage to the home’s original architecture.

Cocuyo was a natural choice of venue for PLI’s Annual Country House Benefit, as the architect Lindeberg, was a pioneer of the American Country House movement, and designed the home for 20th-century portrait artist F. Edwin Church.

Paredes carefully preserved many of the home’s original details—including frescoes of birds painted by Church on the loggia walls, original ceramic tile floors, and cast-iron dragon lanterns. With utmost respect for the home’s heritage, the original architectural design has been preserved while infusing it with personalized design choices.

The hosts opened their home to party guests, who enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while taking in the spectacular interiors, beautiful gardens, and exquisite exterior details. PLI’s curatorial and historic preservation staff were stationed throughout the property to share information about the house’s history and architectural features.

In the living room of the home, an original Art Deco portrait by Church, named “Lady in Charlotte’s Dress,” as well as other Church paintings, were on loan for the evening.

PLI Board President Michelle Elliott Gokey welcomed guests and shared highlights of Preservation Long Island’s work, before introducing the organization’s newly appointed Executive Director, Jackie Powers.

The partygoers left with PLI’s signature tote bag, filled with gifts from benefit sponsor Farrow & Ball, and each guest also received a signed copy of “Alfredo Paredes at Home,” Alfredo’s recently released debut book.