News Summary
A remarkable piece of history, Jackie Gleason’s home, dubbed ‘The Mothership,’ is on the market for $5.5 million. Designed by architect Robert Cika, this unique property features a distinctive design with no right angles and is situated on 8.6 acres in Cortlandt Manor, New York. With three bedrooms, a dance floor, and a secondary guesthouse, it stands as a testament to mid-century architecture and celebrity culture, having hosted many famous figures throughout its history.
Cortlandt Manor, New York – A unique piece of cultural history, Jackie Gleason’s renowned home, affectionately dubbed “The Mothership,” has been listed for sale at a price of $5.5 million. This extraordinary property, located in the scenic Hudson Valley, is in partnership with agent Heidi Henshaw from Corcoran Legends Realty, who has noted the property’s exceptional significance and rarity in the current market.
Commissioned by the iconic television personality Jackie Gleason, the home was designed by architect Robert Cika, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, showcasing Gleason’s fascination with UFOs and space travel. Construction of this architectural marvel took five years, concluding in 1959. When completed, the total construction cost reached approximately $650,000, which is equivalent to around $7.8 million today.
The Mothership stands out not only for its price tag but also for its distinctive design, which incorporates no right angles. The home has an innovative design based on musical notes and curvilinear forms, making it a unique example of mid-century architecture. Spanning over 8.6 acres, the property features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer sweeping 360-degree views of the stunning surrounding countryside.
Inside, the home boasts three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and numerous entertainment zones, including three bars and a game room. One of the standout features is a circular marble dance floor, which adds a glamorous touch to the residence. Additionally, a smaller spaceship-shaped structure, known as “the spaceship,” serves as an extra bedroom.
Throughout its history, The Mothership has hosted a number of glossy celebrity names, including Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, and even President Richard Nixon. The house is characterized by several unique architectural elements, including a boat-shaped ceiling and oversized fireplaces, which posed such significant size challenges that some had to be delivered via helicopter.
Complementing the primary residence is a secondary structure from the 1930s, a stone Colonial Revival home referred to as “the Barracks,” that is often used as a guesthouse. Both the main house and the guesthouse have been preserved with original details, such as built-in cabinetry and bespoke furnishings, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era.
According to Henshaw, properties steeped in history and surrounded by nature like The Mothership are becoming increasingly rare in Westchester County. The last recorded sale of the property occurred in 1976, when it sold for just $150,000.
As a notable piece of American cultural history, The Mothership harmoniously blends old-world craftsmanship with futuristic design, creating an enduring legacy that attracts both history enthusiasts and potential homeowners looking for something truly extraordinary. Its own unique identity has been maintained carefully over the years, avoiding detrimental renovations that could obscure its distinctive character.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jackie Gleason’s Historic Home Hits Market for $5.5 Million
Additional Resources
- Fox Business: Jackie Gleason’s Spaceship-Shaped Home
- USA Today: Jackie Gleason Home Listing
- Robb Report: Jackie Gleason’s Mothership House
- Curbed: Jackie Gleason UFO House for Sale
- WebProNews: Jackie Gleason’s UFO-Inspired Home
- Wikipedia: Jackie Gleason
- Google Search: Jackie Gleason real estate
- Google Scholar: Jackie Gleason
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jackie Gleason
- Google News: Jackie Gleason Mothership
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
