News Summary
The iconic home known as ‘The Mothership,’ once owned by comedian Jackie Gleason, is now for sale in the Hudson Valley for $5.5 million. This architectural marvel features no right angles, a circular dance floor, and a history steeped in celebrity culture. Comprising over 7,000 square feet across three buildings, it showcases Gleason’s unique taste and creativity. Originally built in the 1950s, the house has been carefully maintained, retaining many original details. As it seeks a new owner, ‘The Mothership’ stands as a remarkable piece of American pop culture history.
New York—The famed home of legendary comedian Jackie Gleason, affectionately known as “The Mothership,” has hit the real estate market at a price of $5.5 million. This unique property, located in the scenic Hudson Valley, is being listed in collaboration with agent Heidi Henshaw of Corcoran Legends Realty.
Henshaw characterizes “The Mothership” as a significant piece of American cultural history, underscoring its innovative design created by architect Robert Cika. The house, commissioned by Gleason due to his fascination with UFOs, took five years to complete, with construction wrapping up in 1959.
Architectural Marvel
This architectural rarity features no right angles, with its design concept inspired by the shape of a musical note. The home was prefabricated by a Scandinavian shipbuilder within an airplane hangar, adding to its one-of-a-kind narrative. Distinctive characteristics of the property include a ceiling shaped like boats and fireplaces so large that they required helicopter deliveries.
Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offer remarkable 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. The spacious layout consists of three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, three bars, an entertainment-focused game room, and an iconic circular marble dance floor. Additionally, a smaller spaceship-shaped structure serves as an extra bedroom, adding to the house’s whimsical charm.
Cultural Significance
Throughout its history, “The Mothership” has played host to numerous celebrity visitors, including Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, and President Richard Nixon. The estate encompasses a total of over 7,000 square feet across three distinct buildings, set on an impressive 8.6 acres of land.
The home further includes features such as curved bathrooms and advanced systems for the 1950s, including built-in speakers and lighting. Gleason himself was actively involved in its construction, notably overseeing the installation of a copper roof and sourcing extensive marble for various applications within the home.
Preservation and Market History
The current owner has maintained many of the original details since acquiring the property in the 1970s. Previously, the house was on the market for $12 million in 2018, but it did not attract buyers at that price point. After Gleason’s departure from the home to move to Florida in the 1960s, he sold the property to CBS, which later gifted it to Pace University. It has remained with a single ownership since then.
A Lasting Legacy
Jackie Gleason, who passed away in 1987 at the age of 71, left behind an indelible mark on entertainment, particularly renowned for his role as Ralph Kramden in “The Honeymooners” and as the host of “The Jackie Gleason Show,” which soared in popularity during the 1950s.
The property not only reflects Gleason’s individualism and creativity but also serves as a significant artifact in the history of American pop culture. As it currently stands, “The Mothership” awaits a new owner who might be keen on acquiring a piece of both architectural and cultural significance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox Business: Jackie Gleason’s Spaceship-Shaped Home
- Wikipedia: Jackie Gleason
- USA Today: Jackie Gleason Home Listing
- Google Search: Jackie Gleason UFO house
- Robb Report: Jackie Gleason’s Mothership House
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jackie Gleason
- Curbed: Jackie Gleason’s UFO House
- 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.
