Jackie Gleason’s Famous Spaceship Estate is Selling For $5.5 Million

Television legend Jackie Gleason, known as “The Great One,” left behind one of the most unique celebrity estates in America: his “Spaceship Estate” in Westchester County, New York.

The estate was built after a supposed alien encounter with Nixon, which began his extensive fascination with extraterrestrials and UFOs.

Now on the market for $5.5 million, the 8.6-acre property includes the iconic round Mothership home, a secondary spaceship bunkhouse, and a stone colonial guesthouse known as The Barracks.

Property Highlights

Price: $5.5 million
Location: Westchester County, New York
Size: 7,000 square feet
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 6
Notable Features: Secondary “spaceship” bunkhouse, circular library, stainless steel curved kitchen, three bars, game room with shuffleboard, marble dance floor, stone colonial guesthouse, vegetable and herb gardens, and Italian marble finishes

Unique Design & History

Built in 1959, the estate was born from Jackie Gleason’s fascination with UFOs and extraterrestrial life and brought to life by architect Robert Cika over the course of five years.

The result is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring bent wood ceilings crafted by Scandinavian shipbuilders to resemble the hulls of ships, marble floors, and fireplaces carved from an entire Italian quarry that Gleason reportedly purchased, and custom metalwork such as fish-shaped vents.

Every detail speaks to the extraordinary care put into its design, while Gleason’s love of entertaining gave the home a historic past, as he famously welcomed celebrity friends such as Sinatra, Monroe, and Nixon for midnight parties.

What Led Gleason to Build His Spaceship House?

In a clip from the Joe Rogan Experience, the conversation turns to the origins of Gleason’s fascination with aliens and what inspired him to build the Mothership.

They recount a story from 1973, when President Richard Nixon allegedly arranged for Gleason to visit Homestead Air Force Base in Florida, where he was shown the embalmed bodies of extraterrestrials.

The experience reportedly left a lasting impression, intensifying his obsession with the unknown and ultimately fueling the creation of his one-of-a-kind estate.

Inside The Mothership

The centerpiece of the property is known as The Mothership, a mid-century modern architectural building with a sweeping circular design.

Kitchen

Opening up the home is a curved stainless-steel kitchen, where frosted glass floating cabinets hang overhead and a long counter provides ample prep space before dinner goes into the oven.

Bar Lounge

Around the corner, a sprawling bar lounge unfolds, offering multiple areas for relaxing and entertaining.

At the far end, a fireside nook furnished with neutral plaid seating surrounds a massive stone fireplace, creating a cozy gathering spot.

At the base of the curved staircase, a grand piano sits atop a circular marble dance floor, positioned directly beneath the center of the ceiling and serving as the heart of the lounge.

Just beyond, a large U-shaped black leather sofa faces the wall-to-ceiling windows, framing views of the lush greenery outside.

Lastly, at the opposite end of the room, the bar takes center stage, lined with tall wooden stools and backed by a striking pink glass wall that shimmers under the light.

Primary Suite

Even the primary suite carries the home’s signature curves, with a floating circular bed positioned to face a wide window, beneath which a row of built-in cabinets stretches across the wall.

Game Room

Gleason’s love of entertaining comes to life in the game room, where an official shuffleboard table and pool table line one side of the space.

On the other side, a small table for four sits at the center, framed by a tall fireplace that adds warmth and a compact bar ideal for casual meals or a drink between games.

Outdoor Dining Area

As the home transitions between indoors and outdoors, a covered dining area blurs the line between the two.

A sliding glass door opens the space to the outside, while under the warmth of the wood ceiling sits a dining table, a mounted TV, and a small lounge, creating a versatile spot for both open-air meals and sheltered relaxation.

Firepit Lounge

Last but not least is the firepit lounge, enclosed by an overhead tent yet open to the fresh air above, where a hollow hanging firepit serves as the focal point.

Along the sides, white couches line the space, creating a relaxed setting for gathering beneath the open sky.

Additional Structures & Grounds

In addition to the main house, the estate includes a smaller spaceship-like structure once used as a bunkhouse, as well as “The Barracks,” a 1930s stone colonial home that serves as a guesthouse.

The grounds feature a fully fenced vegetable and herb garden with a shed, manicured landscaping, and proximity to championship golf courses, the Hudson River, and Metro-North train service.

Final Thoughts

Jackie Gleason’s Spaceship Estate is a true piece of Hollywood history wrapped in mid-century modern design and Cold War-era fascination with the cosmos.

After Gleason’s death, the property passed through several owners, yet much of its original architecture and eccentric character has been carefully preserved, keeping alive the vision that once made it a landmark of both style and spectacle.

The house last appeared on the market in 2018 with a $12 million price tag but failed to sell. Now, resurfacing in 2025 at $5.5 million, the estate offers its next owner not only an architectural treasure but also a historic past that continues to embody Gleason’s unique personality.