Comedy legend Jackie Gleason wasn’t the star of “The Honeymooners“, he lived in a house as unique and large-than-life as his personality.
The Jackie Gleason House is one of the unusual celebrity homes, reflecting his personal interests and character.
During the peak of his TV fame in the 1950s, millions tuned in to watch “The Jackie Gleason Show” every Saturday night.
It’s on 8 acres in Cortlandt Manor, Westchester County, New York, the property looks straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Nicknamed “The Mothership,” this 3,950-square-foot circular structure was custom-built in 1954 for Gleason.
The house cost a small fortune and is now valued around $5.5 million.
Its UFO-inspired design, the main residence resembles a flying saucer with curved walls made of concrete, steel, and glass.
We’ll take you on a tour of Jackie Gleason house, from its space-age architecture to its custom interior.
We’ll peek inside the bedrooms, massive living room, and entertainment spaces that have royalty.
You’ll discover his fascination with outer space that inspired the uniqueness.
History of Jackie Gleason House
The story behind an architectural oddity begins in 1954, when Jackie Gleason was at the height.
The house was designed for Gleason by an architect who understood the star’s passion.
According to records from Westchester County Historical Society, Gleason worked with the architects to create a home that would go with his unique vision.
What made this house special wasn’t its circular shape, but how it reflected Gleason’s personality and interests.
“The Great One,” as he was known, had an obsession with UFOs and outer space.
According to a 1986 profile in The New York Times, Gleason owned large collections of books about paranormal phenomena and UFOs.
The round design wasn’t for show but it created a sense of continuous flow throughout the living space.
This Gleason’s philosophy about entertaining and living, everything should flow naturally. The house provided both the privacy a star needed and space to host parties for his Hollywood friends.
From the air, the property looks like a UFO site, with the main “Mothership” house and two small circular guesthouses named “The Spaceships”.
Where is Jackie Gleason’s UFO house located?
Jackie Gleason’s iconic UFO house is in Cortlandt Manor, part of Westchester County, New York.
This location offered Gleason the perfect balance, close enough to the TV studios where he worked, but far away to the spotlight.
The property’s positioning takes full advantage of the natural landscape, nestled among trees that provide privacy and allow views from the windows.
Unlike many celebrity homes that are in plain view behind gates, Gleason opted for a secluded setting.
The circular main house and two small guest structures are arranged on the 8-acre plot.
According to local real estate records, the area was less developed when Gleason first built the house in the 1950s, giving him seclusion.
The countryside location allowed Gleason to indulge his interest in stargazing.
Inside the Jackie Gleason House
The exterior of Jackie Gleason house grabs your attention with its circular shape and space-age vibe.
The mid-century modern design features curved walls with a circular layout, with an open floor plan that was decades ahead of its time.
Floor-to-ceiling windows bring natural light in, creating a connection with the surrounding landscape while maintaining the spaceship look.
Bedrooms
The main house has three bedrooms, thoughtfully designed to maintain the spaceship theme with comfort.
The master bedroom is at what is considered the “helm” of the ship, with panoramic windows offering views of the property.
The two guest bedrooms continue the rounded theme on a small scale.
Each room has its own unique character while maintaining the theme.
Custom-built furniture was necessary for the spaces, as rectangular pieces wouldn’t fit against the curved walls.
Massive Living Room
The centerpiece of the house is the massive circular living room, which forms the heart of the “Mothership.”
With around 1,000 square feet of open space, this room is the Gleason’s entertaining area and makes an impression.
The room features a seating area surrounded by built-in furniture that curves with the walls.
A fireplace is a focal point, with a custom-designed hood that mimics the curves throughout the house.
Bathrooms
The three bathrooms in the main house had the space-age theme with curved fixtures and custom-designed elements.
The master bathroom features a round sunken tub that resembles a flying saucer.
The guest bathrooms, while small, contain rounded fixtures.
One notable feature mentioned in a 1959 Home & Garden feature on the house was the lighting designed to mimic the “glow of spacecraft control panels”.
Built-in Bars
The main house had multiple built-in bars, the large one near the living room.
This circular bar includes custom cabinetry that follows the curve of the walls and lighting that created “the atmosphere for Jackie’s cocktail hours.”
A second, small bar area is located near the entertainment space.
Both bars have the same attention to curved detail, with custom-built shelving for Gleason’s liquor collection.
Entertainment Space
The entertainment space in his house was cutting-edge for its time.
A room for music and movies features built-in seating arranged in a semicircle facing a state-of-the-art projection system.
This space also includes a small stage area where Gleason entertains guests with impromptu performances or host musicians.
The acoustics of the circular room were exceptional, creating what described as “a listening experience unlike any other private home in America.”
Kitchen
The kitchen is a little different from the UFO theme with its practical design, though it features curved countertops and custom cabinetry.
For the 1950s, it was considered modern, with high-end appliances and ample space for Gleason’s chef to prepare meals for dinners and gatherings.
A breakfast nook with panoramic windows overlooks the property.
According to a profile in House Beautiful magazine from 1960, Gleason cooked himself but took interest in the kitchen’s design.
Outdoor Space with Pool
The outdoor space complements the UFO theme with the round patios surrounding the main house.
The centerpiece is a kidney-shaped swimming pool, resembling a spaceship’s landing path leading to the main house.
Landscaping around the property was minimal and natural, allowing the architectural elements to shine.
Stone pathways connect the main house to the two small guesthouses, creating a campus-like feel.
How Many Other Properties Are Owned by Jackie Gleason?
The UFO house in Westchester County was Gleason’s famous residence but it wasn’t his only home.
Throughout his career, he owned many properties across the country, each reflecting different phases of his life and career.
According to property records and celebrity real estate publications, Gleason’s real estate portfolio included:
| Property Location | Years Owned | Approximate Size | Notable Features | Approximate Value |
| Manhattan Apartment | 1950-1959 | 2,500 sq ft | Penthouse with terrace | $85,000 (1950s value) |
| Westchester “UFO House” | 1954-1969 | 3,950 sq ft on 8 acres | Circular spaceship design | $290,000 (original cost) |
| Peekskill, NY Country Home | 1962-1972 | 4,200 sq ft on 5 acres | Traditional design, recording studio | $310,000 (1960s value) |
| Miami Beach Mansion | 1964-1987 | 6,000 sq ft | Waterfront property, golf course access | $750,000 (1960s value) |
| Inverrary, Lauderhill, FL Home | 1972-1987 | 5,500 sq ft | Located near golf tournament he sponsored | $680,000 (1970s value) |
After his death in 1987, his properties were handled according to his estate plans.
The Miami Beach mansion, which was his primary residence, was sold by his estate.
The UFO house had changed hands multiple times by then.
After Gleason sold it in 1969, it passed through many owners, each making their own modifications while preserving the circular structure.
Who Bought Jackie Gleason’s House?
After Gleason sold his iconic UFO house in 1969, it passed through many owners.
According to records from the Westchester County Clerk’s Office, the first buyer was a businessman who maintained its original character.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the house changed almost three times, with its own modifications.
In the 1990s, according to a feature in Architectural Digest, the property was purchased by a film producer who appreciated its history and architectural design.
This owner undertook a restoration of Gleason’s original design elements.
The recent transaction before the 2025 listing was in 2014, when the house was purchased by a tech executive who was “specifically looking for a unique property with character and history.”
This owner maintained the UFO aesthetic while updating systems and amenities for modern living.
How Much Was Jackie Gleason’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death in 1987, Jackie Gleason had a considerable fortune through his work in television, film, and music.
According to celebrity wealth publications and estate filings reported by the New York Times, Gleason’s net worth was at around $10 million in 1987.
Gleason’s wealth came from multiple sources.
His television contracts were lucrative, his 1950s CBS contract was worth $11 million over two years, making him one of the highest-paid in America.
Gleason had ventures in music, with his orchestra recordings. He made investments in real estate, with his properties appreciating over time.
According to financial journals of the era, Gleason’s business acumen was overlooked due to his larger-than-life personality.
Gleason’s wealth allowed him to indulge his passions from his custom-built UFO house to his collection of paranormal and UFO literature.
According to friends interviewed for a 1990 biography, Gleason lived well but was not like his public persona.
Conclusion
Jackie Gleason house is one of the remarkable celebrity homes built, it’s a reflection of the man who commissioned it.
From its circular “Mothership” design to the crafted interior spaces, every element of this property showcases Gleason’s personality, interests, and thinking vision.
The home represents a fascinating intersection of 1950s optimism about the future, mid-century architectural innovation.
While many celebrity homes go for luxury, he created something original, a functional piece of architectural art that captivates people.
The house had multiple owners who understood its historical and design significance and preserved its character with modernity.
For fans of architecture, the Jackie Gleason house remains a statement to “The Great One’s” larger-than-life personality and to express his unique vision.
Like Gleason’s comedic timing and performances continue to entertain new generations, his spaceship in the woods of Westchester County gives imagination and conversation.
FAQs
Where was Jackie Gleason’s house?
Jackie Gleason’s famous UFO house is located in Cortlandt Manor, Westchester County, New York. The property is on 8 acres of land, providing privacy and space for the main circular house and two small guesthouses.
How much was Jackie Gleason net worth when he died?
When Jackie Gleason died in 1987, his net worth was at around $10 million. This wealth came from his successful career in television, film, music, and investments in real estate.
Where in Florida did Jackie Gleason live?
Gleason owned two properties in Florida during his later years. He had a mansion in Miami Beach and a home in Inverrary, Lauderhill, near the golf course where the Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic tournament was held.
Who inherited Jackie Gleason’s money?
According to records reported in the Miami Herald, the majority of Gleason’s estate went to his third wife, Marilyn Gleason, whom he married in 1975. His two daughters from his first marriage, Geraldine and Linda, also received inheritances.
What did Jackie Gleason’s house look like?
Jackie Gleason’s famous house as a UFO or flying saucer. The main residence was a circular structure with curved walls made of concrete, steel, and glass. It has an open floor plan with a massive central living area, floor-to-ceiling windows, and custom-built curved furniture. The property also included two small circular guesthouses, named “The Spaceships.”