Space-Age Dreams in Westchester County
An hour north of New York City, in the quiet woods of Northern Westchester County, sits a home that’s truly out of this world.
Circular in form and wrapped in glass, 196 Furnace Dock Road in Cortlandt Manor, NY, was built in 1959 for entertainer Jackie Gleason, who envisioned the residence as a landed flying saucer in the forest. Gleason, famously a devout believer in extraterrestrial life, enlisted architect Robert Cika to bring the concept into three-dimensional reality.
The result is a striking example of mid-century modern architecture shaped by imagination. The house is entirely round, with rooms arranged around a central core. Floor-to-ceiling windows encircle the structure, offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding woods while allowing natural light to move freely through the space. The radial layout creates a sense of movement and openness, with each room flowing into the next. A Scandinavian shipbuilder was brought in to craft the iconic ceiling, sporting boat forms and curving vents shaped like stylized fish.
The main residence spans more than 7,000 square feet, with five bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and two half baths. There are four fireplaces, each positioned to anchor key living areas. The materials are tactile and enduring — stone, wood, and glass — chosen for both aesthetic and structural integrity. Legend has it that Gleason bought an entire Italian quarry to consistently source the high-quality marble he wanted for the house.
Since a house this spectacular isn’t meant to be kept to yourself, the “Mothership” boasts a series of open, free-flowing entertaining spaces ready to wow every guest who enters. The game room, with its original shuffleboard table, marble dance floor, and vintage curvilinear bar, is said to have hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio, and even Richard Nixon. A spacious living room, dining room, and library/home office round out the inspired interior spaces.
Set on 8.6 acres, the property is surrounded by mature trees and natural landscapes, providing privacy and quiet. Just outside the house, a patio and deck await with an outdoor fireplace, perfect for watching the transition of seasons. An earlier stone Colonial residence on the property, called “The Barracks,” has been retained and completely restored, making for an ideal guest house. There’s a fenced herb garden, a potting shed, and outbuildings that add all the trimmings for an escape into nature.
Nearby Croton-on-Hudson offers river views, local shops, and outdoor recreation, including the popular Croton Gorge Park. Croton-Harmon Station, just minutes away, connects to Grand Central Terminal via express trains on Metro-North’s Hudson Line, also serving as a stop on Amtrak’s Empire Service between Penn Station and Albany.
This remarkable house was conceived not just as a residence, but a retreat in every sense of the word. Gleason used it as a place to disconnect from public life and immerse himself in personal interests. The design reflects that intention, with its unconventional form and immersive setting encouraging reflection and creativity. Every element of the property, from its circular geometry to its forested surroundings, was chosen with purpose, making for a singular home that invites curiosity and rewards close attention.
