Property Description

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 American Icon Jackie Gleason, who envisioned this extraordinary 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. Off-the-charts Cool, the main residence, “The Mothership” is a striking example of unique Mid-Century Modern architecture shaped by imagination. This MCM Masterpiece is entirely round, with rooms arranged around a central stylized steel 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. The curated materials are tactile and enduring — stone, wood, metal, glass — chosen for both aesthetic and structural integrity. A Scandinavian shipbuilder was brought in to craft the incredible ceiling, sporting a repeating curved boat design, curved built-ins and metal vents shaped like stylized fish. Legend goes that Gleason bought an entire Italian quarry to ensure the consistent sourcing of high-quality marble that he expected. 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. Nearby Croton-on-Hudson offers spectacular River views, boating and outdoor recreation, Croton Dam, Croton Point Park, music, dining and craft brewery. Croton Train Station connects to Grand Central via express trains on Metro North Hudsons Line also serving as a stop on Amtrak’s Empire Service between Penn Station and Albany. “And Away We Go!” Since a crib this spectacular isn’t meant to be kept to yourself, “The Mothership” boasts a series of open, free-flowing entertainment spaces ready to “wow” every guest. Enter the entertainment level and feel the exclusivity vibe — conversational areas, glamorous marble dance floor, a game room with original professional shuffleboard table, swooping stylized bars and massive marble fireplaces. Midnight soirees are fabled to have included Hollywood greats and celebrities Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, Salvador Dali and even Richard Nixon. If these walls could talk! “How Sweet It Is!” Set on 8.6 acres, the property is surrounded by mature trees, natural rock formations and landscaping, providing privacy and quiet. Just outside the house, a marble patio and deck await with an outdoor fireplace, perfect for watching the transition of seasons. The Fantastical smaller “Spaceship” structure affords more fun with a nod toward a clamping party spot. An earlier 1930’s Stone Colonial residence on the property, called “The Barracks,” makes an ideal guest house. There’s a fenced herb and vegetable garden, potting shed, pools and pavilion overlooking a babbling brook that add all the trimmings for an escape into nature. 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

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Heidi Henshaw