Cover The living area of the penthouse unit in 8899 Beverly in Los Angeles

Looking for a castle in the sky? These show-stopping penthouse apartments more than fit the bill

If you fancy living the high life, then a luxury penthouse is a good place to start. The definition of a penthouse today, however, is more than just a space sitting at the very top of a building. Modern developers tap renowned architects and designers, who push the envelope when it comes to creating a show-stopping property. From impossibly high ceilings to 360-degree views and every amenity in the world (think: 24-hour valet service, pet concierges and more), these five penthouses epitomise what it’s like to be on top of the world. 

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1. Battersea Prospect Place, London

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Above The staircase of the penthouse in Battersea Prospect Place, a luxury development located in London’s Battersea district (Photography: Taran Wilkhu)
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Above The terrace area of a duplex penthouse at Battersea Prospect Place (Photography: Taran Wilkhu)

Duplex Penthouse at Battersea Prospect Place

London, UK

What do you get when you bring together globally renowned architect Frank Gehry, a once-in-a-lifetime regeneration project, and a wonderful location on the banks of the River Thames? A chance to own a slice of architectural history, that is. Battersea Prospect Place is Gehry Partners’ first residential project in London and was conceived as a key part of the soon-to-open Battersea Power Station.

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Above The restful living area features a calming off-white palette and a sculptural staircase (Photography: Taran Wilkhu)

Housed in the curvaceous building is the duplex penthouse apartment, which features 3,800 sq ft of living area including a terrace that measures an expansive 942 sq ft. Consistent with its modern exterior, it has a spacious open-plan living and dining area, four double bedrooms, and a stunning spiral staircase connecting the two floors. 

2. Crown Residences at One Bangaroo

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Photo 1 of 2 The lofty open-plan living and dining area in the penthouse unit at Crown Residences at One Bangaroo (Photography: Tate Martin)
Photo 2 of 2 The unit looks out to iconic views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House (Photography: Tate Martin)

6-Bedroom Penthouse at Crown Residences at One Bangaroo

Sydney, Australia

One Bangaroo set many firsts when it launched in Sydney but one of its most amazing offerings is this six-bedroom penthouse that spans 800 sq m (approximately 8,611 sq ft) across two full floors—connected by a feature staircase and an internal lift, of course. The residence’s six-metre-high floor-to-ceiling windows frame a direct view of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. It also has a 360-degree panorama that stretches from the Sydney Harbour to the Blue Mountains, as well as the Darling Harbour and the Pacific Ocean. 

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Above The spacious master bathroom looks out to spectacular views of the harbour (Photography: Tate Martin)

Indoors, the penthouse offers a master suite with walk-in closets, five bedrooms all equipped with ensuite bathrooms, a separate office, cinema room, and a private gym. The cherry on top? Your very own plunge pool and a spacious al fresco area that extends across three protected balconies to enjoy that true blue Australian lifestyle. 

3. 53 West 53

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Above The panoramic views offered at the 53 West 53 luxury tower designed by Jean Nouvel, perched above the Museum of Modern Art (Photography: Giles Ashford)

Penthouse 76 at 53 West 53 

New York, USA 

In a city synonymous with loft living and penthouses, it’s hard for a property to stand out in New York but rarely does such a gem such as this come to the market. Located above the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the gleaming Jean Nouvel-designed tower 53 West 53 rises 82 storeys high. Sitting atop it all is Penthouse 76, which occupies the entire 76th and 77th floors spanning a total of 7,973 sq ft—palatial even by penthouse standards. 

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Above The living room of the penthouse (Photography: Hayes Davidson)

Housing four bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, a dedicated service entrance, and a private interior elevator, the space has soaring ceilings that let the light in and windows that allow the lucky owner to take in the views of Central Park, the Hudson River, East River, City skyline and beyond. What makes this space extra special is the interiors fashioned by Thierry Despont, the genius behind the renovation of Ritz Paris, who is known for bespoke detailing ensuring you get the very best inside and out.  

4. The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria

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Above The living room of the penthouse in The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria

Penthouse in The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria

New York City, USA

Beloved by presidents, Hollywood celebrities, and royalty alike, the Waldorf Astoria has been a beacon of style since it opened on New York’s Park Avenue in 1931. Over 90 years later, it remains a landmark building set in a thriving location with the city’s best bars, restaurants, and the fashionable Madison and Fifth Avenues at your doorstep. 

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Above The iconic skyline view, as seen from the master bathroom

The redevelopment brings 375 branded residences in addition to the hotel rooms and suites, with those who’re buying in given over 50,000 square feet of private residential amenities and special access to the hotel once the doors open in 2023. True to its opulent nature, the residential interiors are crafted by Jean-Louis Deniot, known for his elegant and impeccable designs. Spaces will feature custom cabinets by Italian brand Molteni&C, vanities with polished marble countertops, and tile mosaics featuring a Waldorf Astoria-inspired pattern.

5. 8899 Beverly

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Above The spacious penthouse in 8899 Beverly in Los Angeles

Penthouse at 8899 Beverly

Los Angeles, USA

Brochures often boast that a property has an “unrivalled location”, but when it comes to 8899 Beverly—it’s actually a fact. It is the first and only residential building in the West Hollywood Arts and Design District, making it perhaps the most exclusive address in Los Angeles. 

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Above The master bathroom is also connected to the outdoor terrace of this penthouse apartment

The celebrated Olson Kundig Architects were commissioned to design the building, which includes a limited collection of 48 homes split between a ten-story tower and eight standalone townhome residences. The development features two penthouses sitting on a 17-inch thick concrete floor plate perched atop the 8899 Beverly Tower, which owners can access via a private lift. Commanding a 360-degree view of the city, the penthouse features soaring high ceilings as well as wraparound Vitrocsa glazing to ensure the best of indoor-outdoor living. Where should you enjoy the wonderful Californian weather? Well, on the expansive terraces, which are crafted from Italian silver travertine stone. 

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