When it comes to penthouses, we expect the crème de la crème and with recent events reinforcing the flight to quality, it’s easy to understand why more purchasers are rightsizing and turning to penthouse living.

Larger lateral space, privacy, minimal upkeep, the potential for serviced living and of course, unrivalled views that are the clincher no matter which city.

Whether it’s London, New York or Sydney, a thoughtfully considered residence atop a prestigious building is the epitome of cosmopolitan luxury living and naturally, these properties are select in numbers. We round up some of the most distinguished penthouses on the market around the world that will be home to a very fortunate few.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Crown Residences at One Barangaroo, Duplex Penthouse 

Image: Crown Residences at One Barangaroo penthouse living room view

Set above the majestic Sydney Harbour sits the Crown Residences at One Barangaroo Duplex Penthouse, the most exclusive dwelling at Sydney’s most prestigious residential address, ‘One Barangaroo Avenue’.

With 82 residences in total, Crown Residences at One Barangaroo is Australia’s first fully-integrated hotel branded residences. Set on the foreshore of Sydney’s new thriving precinct, Barangaroo, the building is inspired by the form of three twisting petals rising into the Sydney skyline, rendering each floor unique in its layout and aspect.

The Duplex Penthouse, currently on the market at over 800 sqm and 245 m above sea level, will be the largest and highest Residence in the building, boasting 360-degree views across Sydney Harbour including the city’s two other icons; the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour bridge.

The penthouse includes a double height living room with 6.5m high floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the incredible views, formal and informal living, and dining areas, cinema, home office, gymnasium, wine cellar, as well as a suspended fireplace, stunning feature staircase and private internal lift.

Image: Crown Residences at One Barangaroo penthouse wine room 

The penthouse also boasts its own private plunge pool, the only Residence in the building to do so. The opulent master suite is breathtaking, complete with his and hers dressing areas and a large en-suite with twin rain and steam showers which overlook the harbour. The Duplex Penthouse has six spacious bedrooms in total, all with generous en-suite bathrooms. Three outdoor areas and an impressive entrance gallery give way to a well-deserved sense of arrival.

Image: Crown Residences at One Barangaroo penthouse lift lobby 

Residents of the penthouse, like all other residents, have access to the facilities within Crown Sydney opening in December this year, encompassing a residents pool on level four and hotel pool on level three, a spa designed by Blainey North, priority bookings for the 14 bars and restaurants, a private residents entrance coupled with valet parking and concierge, and access to a state-of-the-art gym and tennis court. From ordering room service late at night, booking a private chef, simply having your bed linen changed, to the more coveted of asks, residents will have access to an unrivalled level of serviced living from operator Crown Resorts.

Interiors have been designed by world-renowned interior design firm Meyer Davis. Stylishly appointed with finishes crafted from premium materials, the penthouse reflects a chic and contemporary home, in harmony with its harbour surrounds. From state-of-the-art appliances to cool gleaming marble floors and supple, inviting touches, the finishes of the penthouse are stunning and reflect the standard across all residence types, though there can be no disputing the opulence and sheer expanse of this duplex.

Image: Crown Residences at One Barangaroo penthouse master bedroom

Materials and finishes, colour palette and lighting have been heavily informed and inspired by the majesty of the waterfront, the focal point of Sydney. With this strong reference to place, the interiors will reach beyond to the exterior, wrapping the property in design elements which speak to the surrounding environment.

Erin van Tuil, Partner, Crown Residences at One Barangaroo, commented: “Perhaps the most prestigious home to ever list on the Australian market, the Duplex Penthouse at Crown Residences at One Barangaroo boasts the best views in Sydney and a level of serviced living which simply cannot be matched in this country. Response from viewers has been astounding and with the strength and confidence in Sydney’s prime market, this penthouse won’t only provide a home, but a once in a lifetime opportunity to pass down to generations to come. While we haven’t a price to disclose, I have little doubt that this penthouse will record one of the highest value sales the Australian market has seen, and rightly so.”

The Duplex Penthouse and 82 Crown Residences at One Barangaroo are the most momentous homes Sydney has ever seen. With a very limited supply and occupancy from March 2021, there is a still a chance to become of the select few who will call the Residences home. In terms of location and the calibre of this building, I can’t see that it will ever be replicated again in Sydney. Crown Resorts ambition and belief in superior quality has brought together an award-winning architect, renowned interiors design firm and a trusted construction partner on one of the last great positions on Sydney Harbour.”

Image: watch the latest construction film for Crown Residences at One Barangaroo, Sydney 

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

The Horizon Collection, Brisbane Sky Tower

Image: Penthouse living room of The Horizon Collection

Brisbane Skytower rises above the views as a defining landmark of the beautiful city. Soaring 270 metres into the city's sub-tropical skies, The Horizon Collection offers panoramic views that reach out in all directions including Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliff, Brisbane Botanic Garden and South Bank, making them the most captivating and glamorous penthouses in Queensland. Above all else, this development defies gravity as the grandest and tallest building ever to grace the skyline at 90-storeys high.

Image: The Horizon Collection, Brisbane Sky Tower located on the edge of the Brisbane River  

The Horizon Collection encompasses a select number of two, three and four-bedroom penthouse residences. Located in the heart of the Central Business District, some of the breathtaking views residents will enjoy from the expansive glass windows and subtle curves include Moreton Bay, Stradbroke Island and the Gold Coast skyline.

At 270 metres high on the 90th floor, Brisbane Skytower features the highest infinity rooftop pool in the Southern Hemisphere, which Horizon penthouse residences have exclusive use of. The tower, now complete and ready to move in, also offers unforgettable and personalised experiences such as entertaining guests in private entertainment spaces such as the Skylounge to relax on the pool deck to enjoy views as far as the eye can see.

The porte-cochère provides a fitting sense of arrival being greeted by your concierge that is available seven days a week, the quality experience begins upon entry as a supremely elegant lobby welcomes you. Residences can exclusively enjoy the first-class lifestyle and luxurious spa services from the five-star luxury hotel The Westin. 

Image: Brisbane Skytower residents' lobby

DUBAI, UAE

The Royal Atlantis Residences, Penthouses

Image: The Royal Atlantis Residences penthouse terrace 

The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences will forever change the landscape of Dubai. Located on the crescent of The Palm and next to the iconic Atlantis resort, this new generation of distinctive luxury will offer a sophisticated lifestyle with infinite ocean views, lush green spaces, and a playful contrast between fire and water, all encapsulated in dramatic architecture. The Residences include 2, 3, 4 & 5-bedroom residences, Sky Courts boasting sky-high private landscaped terraces, Penthouses with their own expansive terrace, featuring breath-taking pools and luxurious living and dining spaces, and a select number of Garden Suites boasting two landscaped gardens featuring a private pool and entertainment space, with prices starting from just $2.6m.

Image: The Royal Atlantis Residences, Dubai

The Penthouses at The Royal Atlantis are the ultimate in luxury living. The pinnacle of residential sophistication, each Penthouse, four in total, has spectacular views of the Gulf and the dramatic Dubai skyline, the most sought-after homes in the city. Each Penthouse has its own expansive terrace, featuring breath-taking pools and luxurious dining and living spaces, perfect for relaxing with the family or the definitive location for entertaining.

At The Palm's most exclusive address, residents will have access to Michelin Starred chef restaurants, such as Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis, La Mar by Gaston Acurio, Jaleo by Jose Andres, Hakkasan, and Ariana’s Kitchen by Ariana Bundy. A 90-metre-high infinity pool provides the ultimate haven for you to lounge, socialise or play during the day, and under Dubai’s setting sun, the Sky Pool comes alive as the nightlife destination of choice.

Image: The Royal Atlantis Residences by night  

Maria Morris, Head of Residential Middle East, Knight Frank commented: “When designing the penthouses at The Royal Atlantis Residences, we wanted to ensure that the interior layout was equal to the amazing architecture that the development affords. With indoor-outdoor living in mind, the penthouses not only have an abundance of well-designed internal space, but also benefit from over 371 metres of external space with a beautiful private terrace with pool. These well-designed ultra-luxury homes have proved incredibly popular with our international clientele, with two of the three full floor penthouses already being sold.”  

Image: watch the latest construction film for The Royal Atlantis Residences, Dubai

NEW YORK, USA

Triplex Penthouse 72 with Loggia at 111 West 57th Street in Manhattan

Image: 111W57th New York 

Triplex Penthouse 72 offers the grandeur of expansive indoor-outdoor living on three full floors with breathtaking, unobstructed vistas that are perfectly centered over the entirety of Central Park to the north and Manhattan’s iconic skyline to the south at an approximate elevation of 298 metres. The triplex is 662 sqm with four bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms, with a spectacular private loggia totalling 127 sqm for elevated, sheltered open-air entertaining unrivalled on Central Park South.

Image: 111W57th Street, Triplex Penthouse 72 Loggia

The residence interior is designed around a central, extended-height entrance gallery with white macauba stone floors and a gracefully proportioned oval staircase connecting the second and third floors.

A formal Great Hall spans the full 15.2 m width of the Tower, boasting monumental ceiling heights of 4.2 m and showcasing unparalleled Central Park, river-to-river and city views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Solid oak floors, which are a custom smoke grey throughout, are laid in an intricate pattern in the Great Hall.

To the south-west of the lower floor, sits a corner kitchen with custom designed cabinetry finished in hand-rubbed plaster and chateau grey oak. The sophisticated detailing continues in the impressive stepped Cristallo white quartzite countertop and backsplash, with appliances by Gaggenau including convection, speed and steam ovens, a gas range with pot filler and vented hood, a fully integrated coffee machine and wine cooler. On this same floor is the formal dining room boasting sweeping views of Manhattan’s iconic landmarks and a fourth guest bedroom with full bath finished in Cristallo gold quartzite.

Image: 111W57th Street, facade detail looking south

The third floor of the triplex, accessible by either staircase or private elevator, features a lavish master suite centred on the Park, complete with a sitting room, wet bar finished in grey Bitlis marble, two dressing halls and a walk-in closet. The first master bathroom is finished in white onyx and includes a free-standing soaking tub in polished nickel, exclusive, Studio Sofield designed bronze fittings hand-cast by P.E. Guerin, custom sconces and a walk-in shower with dual showerheads and body sprays. The second master bathroom is finished in grey onyx with custom fixtures in blackened steel and glass.

To the south of the third floor’s viewing gallery are two additional guest bedrooms with breathtaking city views, each featuring a full bath finished in Silverian marble, a library and utility room.

Located directly below the two interior floors is an expansive floor-through private loggia totalling 127 sqm for outdoor living and dining on a grand scale. The loggia boasts magnificent and perfectly centered perspectives over Central Park to the north and horizon-deep views to the south that span from Midtown to the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbour. Dedicated service and/or butlery stations can be customized to one's lifestyle - all that awaits is its lucky homeowner.

Image: 111W57th Street, Manhattan, porte cochere 

Georgina Atkinson, Manager, Residential at Knight Frank said: "Perfectly centered on Central Park, 111 West 57th Street is an exceptional landmark on one of the most famous skylines in the world. The newly-constructed tower rises adjacent to the beloved Steinway Hall, and offers a limited collection of just 46 full-floor or duplex residences, each with unrivalled 360 degree views over Manhattan and direct views over Central Park.

"Penthouse 72 is a true ‘one of a kind’ residence. Meticulously designed, it is arguably one of the most unique and special penthouses on the market today. A remarkable feature of this home is the expansive full floor private loggia for open–air entertaining with unobstructed views of Central Park to the north and the iconic Manhattan skyline to the south. With beautiful, bespoke finishes by world renowned interior designer Studio Sofield, the level of quality, design, finish and craftmanship is quite extraordinary. It is no wonder the level of interest received has been so strong – there is no residence in the world quite like it."

LONDON, UK

Number One Centre Point, Penthouse

Image: Number One Centre Point terrace

Situated on the 33rd and 34th floors, Number One, Centre Point’s 5-bedroom duplex penthouse, occupies 767 sqm to 852 sqm if you include the wrap-around terrace and provides spectacular 360 views of London.

Image: Number One Centre Point penthouse bar 

Centre Point is a Grade II listed landmark situated on Tottenham Court Road. It flanks Bloomsbury, Fitzrovia, Soho and Covent Garden, and will benefit from Crossrail once it opens in 2021.

Image: Number One Centre Point penthouse kitchen

The interior architects, Conran & Partners, designed the space to reflect the building’s heritage, but interpreted this in an extremely contemporary way. The space has both grand double height entertaining spaces and secluded areas for solitude and relaxation, providing everything you’d expect from a sprawling country pile, 117 metres in the sky.

Image: Number One Centre Point penthouse bathroom

Almacantar worked with Spinocchia Freund to fuse together design, fashion, architecture and art to create a one-of-a-kind finish in the apartment, collaborating with the likes of Alice Temperley, Richard Long and Eva Menz on bespoke commissions to create something that has never been done in London before.

Image: Number One Centre Point bespoke entrance by Eva Menz

Rupert des Forges, Head of Prime Central London Developments at Knight Frank said: “There is no other penthouse like it in London, nor will another one ever be built. Number One Centre Point is entirely unique, thanks to the interior architecture which offers both grand and intimate spaces; the ultra-luxurious finishes enhanced by one-off collaborations with world-class designers; and of course the wrap-around terrace which provides an unrivalled 360 degree views of London. Centre Point has been an iconic part of London’s skyline for many years, but it is only now realising its full potential with a total redesign that has seen it transformed into 82 spacious and deluxe apartments.”

Image: preview the penthouse at Number One Centre Point

To enjoy more views from around the world, peruse our latest edition of VIEW out now.