Step inside some incredible luxury penthouses around the world

The sky's the limit with these slick penthouse apartments

Luxury homes come in all shapes and sizes, but some take opulence to much greater heights – literally! Whether perched atop a modern skyscraper or nestled inside an iconic landmark, these penthouse apartments all offer gorgeous interior design, plush amenities and, of course, jaw-dropping views.

From Sydney to New York, London to Dubai, step inside the crème de la crème of sky-high living...

All dollar values in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

210 Lavaca Street, Texas, USA

When you think about luxurious homes in Texas, you'll probably conjure images of a sprawling ranch with acres of land, but 210 Lavaca Street shows that not all lavish pads in The Lone Star State look the same. Located in the heart of Austin, this contemporary apartment building proves that Texans know exactly how to create an envy-inducing penthouse.

210 Lavaca Street, Texas, USA

Described as a “true masterpiece brought to life by world-renowned designer, Thomas Schoos,” the property is “where art meets real estate”. Bright, bold and eclectic, the home's spacious interior boasts seemingly endless ceilings, full-height windows and dramatic light fixtures that complement vibrant furnishings and one-of-a-kind artworks.

210 Lavaca Street, Texas, USA

As well as a huge living room, there’s also a formal dining room, a luxe kitchen with a floating centre island and ultra-pricey Gaggeneau appliances. There are also a few exterior terraces, where the lucky owner can take in dreamy views of Austin, including the skyline and Lady Bird Lake.

210 Lavaca Street, Texas, USA

There are three bedrooms and three bathrooms, all of which have been finished to the highest standard. Plus, there are plenty of unusual extras, too, including an intriguing loft with a swing and sliding doors made from vintage leather belts. Make of that what you will! If you've fallen head over heels, then the pad is for sale right now with Sotheby's International Realty, for an undisclosed sum.

23 Wolseley Road, New South Wales, Australia

Located at 23 Wolseley Road in Australia's most prestigious harbourside suburb Point Piper, Vilon is a brand-new boutique apartment building comprising six whole-floor apartments. Designed by renowned architects Burley Katon Halliday, the property provides uninterrupted, panoramic views across Sydney, including the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

23 Wolseley Road, New South Wales, Australia

This is Penthouse #6 and it's one of the finest in the building. It occupies the top two floors and therefore captures the very best panorama. Stretching 5,166 square feet, the apartment boasts a private lift, which opens directly into one of the living rooms. There are multiple open-plan lounges and dining areas, all of which flow out to large entertaining balconies.

23 Wolseley Road, New South Wales, Australia

There's a gourmet chef's kitchen, too, as well as four large bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms and private balconies. However, the master suite is by far the best. Not only is it huge, but it comes complete with a walk-in closet, a sitting area, a luxurious bathroom and a large entertaining terrace with uninterrupted skyline views.

23 Wolseley Road, New South Wales, Australia

This has got to be one of the best balcony views in the world! Lucky residents of 23 Wolseley Road also gain access to a secure garage, an internal laundry service, zoned ducted air-conditioning and smart home automation. Penthouse #6 is on the market right now for an undisclosed sum. However, another penthouse inside the building sold in October 2022 for AU$30 million, which equates to £15.9 million ($20.2m), so it's likely this one is worth even more.

Battersea Power Station penthouse, London, UK

Brought back from the brink, thanks to a billion-pound renovation scheme, Battersea Power Station was built between 1929 and 1935, on the south bank of the River Thames in London. At one time, the coal-fired power station supplied a fifth of the city's energy and remained active until 1975. In 2012, the building was purchased for a reported £1.6 billion ($2bn) and the following year an extensive renovation project began.

Battersea Power Station penthouse, London, UK

The scheme saw the landmark turned into 250 high-end apartments, while the land surrounding it was developed to include a total of 800 new homes, as well as offices, cafes and independent businesses. Inside the former Boiler House lies the development's pièce de résistance – this incredible penthouse. Described by listing agents Sotheby's International Realty as "arguably one of London’s finest penthouse apartments," the property is priced at £31 million ($39m).

Battersea Power Station penthouse, London, UK

Combining two penthouse apartments into one incredible space, the property was meticulously designed by New York-based Joe Serrins Studio. Modern, bright and extremely lavish, every single space benefits from floor-to-ceiling windows, high-end light fixtures and plush flooring. We don't know the apartment's exact dimensions, but we do know it spans three floors and offers four bedrooms and four bathrooms, as well as numerous living rooms, a designer kitchen and an office. Of course, every room enjoys 360-degree city and river views.

Battersea Power Station penthouse, London, UK

There are multiple outdoor spaces, too, including a balcony with a large terrace, leading to an expansive dining and sitting area underneath one of the Power Station’s iconic furnaces. The apartment is decked out with the latest smart home tech, too. There’s underfloor heating, air cooling, automation for lighting and a home security system. Residents of the Boiler House also benefit from 24/7 concierge services, a gym and a swimming pool.

One Above All Else, New York, USA

Offering spectacular city panorama, unparalleled amenities and gorgeous interior design that is only outdone by the view, New York's incredible Central Park Tower penthouse is unlike any you might have seen before. The crème de la crème of apartment living, the space has been aptly named the 'One Above All Else' and we can certainly understand why. Let's step inside...

One Above All Else, New York, USA

Soaring 1,416 feet above Manhattan, the penthouse is not only the highest residence in the world (it's nearly as tall as the Empire State Building), but it's also America’s most expensive, thanks to its initial asking price of £197 million ($250m). Following a price cut, the pad is now available for a cool £154 million ($195m). The three-storey apartment boasts the highest private ballroom on the planet, alongside this 1,500 square-foot grand salon with its wall-to-wall windows that frame jaw-dropping city scenery.

One Above All Else, New York, USA

The triplex spans 17,545 square feet and its 23 interior living spaces include a sprawling gallery reception room, with a soaring 27-foot ceiling, a luxe kitchen, a dining room, observatory, library, home theatre, seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms. There's also a professional-grade catering kitchen with a separate service entry, a private study and room for a gym. A sublime spiral staircase connects each of the home's floors, but each level is a "sanctuary unto itself", according to the listing, with private elevator vestibules and separate entry points.

One Above All Else, New York, USA

The building itself was designed by architect Adrian Smith, the man behind the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, while award-winning designer Lauren Rottet took care of the interior design. Of course, lucky residents get to enjoy a range of amazing amenities, thanks to the hotel-like Central Park Club. The space boasts a 60-foot-long outdoor swimming pool, a cabana deck, a private park, a screening room and the exclusive 100th Floor, New York’s most elevated private members' club.

Faena House, Florida, USA

Miami is known for its Art Deco style, but this impeccably designed penthouse, which sits atop Faena House, along the trendy shores of Mid-Beach, is a modern decorative masterpiece. Overlooking the ocean, the property set pulses racing when it first hit the market in 2017 for an eye-watering £43 million ($55m). Realtor's sales information shows that the property is now back on the market with a dropped price of £26.1 million ($33m).

Faena House, Florida, USA

Designed by award-winning British architects Foster + Partners, Faena House is one of the most exclusive boutique towers in Miami Beach, situated alongside a wide stretch of white sand. Like a beach house in the sky, the property offers six bedrooms and six bathrooms in 6,400 square feet of living space as well as an additional 4,000 square feet of outdoor space which, with its expansive glass walls, provides a truly indoor/outdoor experience.

Faena House, Florida, USA

With 270-degree blue sky views, there is never a dull moment at Faena House. The sleek interior design is just as impressive as the vistas, with Italian terrazzo flooring and high-gloss ebony bookcases in the living area. Rare, hand-painted walls and custom-built ebony furnishings feature in all the bedrooms and past residents include Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, who bought a pad here in 2018.

Faena House, Florida, USA

The unit also features a private elevator foyer arrival into a fine art gallery and fittings like these brass Crittall doors evoke the classic Art Deco style. As well as a private rooftop swimming pool, amenities include an in-house spa, fitness centre, beach club, pools, gardens and access to services at Faena Hotel Miami Beach, where interiors were designed by film director Baz Luhrmann.

Atlantis The Royal Residences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Property is booming in Dubai and the largest penthouse at Atlantis The Royal Residences sold in August 2022 for £35.1 million ($44.4m), in what was thought to be the year's biggest sale. The distinctive honeycomb twin tower structure is straight out of a mythical world and was designed by celebrated New York architects Kohn Pedersen Fox, who have designed some of the world’s tallest buildings, including the CITIC Tower in Beijing.

Atlantis The Royal Residences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Situated on the crescent of The Palm and next to the iconic Atlantis The Palm resort, the five-bedroom triplex penthouse is spread across about 25,000 square feet and features a sky garden, two private pools and terraces, a private lift and 360-degree views of both the Arabian sea and the Palm Jumeirah.

Atlantis The Royal Residences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

While the apartment was offered unfinished, the new owner has the option to choose from a range of interior designs conceived by renowned interior designer Sybille de Margerie, a member of the Taittinger family, who transformed the Mandarin Oriental in Paris. Her use of calm, subtle tones of gold and white complement the sea views and are accented by personally curated artworks, including tapestries and intricately woven screens.

Atlantis The Royal Residences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The penthouse is located on floors 35, 36 and 37, with an additional mezzanine level on floor 37, but that's not all. Residents can enjoy the amenities of the adjacent Royal Atlantis Resort, including the jaw-dropping Sky Pool, an infinity pool hovering 295 feet in the air and connecting the resort with the residences. Plus, there are over 40 restaurants run by award-winning chefs, a spa and wellness centre, a gym and tennis courts. It’s truly out of this world.

Woolworth Pinnacle Penthouse, New York, USA

The Pinnacle Penthouse lies at the top of the iconic Woolworth Building, in the heart of Tribeca, New York. The property landed on the market in 2017, with a £87 million ($110m) asking price. At the time, it was among the most expensive listings New York City had ever seen. After six years and countless price cuts, one lucky buyer finally snapped the place up in summer 2023, paying just £24 million ($30m). That's a staggering £63 million ($80m) less than the original asking price. The lack of interest might have had something to do with the fact that the interior of the penthouse isn't even finished.

Woolworth Pinnacle Penthouse, New York, USA

In fact, it's still a vacant shell, which means the lucky buyer will be able to customise it to suit their needs. However, these renderings show how the pad could look after a rather large cash injection. The buyer can choose between two architecturally impressive interior design options: a traditional scheme by Thierry W. Despont (pictured here), with parquet floors, panelled walls and crystal chandeliers; or a modern scheme by prominent New York architect David Hotson.

Woolworth Pinnacle Penthouse, New York, USA

Currently offering a generous 9,680 square feet across five floors, as well as an additional 408-square-foot observatory, other stand-out features include a total of 125 windows, 24-foot-high ceilings and an in-residence elevator. David Hotson’s proposed interior design plan incorporates floating spiral staircases and layouts that maximise light flow, transforming the penthouse into a work of art.

Woolworth Pinnacle Penthouse, New York, USA

Described by Sotheby’s as “the highest mansion in Manhattan,” the apartment isn't the only brilliant thing about this live-in landmark. Residents will also have access to some rather plush amenities, including this historic pool – Frank Winfield Woolworth’s original swimming pool, which has been lovingly restored – a sauna, hot tub, gym and tasting room. Following the sale of the Pinnacle, the developers finally sold out the building, 11 years after the project began.

Crown Residences penthouse, New South Wales, Australia

Sydney’s most expensive penthouse is currently for sale via Knight Frank, for a staggering AU$100 million, which is £53 million ($67m). The six-bedroom, six-bathroom pad in Crown Residences at One Barangaroo has breathtaking views north to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, west to the Blue Mountains, east across the Sydney Opera House to the Pacific Ocean and south to Darling Harbour and beyond.

Crown Residences penthouse, New South Wales, Australia

Located atop Sydney’s tallest building, part-owned by James Packer, Australia’s media and casino mogul, it hovers 800 feet above sea level. There is 8,600 square feet of luxury space, a cathedral of glass, chrome and black marble. The penthouse offers several entertaining areas as well as an office, private plunge pool, cinema room, gym and over 500 square feet of outside space across three protected balconies.

Crown Residences penthouse, New South Wales, Australia

Spread over two floors and connected by a feature staircase, the interiors were designed by the world-renowned Meyer Davis Studio and featured in Russell Crowe’s Poker Face film. Using Sydney Harbour as a source of inspiration, gleaming marble floors and a carefully curated colour palette reflect the surrounding environment and create a chic, contemporary living space.

Crown Residences penthouse, New South Wales, Australia

With views as spectacular as this, seen through floor-to-ceiling glass doors, you're sure to spring out of bed every morning ready to seize the day. The penthouse is one of 76 apartments in the Crown Residences and comes with access to a 24-hour private concierge service, valet parking, residents-only pool, a state-of-the-art gym and in-room dining, thanks to a team of celebrated chefs.

Penthouse 78 at 53 West 53, New York, USA

Soaring 1,050 feet above the Museum of Modern Art, French architect Jean Nouvel’s glass and steel-clad, super-tall tower, 53 West 53, took New York by storm when it was completed in 2019. Even its construction caused a stir. The dramatic tapered 82-storey structure dominates the New York skyline and, once inside, Penthouse 78 is no less impressive.

Penthouse 78 at 53 West 53, New York, USA

The penthouse comprises the entire 78th and 79th floors, a total area of 7,455 square feet, and the refined interiors were designed by Thierry Despont. This truly palatial residence has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, along with this exquisite reception room with its mid-century-style furniture and views across Central Park. The apartment also includes another double-height great room on the lower level.

Penthouse 78 at 53 West 53, New York, USA

In addition to the triple-glazed floor-to-ceiling windows, providing residents with alternative views out to the Hudson River, most rooms make a feature of the building’s distinctive diagonal structural columns, while a soft cream palette and museum-quality finishes create an atmosphere of modern glamour and timeless elegance.

Penthouse 78 at 53 West 53, New York, USA

The home is fitted with a sleek, modern kitchen with white lacquer cabinetry and a luxurious master bathroom, sculpted from Persian golden travertine and high-honed Verona limestone. But should residents require extra pampering, the 53 West 53 experience extends to a 65-foot indoor lap pool, a gym and a wow-factor wellness centre, with its calming living green walls and rejuvenating treatments.

It's no wonder the property was last for sale for a cool £51 million ($64.7m). However, it's unclear whether or not anyone bought the place and the listing was taken down in January 2023.

Tour Odéon Tower Sky Penthouse, Monte Carlo, Monaco

It was dubbed the most expensive penthouse in the world when it returned to the market in September 2021. Gracing the top floor of Monaco’s La Tour Odéon skyscraper, the five-storey Sky Penthouse was on sale for a reported £306 million ($387m). The 560-foot tower is the tallest building in Monaco and was designed by visionary architect Alexandre Giraldi. Let's explore...

Tour Odéon Tower Sky Penthouse, Monte Carlo, Monaco

A real billionaire’s playground, the penthouse not only has 360-degree views out across the Mediterranean but features a waterslide that descends from a dance floor directly into a mind-blowing rooftop infinity pool. How’s that for the perfect party pad? The property is also close to Monte Carlo’s fabled casino and Royal Palace, once inhabited by America’s princess Grace Kelly, who was married to the principality's monarch, Prince Rainier.

Tour Odéon Tower Sky Penthouse, Monte Carlo, Monaco

Offering 31,500 square feet of exclusive living space, the penthouse occupies the 45th through to the 49th floors of the building and has five main bedrooms, all with expansive glass windows. Interior design is by the highly-esteemed Alberto Pinto Studio, known for its maximalist style. Curiously, there’s a kitchen on every floor, but potential buyers might be pleased to hear there are also an additional three bedrooms for staff.

Tour Odéon Tower Sky Penthouse, Monte Carlo, Monaco

Top-quality marble and intricately-carved wood detail add contrast and texture in this sleek, modern bathroom. But should residents need the professional touch, they can use the Odéon Spa, also designed by Alberto Pinto Studio, or any one of the many other amenities on offer that have made this one-off penthouse one of the most desirable properties in the world.

Park Modern, London, UK

It may be discreet from the outside, but the largest penthouse in the Park Modern development came with a hefty £60 million ($76m) price tag, making it London’s most expensive apartment. The 57-home project in Queensway was designed by architects PLP, who designed 22 Bishopsgate in the city of London, which is currently the second-tallest building in Britain after the Shard. The project was supposed to be finished in summer 2023, but no news has yet been announced confirming the completion of Park Modern.

Park Modern, London, UK

Spanning nine floors, it’s comparatively low-rise for most penthouses, but has views across Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park towards the city, where you can easily spot the Shard, the London Eye and the Fenchurch Building, otherwise known as the 'Walkie-Talkie' building. At 6,800 square feet, the five-bedroom apartment is more than spacious and within easy walking distance of fashionable Notting Hill, Kensington and Mayfair.

Park Modern, London, UK

The interiors have been designed to maximise the views, with large windows, high ceilings and a neutral colour palette to accentuate the surrounding parkland. Developers Fenton Whelan say they spent time sourcing the best natural marble, stone and wood to make sure everything felt luxurious to the touch. Other features include a master bedroom with two walk-in wardrobes and three large reception rooms.

Park Modern, London, UK

An oasis of calm away from the busy streets below, you almost feel as if you are living in the trees, seated on one of the apartment’s private terraces, which provide an additional 2,400 square feet of outdoor living space. Residents of the building can indulge in plenty of amenities, too, including a concierge and valet parking. In fact, there's an entire well-being floor with an 82-foot swimming pool, a gym, a spa, a cinema and a treatment salon.

432 Park Avenue, New York, USA

At 1,396 feet, it was hailed the tallest residential tower in the Western Hemisphere when completed in 2015. Since then, 432 Park Avenue has been surpassed by Central Park Tower and 111 West 57th Street, but Rafael Viñoly’s minimalist design still holds its own on the New York skyline. As does its penthouse on the 79th floor, which was previously for sale for a monumental £108 million ($135m) but finally sold for a cut price of £52 million ($65.6m).

432 Park Avenue, New York, USA

Not your usual glossy high-rise, this pared-back full-floor residence is a testament to its creator, renowned Japanese photographer and architect Hiroshi Sugimoto, famous for his black and white photographs of the natural world. Distinctive from other properties in the building, the artist has brought a serene aesthetic to the interior design, choosing natural materials, like the ancient cedar planks in the dining room. There's also a permanent art installation featuring two bonsai trees, Robb Report confirmed.

432 Park Avenue, New York, USA

The apartment comprises 8,055 square feet of living space, five bedrooms, five bathrooms, two powder rooms and unobstructed views from this functional but stylish kitchen, which is sheathed in hand-hammered metal. The cabinets have round windows that allude to a ship’s portholes. Included in the sale was the custom-made furniture, also designed by Sugimoto, as well as two adjacent studio apartments and two storage units. That's quite the package deal.

432 Park Avenue, New York, USA

What could be more relaxing than a long soak in this bathtub, which sits on stone tiles that have been sourced from old Kyoto Tram stations? 10-by-ten-foot windows take in dramatic views of Central Park and beyond. Plus, this building attracts the rich and famous, as past residents have included Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez, who sold their apartment here in 2019 for £12.5 million ($15.8m).