8 Best Dwell Penthouses

One of the best aspects of living in a high-rise in the middle of the city is the spectacular view you may be able to enjoy.

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That’s why for some people, having a penthouse is the ultimate goal. In fact, these gems are often some of the most sought-after pieces of real estate in big cities. There’s something about the loft-like atmosphere, bird's-eye views, and connected roof terraces that can make you feel like you’re on top of the world. 

Take a look at these eight examples of impressive penthouse homes in urban centers. 

Hiding Out in Tribeca

Concealed behind a historic cast-iron facade, this Tribeca penthouse can't be seen from street level. Since strict city requirements prohibit any visible rooftop additions to historic structures, New York-based WORKac designed this three-story penthouse to be stealthily hidden when viewed from street level.

Photo: Bruce Damonte

Earning the nickname

Photo: Bruce Damonte

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Entertainment and dining spaces sit below the angular roof in the penthouse.

Photo: Bruce Damonte

Waterfront Views in Cape Town

This sophisticated waterfront penthouse in Cape Town, South Africa, offers great views from multiple perspectives within the apartment.

Courtesy of Elsa Young

Courtesy of Elsa Young

Shipping Containers Atop an Old Carriage House

As part of the renovation and expansion of an existing two-story home in Brooklyn, which used to be a 1930s carriage house, LOT-EK created a rooftop extension made of colorful, stacked shipping containers.

Courtesy of Danny Bright

Courtesy of Danny Bright

Futuristic Penthouse in Old Vienna

Using a lightweight, steel-skeleton construction, Vienna architect Delugan Meissl boldly inserted this dazzling Vienna penthouse in-between the traditional rooftops of old buildings in the city’s Wieden district.

Courtesy of Hertha Hurnaus

Courtesy of Hertha Hurnaus

Above Gilsey in Manhattan’s NoMad

Located on the roof of the historic Gilsey House in Manhattan’s NoMad district, this renovated penthouse by STUDIO V Architecture has an expansive sliding glass door that retracts into the zinc facade, opening up the master suite to a garden terrace with restored historic handrails.

Courtesy of David Rahr

Courtesy of David Rahr

A New Plan in Madrid

To free this 753-square-foot penthouse apartment in Madrid from a cramped layout, Daniel Bergman Vázquez, a partner at Estudio Untercio, reconfigured the space and created an open-plan living area that's connected to a large terrace. 

Courtesy of Luis Diaz Diaz

Courtesy of Luis Diaz Diaz

Cereal-Styled Penthouse in London

In London’s Greenwich Peninsula (a part of London's undergoing cultural facelift), boutique real estate brand Aucoot and the team behind UK magazine Cereal styled this 1,793-square-foot, three-bedroom penthouse apartment, transforming it into a simple yet stunning home. 

Courtesy of Rich Stapleton

Courtesy of Rich Stapleton

Relaxed Sophistication in Bondi Beach

This two-story, three-bedroom penthouse located at the top of the multi-use development of Pacific Bondi Beach was designed to evoke the "relaxed sophistication" of its chic Australian beach locale.

Courtesy of Felix Forest

Courtesy of Felix Forest

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