Penthouse Floor Plans (with Drawings)

The idea of living in a penthouse often gets attached to those who walk among the rich and famous. Just the very word “penthouse” conjures up visions of a lavish lifestyle. But what exactly separates a penthouse from just a really (really) big apartment or condo?

Although typically associated with larger spaces, some penthouses can be just 350 square feet (as one such example in NYC). However, many can jump way past 15,000 square feet or more; they all usually include luxury features. Also, a common feature of a penthouse is it takes up the entire top floor of an apartment/condominium building.

Initially, a penthouse referred to a house constructed on the roof of an apartment building. Eventually, it came to refer to the lavish unit that takes up the entire upper floor. It’s pretty much a given that the penthouse will be the most expensive unit in the building.

This impressive and spacious penthouse features a split-bedroom design. The owner’s (master) suite tucks away in its own corner, complete with a private bath, terrace, and two walk-in closets. Across the penthouse, you’ll find the other three suites, hence the term split-bedroom.

This penthouse is the epitome of luxury, so every bedroom gets its own bathroom and walk-in closet. The rest of this unit features spacious living and dining areas, a huge kitchen, a separate den, bathrooms, and storage. There are also two massive terraces for outdoor living and entertaining, independent from the owner’s private terrace.

The terraces offer more than enough space to include furniture for eating, lounging, and soaking up the sun. On pleasant days, these outdoor spaces become true extensions of the living space. This makes the penthouse feel even more significant than it already is.

This penthouse still features luxury finishes and lots of amenities, but it’s not relatively as spread out as the other examples. It’s a four-bedroom, and each room has its own bath, but you won’t find walk-in closets here.

Plus, the second bedroom shares a bathroom with the study, which doubles as another potential bedroom. There is no bathroom off of the main living areas. Therefore, guests need to go through the study or a bedroom to use the facilities.

This might not be ideal, especially when you’re paying penthouse prices. But you do get lots of terrace space and an ample size living/dining/kitchen combo space. There aren’t many bonus rooms, but hey, you have a penthouse.

You also usually enjoy higher ceilings and a more open floor plan in a penthouse. Plus, you typically get your laundry and a fully equipped, top-of-the-line kitchen.

You might also find unique features like temperature-controlled wine storage or your private sauna. If there is something in particular you want, you likely have more options and available space with a penthouse to renovate.

You can add unique features and creative touches after purchase, but likely won’t have as much freedom if you’re renting.

Your lifestyle, and more importantly, how it could change, is critical. It plays a big part in whether a penthouse is a suitable choice for you.

For example, assume you purchase a two-bedroom penthouse as a single person. You have all of the amenities you can dream of, plus lots of extra space.

However, then you get married and have kids. The exact amount of space might not work as well for a family of four or more.

When your life situation changes, the once roomy two-bedroom penthouse might not be as ideal a dwelling for you anymore. Get the picture?

Therefore, it’s still essential to strongly factor in your lifestyle and plans before making a big purchase. If you think your living situation might change in the near future, tread carefully.

If it’s possible you’ll outgrow a space fairly soon, renting might be a better option than buying. Then, once you’re situation is more stable, you can move toward purchasing a penthouse.

Related Questions

How much does a penthouse cost?

Putting an average price tag on a penthouse is tricky because you need to consider a lot of factors. The most significant determinants are location, size, and amenities. Plus, you can rent a penthouse or opt to buy a penthouse so that costs can vary.Penthouses across the United States can cost anywhere from about $650,000 to over $3 million; that’s a big spread. Typically, penthouses run 5 to 15% more than other units in the building. A bargain price would be somewhere around $600,000 to $700,000.Renting a penthouse could be as low as $5,000 a month for a small unit. Conversely, you would pay closer to $15,000 monthly for a larger space. You can even find penthouses that run close to $100,000 a month. Yep, you read that right. The more amenities and extras you pack on, like separate entrances, high-tech security, and designer finishes, the higher the price.

What are the pros and cons of living in a penthouse?

If you can afford it, a penthouse is loaded with advantages. You get more space, more privacy, access to amazing views, and luxurious perks. You also typically get extra benefits within the complex, including efficient service and support. The biggest con of living in a penthouse is the price. These dwellings aren’t inexpensive by any stretch of the imagination. But, if you are shopping around for penthouses, maybe the budget isn’t an issue.Other potential drawbacks are long elevator rides. After all, you’re likely on the top floor of a very tall building. Although some penthouses might offer a private elevator with direct access, it can still be lengthy. 

Is buying a penthouse a good investment opportunity?

A penthouse can be an excellent investment, as long as you can afford it in the first place. Typically, this is because you usually find penthouses in prime locations in the city. They are certainly some coveted pieces of real estate.You also have a unique target market of individuals that want the best of the best. People looking for the best city views, the most space, privacy, and special features will gravitate to a penthouse. Penthouses also offer more options than other units in a building for flexibility of layout or expansion.Plus, penthouses aren’t as plentiful as regular apartments and condos, so it keeps supply precious. Many real estate agents express that most penthouses will achieve if not surpass their asking price. For this reason, penthouses typically feature excellent resale value as well.