Talk of the Town - The sky’s the limit December 05 2001

Penthouses offer a bird’s-eye view of the city

“It’s the best! Despite his fear of heights, Richard Gere’s iconic character insisted on a penthouse suite in Pretty Woman. But what makes the penthouse the best location isn’t usually a particular amenity, but an unobstructed skyline view.

Thomas Smith and his wife are in the process of closing a deal on a two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse condo in the Virginia Hill condo high-rise.

The Smiths began very typically — first in a Midtown condo, then a shady quiet house in Virginia-Highland. But after Smith transferred jobs, he began looking for a hassle-free home.

“Our home in Virginia-Highland was surrounded by so many trees that little natural light could get in. Combine that with the hassle of frequent maintenance, where you have to either find the time or someone else to fix up your house. We were looking for a place to just relax,” Smith says.

According to David Vannort, real estate agent with Atlanta InTown Real Estate Service, the move to a hassle-free home has become a growing trend.

“It used to be the case that people bought condos because they couldn’t afford single-family homes. Now, with quick access to city amenities and time saved on a long commute, many people are making the lifestyle choice and opting for maintenance-free living,” says Vannort.

Oh, and then there is the amazing view. Smith’s prospective home captures a full, unobstructed view of the city.

“From my corner unit you can see Buckhead, Midtown and downtown Atlanta,” Smith says.

But achieving this wide expanse is not as easy as it seems. Not all penthouses provide a five-star view since they become blocked by tall office buildings or other high-rises.

“Many affordable penthouses on the edge of Piedmont Park offer unobstructed views that you will often find in busier areas, at cheaper prices,” says Vannort.

“We looked at penthouses with outrageous prices, and their views are not nearly as spectacular as our own,” Smith says.

To find his dream home, he worked with Randal Lautzenheiser and Vannort, who have sold penthouses ranging well past the million-dollar mark. But Vannort says that affordable penthouses can be found, offering nicer views and amenities than the pricey Buckhead locations.

Smith’s home comes with a Jacuzzi tub, built-in book shelves, recess lighting, cherry cabinets, marble floors, granite countertops, and a panoramic city view from every room in the house.

But it’s not just the sight lines that brought the Smiths to Virginia Hill. Offering two parking spots in the deed was a real deal clincher.

“You usually have to rent a parking spot, far away from the building, and you are always subject to high rates,” Smith says.

An association fee handles garbage, maintenance and provides a sense of community.

“Contrary to popular belief, there is a distinct sense of community and security. You are not just isolated on a lot, and I can now devote my time to my job and other interests,” Smith says.

“We had a really difficult task: staying in our budget, seeking natural light, an amazing view, and staying in the Midtown area,” Smith says.

Vannort recommends working with a seasoned realtor and carefully considering your decision because “penthouse living doesn’t necessarily mean spending a million bucks.”??