From neoclassical city blocks in Glasgow to art deco masterpieces on the Sussex coast, penthouse buyers in the UK are finding more than just elevation—they’re buying into history, design, and sometimes even a little slice of the sea.
The Guardian’s latest roundup of penthouses with private terraces for sale offers a stunning look at how architectural heritage and modern living are colliding in some of Britain’s most iconic locations.
Glasgow: Vaulted Ceilings and City Skylines from a B-Listed Gem
This Glasgow penthouse isn’t just high up—it’s soaked in history. Perched atop the Old Sheriff Court, a B-listed neoclassical building dating back to 1844, the apartment’s private terrace gives panoramic views to the north, east and south.
But it’s not just the views that grab you. Inside, the property sprawls across two levels. Two double bedrooms sit quietly below while a galleried, open-plan living space with vaulted ceilings stretches above, giving the place a lofted grandeur rarely seen in Scottish conversions.
There’s a concierge, gym, and two courtyard gardens thrown into the deal, all nestled in the Merchant City—one of Glasgow’s oldest quarters, with cobbled lanes, medieval facades, and the scent of history in the air.
It’s on the market for £319,000 through Rettie. Honestly? Not bad at all for city-centre Glasgow with this kind of heritage and those views.
York: A Wraparound Dream Above the Ballroom
York’s contribution to this high-flying list is sleek, modern, and—just slightly—unexpected.
Set above the Roxy Ballroom in The Stonebow, this penthouse combines contemporary design with striking views across York’s ancient rooftops. Floor-to-ceiling glass surrounds the upper-level kitchen-dining-living area, which spills out onto a private wraparound terrace. Yes, that means sunlight (or moonlight) from all sides.
Downstairs? A glass-balustraded staircase leads to three double bedrooms, each with its own Juliet balcony—perfect for letting in the breeze without the seagulls. It’s the sort of place you could throw a rooftop dinner party in, then retreat to quiet bedrooms that don’t feel like they’re in the same postcode.
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Asking price? £975,000 with Strutt & Parker. But for that much glass and that much sky, it’s no surprise.
St Leonards-on-Sea: The Queen Mary Reimagined
Okay, so this one is a vibe.
Built in 1938 to mimic the transatlantic liner Queen Mary, the Marine Court building in St Leonards-on-Sea is pure seaside glamour. The whole complex—14 storeys high and Grade II-listed—is in the midst of a major restoration. But this two-bedroom penthouse has already been brought back to life.
Inside, the kitchen nods to its maritime past with curved, white cabinetry—sleek and retro, without trying too hard. Outside, there’s a south-facing wraparound balcony off the living space. That means sea views and sun, pretty much all day.
St Leonards itself is quietly reinventing. It’s now home to sea swimming groups, indie cafes, and a buzzing creative scene, without the Brighton price tag. The asking price? £350,000, through The Modern House.
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Feels like a steal for a view of the Channel.
More Than Just a View
These penthouses don’t just dangle you above the street—they’re rooted in something. Some are cut from stone and etched with centuries of civic life. Others are sculpted from glass and steel, floating above old cities with new ambition.
Here’s a quick glance at what makes each one unique:
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Glasgow: Old-world charm, modern duplex layout, Merchant City location
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York: Contemporary split-level living, wraparound terrace, Juliet balconies
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St Leonards: Art deco heritage, sea views, ocean-liner nostalgia
That mix of private outdoor space and architectural personality is drawing in buyers who want something more than just square footage—they want a story. Something they can feel when they wake up, step outside with a coffee, and look out over city rooftops or the open sea.
Because let’s be honest: sometimes, a terrace isn’t just a terrace. It’s a little piece of peace.
