These days, apartment towers are being built by developers at a rapid real estate pace, and luxury rentals and purchases are at an all-time high. Sophisticated amenities, once only offered by hotels, are now being offered as standard services, must-haves if you will, in the newer penthouse towers. And that's just for starters; never-seen-before-until-now amenities for the hyper-sized lifestyle are also in high demand.

Here are some luxe amenities that create the most curated outdoor experiences currently available in luxury living, and are proving to be most beneficial to owners and renters who reside in these unparalleled apartment complexes.

Rooftop Terrace With Pool And Spa

Sotheby's International Realty

Lounge Area

Stefano Ukmar for The New York Times

A sky lounge with an amazing first-rate view is the hottest spot to socialize and is, indeed, most popular amongst the residents. The lounge space seamlessly provides a transition between the interior and exterior. An on-site hair salon and five-star restaurant are also sought-after luxe amenities.

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Enjoy your our own private High Line, an outdoor community space that creates resort-style ambiance for staycation city living.

Outdoor Fire Pit

www.laestanciapenthouses.com

The toasting of marshmallows has been replaced by the toasting of champagne glasses, as you lounge by an oversized, custom fire pit and remain spellbound by a most captivating view.

observer.com

Custom fire features are trending as the decor in outdoor landscaping. These outdoor spaces are zen-like areas that, most often, have been outfitted with an outdoor refrigerator, sink and bespoke counter space. Movin' on up to the East Side has morphed into movin' on up to the outside. In your penthouse.

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Outdoor Theater

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Go to the cinema in the comfort of your own rooftop front yard and enjoy movie nights in big, brazen and bold style.

Levy Public Relations & Events

And "here's looking at you, kid." Looking at you, seated in cinematic style on a swanky rooftop.

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Dog Daycare

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A dog daycare is the new hot luxe amenity. You no longer need to hire a dog walker or rearrange your after-work schedule to walk your dog. Instead, your dog is cared for by personnel in the comforts of your own dreamy apartment complex, while enjoying socialization with other furry friends. Unconditional convenience at its very best.

This time around you can believe the hype. Some of the most expensive penthouses came with a number of extras, e.g., two Rolls-Royce Phantoms and a $1 million yacht. At another time, a 1948 Jaguar XK120 was the bonus. Either of these penthouse purchases is a win-win situation that takes the "outside amenity" in a luxury building to a whole new hyper-luxurious level.

Renters and buyers alike are rapidly becoming accustomed to these signature luxury amenities that provide the most amazing conveniences. As residents enjoy these outside amenities, the potential for entertainment and convenience will likely grow as luxe-apartment-living becomes more and more luxurious.

Top Image: mansionglobal.com

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Hell’s Kitchen’s newest reputation-enhancer is 432 W. 52nd Street, a charming seven-story condo that recently opened for sale with studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and unique duplex garden apartments ranging from approximately $610,000 to $2.4 million.

Hell's Kitchen's newest condo on the market is 432 W. 52nd, a seven-story building with 55 modern units ranging from $610,000 to $2.4 million.

The condo's modern lobby showcases floor-to-ceiling imported limestone tile, a quartzite accent wall, and a custom-built reception desk made of American walnut.

Developers Okada Acquisitions, JVL Property Group and Zion Enterprises finalized converting the defunct St. Vincent’s Midtown Hospital into 55 modern units in the heart of Midtown Manhattan—a stone’s throw from Broadway, Central Park, Restaurant Row, Time Warner Center and Lincoln Center.

According to The Real Deal, the Chetrit Group partnered with Tessler Development to buy the property (and a surrounding property and vacant lot) in 2007 for $84.73 million before initiating the conversion from hospital to condo. Chetrit then sold part of the property at 432 West 52nd Street for $41.4 million in June.

Kitchens are sleek with Caesarstone countertops, lacquer cabinets, glass tile backsplashes and built-in appliances.

Each unit features an open layout, climate control and energy-efficient windows.

Duplexes boast 1,454 square feet of interior space and 1,153 square feet of exterior space, spread out over both floors.

Units offer large windows and ample natural light.

The units range from 432 square feet to 1,454 square feet. According to Curbed, studios range from 436 square at $610,000 to 448 square feet at $670,000; two-bedrooms range from 918 square feet at $1.325 million to 1,189 square feet at $1.66 million; and four multi-level one-bedroom duplexes boast 1,454 square feet of interior space and 1,153 square feet of exterior space, spread out over both floors—listed at $2.395 million.

Each modern residence features open floor plans, ample natural light, stained oak floors, spacious closets, GE/LG washer and dryers, individual climate control, energy-efficient windows, video intercoms and smart wiring. Sleek kitchens offer Caesarstone countertops, lacquer cabinets, glass tile backsplashes, and refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave integrated into cabinetry. Bathrooms boast floor-to-ceiling ceramic tile, radiant-heated floors, custom vanities, and tubs or walk-in showers.

432 W. 52nd offers studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and duplexes.

Bathrooms have floor-to-ceiling ceramic tile and radiant-heated floors.

The building boasts a 4,200-square-foot landscaped rooftop terrace with spectacular 360-degree views, contemporary decor, a grill and a cooling mist shower for summer months. A socializing resident lounge offers comfortable seating, WiFi, bar area and a big screen TV--which opens onto an intimate meditation garden. A fitness center and secure bike storage are also included. Sales are exclusively represented by Stribling Marketing Associates. For more information, call 212-586-5252 or visit the online sales gallery at www.432w52.com.

The building boasts a 4,200-square-foot landscaped rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Manhattan.

The common lounge offers residents opportunities to socialize.

Amenities include a fitness center and bike storage.

Hell’s Kitchen is among the Manhattan communities craving residential space. In recent decades, the neighborhood has undergone a complete makeover and a public relations effort to soften its image with aliases like Clinton or Midtown West. The neighborhood that gave us actor-writer Sylvester Stallone, musician Alicia Keys and The Actor’s Studio is now known as a haven for aspiring actors and entertainers. Bob Hope, James Dean, Larry David, Jerry Seinfeld and Madonna all resided in Hell’s Kitchen.

Hell’s Kitchen residents remain strong and resilient. When Frank Sinatra sang, “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere,” he must have meant Hell’s Kitchen. Keys, raised by a single mother, sang (in Empire State of Mind, Part II) about making it "by any means" and her "pocketful of dreams” from Hell’s Kitchen. Stallone wrote the screenplay for the film Rocky in Hell’s Kitchen—and initially turned down $350,000 for the rights to the script, despite having only $106 in the bank. There was Hell to pay, but they all made it.

Today, Hell’s Kitchen is even hotter. And residents of 432 W. 52nd will likely be the next generation to make it there—if they haven’t already.

The post Fired Up: Hell’s Kitchen Hot New Condo Hits Market appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

When clients come to you with an idea of what they want, how do you help them refine their criteria prior to finding a match?

When buyer clients come to me for assistance in purchasing a home I first send them a packet of information about the current marketplace, my role for them and what they should expect during the process. I also have them fill out a questionnaire that gives me some insights on what are important features for them. Is it more important for them to have a lot or to a community with water-access? Do they have to have riparian waterfront or are they ok with non-riparian waterfront or water-view homes? Then I have the clients meet me in the office for a consultation before we go to see properties. We discuss the materials I’ve already given them, discuss their questionnaire and I try to get to know them better and allow them to ask me any questions they may have. Lastly, as we are looking at properties I continue to ask questions about what they like about the houses we’re seeing and what they don’t like about the houses were seeing, so I can narrow down exactly what will make them happy!

What is the most important thing you look for when purchasing a home for yourself?

When purchasing a home for myself I currently look for location, proximity to the schools I like for my children, style, condition and a realistic seller!!

If you had to choose one piece of advice for first-time home buyers, what would it be?

I would advise first-time home buyers to make sure that they contact a competent lender that can fully explain the process to them and help them get a real grasp of what they can truly afford. I never want any of my clients to have to call me to list their house for them because they can’t afford the mortgage.

If you were not selling real estate, where would you be today?

I’m not sure…I have a true personal pride in what I do and I haven’t felt that in any other career I’ve been in, in the past!

What would you say is your most proud accomplishment as a real estate agent so far?

I have a lot of proud accomplishments, many of which are related to my clients into the house of their dreams or helping someone sell a house that really has a major impact on their lives. Professionally I’ve accomplished a lot of recognition; Top agent in my office, Top 100 Agent for Coldwell Banker, Top 2% for NRT, Top 100 for AA County, Master’s Club Member, President’s Circle Member, Certified Previews Specialist and Certified Negotiations Specialist.

What property do you currently have listed that you would like more people to see? 

Conquest Manor
“A Premiere Chesapeake Bay Waterfront Estate”

Enjoy Gracious Living on Maryland’s Easter Shore
Breathtaking, Private, Inviting…Absolutely Gorgeous

Every day is a vacation at Conquest Manor. Restful days spent lounging by the pool or strolling along the sandy beach…within close proximity to 3 international airports, Washington, D.C., Annapolis, Baltimore and Philadelphia. The estate encompasses 30 acres and 1,000ft of waterfront along the Chesapeake Bay. The 14,000sf main house features 5 bedrooms, 5 full baths, 3 half baths, 3 car garage, inviting family spaces and extraordinary entertaining spaces including a theatre with a balcony and a “club room” with full bar, dance area and stage. The finishes throughout this custom built house exude luxury, yet with a feel of a home you can live in every day.

The estate also boasts a pool, pool house, 6,200+sf guest-quarters and car showroom (could be converted to a barn with stable or a gym), pond, gated entrance, sandy beach, pier with boat lift and two jet ski lifts, breathtaking views, fire pit, porte-cochere and a national award winning home automation system. Visit www.ConquestManor.com    $9,800,000

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