Penthouse 2C, 1 Charles Street South, Boston

Square footage 2,420

Condo fee $2,925

Bedrooms 3

Baths 3 full, 1 half

2011 taxes $33,546

Last sold for $2,750,000 in 2006

PROS Located on the 18th floor, this penthouse combines the hallmarks of a grand house with the sleek vibe of a contemporary apartment. Rooms feature painted faux finishes in crosshatch and suede patterns, with the walls and trim in a given room all one color. The feel is distinctly masculine. The Brazilian cherry floors, with a herringbone pattern, are stained ebony. The kitchen cabinets are Poggenpohl. Closet space is considerable. Blinds are motorized. Twenty-four-hour concierge service is included in the condo fee. The home comes with two parking spaces in the on-site garage. CONS The brown and black finishes may feel too dark to some. CONTACT Tracy Campion, Campion and Company Fine Homes, Boston, 617-236-0711, http://www.campionre.com

$3,599,000

Penthouse 3002, 45 Province Street, Boston

Square footage 2,471

Condo fee $3,119

Bedrooms 3

Baths 1 full, 1 three-quarter, 1 half

2011 taxes $26,516

Last sold for First time on market

PROS On the 30th floor and with windows reaching to the 11-foot ceilings, this penthouse (one of two on this level) has sweeping views. In the foyer, a bank of closet doors features a sycamore veneer. There’s no hardware; just touch to open. Cabinets in the tricked-out kitchen have the same veneer. Building amenities include a roof deck, heated outdoor pool, and movie-screening room. The condo fee covers 24-hour concierge service, and the home comes with two parking spaces in the on-site garage. CONS The second bedroom has just one window. CONTACT Wayne Lopez, 45 Province On Site Sales, Boston, 617-742-0942, http://www.45province.com

$6,750,000

Penthouse 2, 400 Stuart Street, Boston

Square footage 3,545

Condo fee $4,415

Bedrooms 3

Baths 2 full, 1 three-quarter, 1 half

2011 taxes $42,502

Last sold for First time on market

PROS Because it occupies the entire 32d floor of The Clarendon, this penthouse offers at least a glimpse, if not a breathtaking view, of nearly every Boston landmark. The space is open and contemporary. The master bedroom has a gas fireplace and tons of closet space, while the master bath is bright and welcoming. This new building, certified as “green,” has a fitness room, a club room with an adjacent terrace and children’s room, plus a library off the lobby with an eclectic book collection. The condo fee covers 24-hour concierge service, and the home comes with two valet parking spaces in the on-site garage. CONS At this price, would it be too much to ask for shelves in the laundry room? CONTACT Barbara Cusack, Related Sales LLC, Boston, 617-267-4001, http://www.theclarendonbackbay.com