A View from the Top of the World
If ever there existed a place that combined access to every conceivable earthly amenity while simultaneously allowing residents to retreat to the heavenly seclusion of a luxurious penthouse with views from the top of the world, this is it.
Words by Juliet Austin

As penthouses go, this stunning sixth-floor property which sits resplendent atop the Ocean Club Residences and Marina on the east coast of Paradise Island, takes luxury to ever-new heights. Soaring 360 degree panoramic views of The Bahamas’ breathtaking islands and stunning ocean diorama, coupled with an interior courtesy of internationally renowned New York-based design firm Jed Johnson Associates, mean that this contemporary Bahamian penthouse is the embodiment of refinement and restrained luxury.

Project Designer, Andy Clark, working in tandem with long-time Design Director, Arthur Dunnam, has managed to imbue the interior with a distinct Bahamian flavour while cleverly managing to avoid design clich's. "We felt strongly that we needed to respond to the spectacular setting and views," Clark explains. Influences are at once 'soft' contemporary with subtle Anglo-Indian undertones.

Spanning a total of 6,861 square feet, the sophisticated four bedroom, four and a half bathroom property is accessible via a private elevator which opens up onto a grand foyer from which all other rooms flow. The great room includes vast open living spaces (both inside and outside) for family, dining and entertaining on a grand scale. The fine interior is expertly partitioned by the solicitous arrangement of furniture into well-defined clusters. Custom upholstery combines with an interesting mix of dark carved wood furniture and occasional wicker pieces to keep spaces feeling relaxed, informal and inviting while working with the crisp, clean lines to create the perfect balance of form and function.

The careful choice of a pale, clean, neutral palette enhances the simplicity of the design: a variety of browns, taupe, cream and pure white are invigorated by the bold geometric patterns of custom hand-woven rugs. Hints of colour elsewhere tie the interior to the exterior, working in perfect symbiosis to create a commanding frame for the ocean blues and intense emerald greens that lie beyond. This combination of cool, organic tones juxtaposed with the tropical vista, creates a sense of both modern glamour and escapism. "Sitting on the main terrace off the living room," Clark states, "it is easy to imagine that you are onboard a luxurious boat drifting along the breathtaking island coast."

A balcony - its railings echoing traditional Caribbean fretworking – stretches the entire length of the living area, creating extensive outdoor living spaces which take advantage of prevailing breezes and guarantee that the demands and pressures of a hectic life are left far, far beyond the endless horizon. If forced to select just one isolated element that characterises the design ethos, it would be this: the entire ambience of the property belies a deep understanding of the human spirit's need for a balance of privacy and quiet solitude.

Windows are simply adorned so as not to compete with the continuous, unobstructed views which remain, Clark admits, "the real stars of the apartment." Instead, interior sliding louvered shutters, ingeniously designed by fellow NYC architects, Lacina Heitler, control light using sliding panels mounted on tracks in the floor to create any number of workable configurations.

Striking stretched fabric canvases, many with additional customised decorative accents, intensify the understated drama of each room while custom floors, doors, and mouldings are stained a dark espresso, reinforcing the island feel. Ceilings feature trademark inlaid wooden beams paired with stark white tongue-and-groove detailing to complete the architectural scheme.

A custom-designed state of the art kitchen, which can be closed off for the convenience of entertaining, plays host to a full range of high-end stainless steel appliances. Lighting has been kept clean and simple throughout, with occasional glimpses of the unexpected seen in the amazing master bedroom chandelier made entirely of delicate capiz shells which soften lines, creating sumptuousness and elegance amid timeless sophistication.

At the end of a private corridor, the grand and spacious master suite includes its own interior seating area, balcony terrace, stunningly appointed bathroom, office and impressive walk-in closets as well as a secondary bedroom. The flawless interplay of fresh white linens, cream upholstery and rich wooden hues is truly stunning and is a scene repeated over and over again in the guest accommodations and other living areas.

It would be the most natural thing in the world to want to stay up in this heavenly seclusion forever; yet unbelievably, the highly exclusive Ocean Club community comes complete with access, not only to the full range of amenities on offer at the all-inclusive mega resort that is Atlantis, but also to the deepwater marina able to cater to boats up to 120 feet. Add to this the private beach club located on the beautiful Cabbage Beach, separate adults-only and family pools, the championship golf course, fitness centre and spa, and it is clear that every need has been more than catered for. Ample storage space is provided, as is covered parking and twenty-four hour security and concierge service. Golf-kart lifestyle is par-for-the course here and a plethora of gourmet restaurants and leisure amenities are immediately accessible in this way.

What has been so meticulously created here within the framework of the Ocean Club Residences and Marina is harmony of place and purpose: here public spaces and private lifestyles work together in one accord; here interior luxury whispers discreetly in deference to breathtaking external vistas; here the individual desires of the human spirit are balanced to perfection with the abundant benefits of life in a wider community. Here, they have proved, you can have it all.

?Listed by: Mario Carey Realty
Contact info: Tel (242) 677 8255 or www.mariocareyrealty.com
Asking price: US$17,100,000