The Talisman Penthouse

Originally built in the 1930s as a garage, this showstopper three-bedroom penthouse for rent by Gumuchdjian Architects is the pinnacle of lateral living.

Widely acknowledged as one of the capital’s finest examples of Art Deco architecture, The Talisman Building is a recognisable local landmark. Up on the second floor, the industrial proportions of this former garage and petrol station have been reimagined as a one-of-a-kind penthouse fit for 21^st century city dwelling.

Set within a colossal 5,000 square foot sprawl, three bedrooms are arranged around a standout open-plan living room. A wall of original Crittall windows and a vaulted ceiling punctuated with huge skylights create a voluminous backdrop. Throughout, bold materials play a supporting role to the impressive bones of the building, while sleek geometric lines preserve a sense of the home’s industrial heritage.

Imagined for entertaining, the living space is delineated between a chef-worthy stainless-steel kitchen and dining and living zones, including a snug-like media room that comes with a bar and access to a shower room. Among the many focal points here, a double-sided fireplace creates connections with a quiet study beyond.

True to form, the principal suite is a celebration of space and light. Finished with polished concrete floors and pared-back precision, its expansive footprint includes a huge dressing room, and a marble wrapped en suite bathroom with a freestanding tub at its centre. Slide open the floor-to-ceiling doors to a southeast-facing terrace, enclosed with panels of frosted glass.

At the other end of the apartment, two further guest suites await – all high ceilings and soothing tones – along with another office space and a convenient second kitchen and utility room.