We Won't Punish You: Read All About 'Fifty Shades' Homes
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
If you've harbored fantasies about life in the Seattle penthouse that inspired the "Fifty Shades of Grey" S&M funhouse owned by Christian Grey, you're a little too late. Don't worry -- we won't punish your tardiness. (Or publish your names.)
Yes, the home described in fetishistic detail by "Shades" author E.L. James as the living quarters of the book's billionaire/playboy/pervert protagonist does, in fact, exist.
The grand 5,170-square-foot condo in the Escala building, which hit the market about two weeks ago, is already pending sale.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
The unit hit the market for $8.8 million -- with a hefty HOA payment of over $3,900 a month. Those fees cover 24-hour concierge service, a private spa, and a private dining room, among many other luxe amenities. We hope Champagne is on the menu!
Located on the 30th floor, it features floor-to-ceiling windows that look over Seattle's Space Needle and Elliott Bay. It has 1,000 square feet of terraces for outdoor entertaining and a private elevator to discreetly ferry guests.
Although the condo doesn't have a red room, where Grey introduced Anastasia Steele to the hurts-so-good lifestyle, we're sure the buyer will make do without the S&M accoutrements. As for why the Seattle building became infamously tied to Grey -- author James was inspired by the Escala's marketing materials while the building was under construction and she was writing the trilogy.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
In the book, James describes the place in her trademark florid prose:
"He opens two double doors, and the white theme continues through the wide corridor and directly opposite where a palatial room opens up. It's the main living area, double height. Huge is too small a word for it. The far wall is glass and leads on to a balcony that overlooks Seattle. … This apartment looks more like a gallery than a place to live."
Phew! Is it hot in here, or is it just us?
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Back to the business at hand: If you're willing to forgo your penthouse dreams, there is another luxury opportunity at the Escala. A unit on the 27th floor is currently on the market for $3,125,000. Remodeled just a couple of years ago, the two-bedroom condo features wood floors, marble counters, a glorious walk-in closet, and the same captivating views of Seattle.
In yet more Grey-related news, Jamie Dornan, the actor who plays the billionaire with a penchant for whips and chains on the big screen -- including next February's sequel, "Fifty Shades Darker" -- reportedly paid $2.8 million for a four-bedroom, four-bath home in the Hollywood Hills of L.A. The home features an open layout and hit the market for $3 million in late June. We'll guess the actor didn't have to bind anyone's hands, but he was able to negotiate a $150,000 reduction from the home's original asking price.
The Mid-Century Modern home is a bit tame for Grey, but it appears to suit the down-to-earth British actor and his family just fine. The circa-1959 home sports an atrium, two-sided stone fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling sliders that lead to a pool and patio. There are no secret rooms that we know of.