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Prestigious penthouse that inspired ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ lists in Seattle. See it

A dramatic residence inside the Escala building for sale in Seattle, Washington, is known to movie and book enthusiasts as the original Christian Grey home.

Yes, that Christian Grey.

The 5,170-square-foot dream apartment with breathtaking views of the city was actually the inspiration for the recognizable penthouse from the “Fifty Shades of Grey” series that eventually became a trio of movies starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan.

“The Escala penthouse in Seattle gained international fame as the fictional home of Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades of Grey series by E.L. James,” a news release on the residence said. “While the Escala is a real luxury condominium building in downtown Seattle, the penthouse as described in the books and movies is a fictionalized version, exaggerated for dramatic effect.”

It’s listed for $11.5 million.

Spanning 5,180 square feet, PH101 commands half of the 30th floor, offering 180-degree views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains and city lights in Seattle.
Spanning 5,180 square feet, PH101 commands half of the 30th floor, offering 180-degree views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains and city lights in Seattle. Clarity NW

Features inside the three-bedroom, four-bathroom penthouse, per the listing, include:

  • Views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains

  • Hidden butler’s pantry

  • Balcony

  • Hardwood floors

  • Four parking spaces

The prestigious penthouse inspired “Fifty Shades of Grey.”
The prestigious penthouse inspired “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Clarity NW

While a lot of things look the same, in the books, the home included features like a private elevator, piano, a “Red Room of Pain” (soundproof room) and a rooftop terrace, the release mentions.

The building was featured in the trilogy, however.

“For the Fifty Shades movies, Escala’s exterior was used for establishing shots, but the penthouse interior was filmed on a set,” the release said. “The real penthouses in Escala don’t have Christian Grey’s exact layout, the ‘Red Room,’ or some of the ultra-high-tech features seen in the books.”

The 4th Avenue penthouse has three bedrooms and four bathrooms
The 4th Avenue penthouse has three bedrooms and four bathrooms Clarity NW

The listing is held by Phil Greely of The Agency Seattle.

The primary suite is stunning with an Ipe-clad walk-in shower.
The primary suite is stunning with an Ipe-clad walk-in shower. Clarity NW
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This story was originally published February 18, 2025 at 3:46 PM with the headline "Prestigious penthouse that inspired ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ lists in Seattle. See it."

TJ Macias
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
TJ Macías is a Real-Time national sports reporter for McClatchy based out of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Formerly, TJ covered the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers beat for numerous media outlets including 24/7 Sports and Mavs Maven (Sports Illustrated). Twitter: @TayloredSiren
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