Prior to 2011, the term "fifty shades of grey” evoked a meticulous interior design decision. But after E.L. James’ erotic romance novel Fifty Shades of Grey broke the Internet, book sale records, and countless relationships, the vernacular evolved into some erogenous shorthand or metaphorical pheromone that only well-read women can fully comprehend.
Now, on the eve of the motion picture release, we peek through the peephole for an up close and personal view of the Fifty Shades of Grey penthouse suite—exposed for everyone who's curious to see where the steamy action occurred in James's novel. The fictional modern romance between naive college graduate Anastasia “Ana” Steele and billionaire businessman Christian Grey played out in downtown Seattle’s modern Escala condominium penthouse, where Grey lives.
Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson play fictional characters Christian Grey and Ana Steele in Fifty Shades of Grey.
The Escala tower is located in Seattle's lively Belltown neighborhood.
The penthouse is 5,100-square feet.
The kitchen, with high-gloss teak cabinets, where Grey and Steele sensuously sustain themselves in the James novel.
The Fifty Shades of Grey penthouse suite at Escala is sexy and modern (dare we say, naughty?) with a spacious open concept, and enough luxury amenities for fictional or real-life characters to flirt, tease and seduce—namely voyeuristic floor-to-ceiling windows; a potentially adventurous semi-private elevator to the residence; a huge, alluring outdoor terrace; and frameless peek-a-boo glass showers; but thankfully, no evidence of a “red room” of pain. Batteries, neckties and wrist cuffs are not included.
Large open dining room ideal for entertaining
Ultra modern bar area
Living room. The Escala penthouse offers 180-degree views of Seattle.
Penthouse vestibule leads to a personal elevator.
While Mr. Grey’s rooftop helicopter pad was an embellished storyline aphrodisiac, the Escala's real-life penthouse is contemporary, sensual, and ideal for a single business tycoon to entertain and romance. The penthouse is a 5,100-square-foot, custom-designed home that boasts a 1,000-square-foot terrace and 180-degree views of Seattle, the Space Needle, Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. The Grey penthouse previously sold for $6.2 million in 2013, according to Curbed. Reportedly, Seattle-native and San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum lives—or once lived—in the "sub penthouse" of the building, according to Forbes.
The master bedroom where much of the magic happens in the Fifty Shades of Grey novel.
Furniture plays a big role in the Grey-Steele relationship. Might as well make it modern too.
This red office does not count as a red room of pain, as depicted in E.L. James' Fifty Shades of Grey novel.
An outdoor terrace sits adjacent to the master bedroom.
Amenities include 24-hour concierge service, a wine cave dining room and climate-controlled wine storage, a fitness center with two stationary lap pools, and a private theater that transforms into a 20-person boardroom (perfect for a business tycoon who loves to get busy).
Luxuriously modern master bathroom
Enclosed shower
The Escala tower is located at 1920 Fourth Avenue in the lively neighborhood of Belltown, conveniently within walking distance of the downtown shopping district, entertainment, world-class restaurants, Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum and the vibrant waterfront.
Fifty Shades of Grey's graphic eroticism has garnered it a worldwide audience of millions.
Fifty Shades of Grey began as an e-book before evolving into an erotic novel trilogy (which has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide) and a movie franchise.
The feature film, Fifty Shades of Grey, opens Valentine's Day weekend.
There’s no word on what role the real Escala penthouse will play in the film, but we can boldly predict the movie will have role-playing in fancy digs that resemble Escala. The Fifty Shades of Grey feature film, starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan hits theaters Valentine’s Day weekend, of course. Demand is high, so place orders for the movie tickets, the dozen red roses, and the red rooms well in advance.
