Three things

Of all the words in real estate, penthouse is the most glamorous. It conjures up images of movie stars and moguls living a luxurious lifestyle high up in the clouds with magnificent views all around them. Our new president was a penthouse dweller before he moved to the White House. Will his over-the-top lifestyle have an influence on the way rich people live? Too early to tell, but one thing is for sure: Sarasota is full of places to house the 1% in presidential style. Here are two penthouses and an “almost penthouse” currently on the market.

Longboat Luxury

3060 Grand Bay Blvd. #1102

Longboat Key is famous for its luxurious apartments, and this penthouse in Grand Bay is one of the most lavish. Its 11th floor location gives it spectacular sunrise and sunset views over Sarasota Bay in one direction and out to the Gulf of Mexico in the other. The list of luxury touches goes on and on — 11-foot ceilings, marble floors, an 800-square-foot living room. The extra special touch is the enormous wrap-around terrace, complete with gazebo and fountain. Even the master bath — one of them anyway, as there are two — looks out on the terrace. Everywhere is the luxury of space — four bedrooms and five baths set in just more than 4,000 square feet.

Priced at $3.15 million. For more information call Dee Dee Burke of Michael Saunders & Co. at 266-8949.

Top of the Ritz

1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive #1803

A penthouse at the Ritz packs a double whammy — glamour, plus the exclusivity that the Ritz name exemplifies. This large (4,200 square feet) unit has a formal feeling, with a big living room that can be divided into conversational groupings, a dining room with a view, several terraces, and one of its three bedrooms is set up as separate living quarters, suitable for staff. The views are to the north, west and east. You’re right on the top floor of the Ritz, and hotel services are available, including 24-hour dining, valet parking and full-time concierge.

Priced at $3,395,000. For more information call Cheryl Loeffler of Premier Sotheby’s at 308-6554.

Siesta Fun, Furnished

6512 Midnight Pass Road #401

This almost penthouse — there is a floor above it — is notable for its informal style and its perfect location overlooking the white sands of Siesta Beach. In a newish (2006) boutique-style building convenient to the south bridge, it offers three bedrooms and three baths in 2,143 square feet. It’s being sold furnished. The unit has high ceilings and is filled with light. The highlight of the apartment is a 10-by-17-foot terrace facing the Gulf of Mexico with an outdoor kitchen. (The indoor kitchen, by Poggenpohl, isn’t too shabby, either.)

Priced at $2,495,000. For more information call Judie Berger of Premier Sotheby’s at 928-3424.