10 most impressive penthouses of the year

They say it's lonely at the top, but it may be less so when one resides in one of these swank penthouses, each ideal for impressing large amounts of guests. Realtor.com's list of the 10 most impressive penthouses of the 2014 market includes some pads that belonged to professional athletes.

A variety of sizes and prices are included here, beginning with whopping $45,000 per month rental. Click ahead to see these exclusive living spaces with views from the top.

—By Colleen Kane, Special to CNBC
Posted 2 Jan. 2015

Price: $45,000/month
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 4
Square footage: 5,781

The southeast-facing corner unit topping off the Carlyle in Westwood can be had for the monthly rental fee of just 45K (or what amounts to some folks' annual salary). It comes fully furnished including a grand piano, art and televisions. It's serviced by its own private elevator, it has 25-foot ceilings, and offers sweeping views of the ocean, downtown and the hills. The Carlyle is full service, which includes valet parking, security, pool, gym, library, concierge and wine storage.

Price: $5,500/month
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3
Square footage: 1,870

This light-filled penthouse in the South Loop section of Chicago boasts floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the skyline, as well as Buckingham Fountain, Navy Pier and more. It features hardwood and marble floors throughout, his-and-her sinks in the master bath, a sleek kitchen with a breakfast bar (and that view), and a shiny black gas fireplace. Plus, it's kind of on sale: The monthly rent is down $500 from its fall price.

Price: $1.499 million
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3 full, 1 half
Square footage: 2,084

Until this past May, this pad near Jack London Square and the Inner Harbor belonged to the NBA's Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. The bi-level space is entered at the 15th floor and includes three terraces and a patio. Curry listed it for $1.695 million the previous fall, and the $1.499 million price tag arrived at three price cuts later proved to be the magic number.

Price: See below
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Square footage: 1,928

This unit on the 22nd floor of the ICON in the Gulch, Nashville's once industrial, now chic neighborhood, was offered at a $10,000 monthly rent this spring, but is now reported as sold for an unavailable price. (A similar unit in the building is on the market for$1,249,900.) It boasts floor to ceiling windows, a walk-in marble shower, unique light fixtures throughout, and a soaking tub with a view.

Price: See below
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Square footage: 3,100

It's not at typical penthouse height, but the 11th floor topping Downtown St. Louis' 10th Street Lofts is one of the most spacious units in this collection (especially if you count the deck). Being a mostly open-plan loft in St. Louis' oldest industrial building, it's also not a typical penthouse. Exposed brick walls and intact industrial elements are interspersed with sleek finishes like slate and steel countertops Is that not enough space or view? There's also a 5,000+ square-foot roof deck overlooking downtown. Looks like all of that was perceived in the St. Louis market as a good thing: It was being offered at $2,800 per month rent, but is now reported as sold for a price that is not available.

Price: See below
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 3
Square footage: 1,700

This North Beach bilevel penthouse is done almost all in white, with a black-tiled master bathroom. Set on the 21st and 22nd floors of the Sterling Building, the space offers partial ocean views from indoors, as well as from two balconies. In July, it was being offered fully furnished for $5,000 per month rent, but is now reported as sold for $780,000. The aqua-tile-accented staircase echoes the oceanside vibe of this space.

Price: $2.25 million
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 4
Square footage: 4,595

This 32nd floor Atlanta penthouse belonged to Washington Nationals second baseman Dan Uggla until he sold it in March. This is the largest penthouse in this collection, and the listing at the time declared the unit's outdoor space to be the largest private terrace of any condo in Atlanta.

Price: $9,500 per month
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3 full, 1 half
Square footage: 3,948

Wow. This gilded, marbled and zebra-printed penthouse at The Campton at Post Oak sure is...heavily ornamented. Features in this Great Uptown space include surround sound and remote controlled drapes for unveiling the outdoor view. It was being offered for $11,500 a month in August and is now offered at $9,500 monthly rent.

Price: $5,300 per month
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 3
Square footage: 1,878

This downtown San Diego penthouse on the 30th floor of The Mark allows residents views of the outfield at Petco Park. At under 2,000 square feet, it's been called a "cozy" penthouse, but the three balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows open up this unfurnished space quite a bit.

Price: $10,000 per month
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Square footage: 2,039

This penthouse in Turnberry Tower is in easy commuting distance to D.C. but away from the bustle of the city with views of the Virginia countryside. It has high-end touches like hickory floors, Snaidero cabinetry and electronic shades and draperies. A private elevator and wrap around balcony complete the luxurious picture.