Former CEO Turns Penthouse into Luxurious Getaway

If you want to find Manchester’s most exclusive, and luxurious bed and breakfast, look up. Irwin Muskat, former owner of Jac Pac Foods, is renting his lavish 120,000-square-foot penthouse to those who want a unique getaway and to companies looking for a high-end option for visiting executives and clients.

Muskat launched Penthouse in the Sky in July. Since the new venture didn’t launch until late in the summer, it chiefly booked events for its first summer and early fall season. Muskat stresses the Penthouse is chiefly available during the summer and in 2017 he wants to limit bookings to guests renting for a minimum of three days rather than events.

Located at the top of 555 Canal St., 17 floors up, Penthouse in the Sky used to be High Five restaurant until it went out of business in 1997. Muskat and his wife, Margery, who passed away a year-and-a-half ago, began renting it 15 year ago, taking a year to renovate it.

The cost varies by the number of people staying per day, from $1,500 to $2,500 per night for a minimum of three days. The Penthouse in the Sky also offers wedding packages.

So why pay over $1,000 for a night overlooking the Manchester skyline? The Penthouse comes with its own on-site concierge, complimentary bar, breakfast prepared each morning and includes an all-inclusive day trip by limousine. Guests can choose between a trip to the White Mountains, Lakes Region, Seacoast or Boston.

The penthouse includes an atrium with a wall-length water feature, an open living space with a custom designed bar and fireplace, a chef’s dream kitchen, a dining area that can seat 16, three bedrooms, a large master bath that includes a steam room, a sound-proof movie room, and a hot tub overlooking the cityscape. The kitchen includes a pizza oven, a steam oven and an espresso machine, among other accouterments.

Perhaps the most impressive feature, and certainly Muskat’s favorite, are the views of Manchester and beyond from the floor-to-ceiling windows over two floors. “No matter the season, there are great views of the city, the river and trees,” Muskat says.

Muskat now travels often. One night while entertaining friends, one asked him if he would consider renting his penthouse during the summer when he is gone.

“I said she was crazy,” Muskat says. But then they talked about it more and designed a high-end package, and he decided to move forward. “We want people to enjoy the luxury of the place.”