After 65 years of family ownership, the mansion of former newspaper publisher and author Conrad Black will be offered for auction by Concierge Auctions on March 8.
The house has more than 23,000 square feet of living space set on more than 6.6 acres. Located at 26 Park Lane Circle, it was built in six phases and extensively renovated over the years.
Concierge says Black has entertained many prominent guests at the estate, including British royals, world statesmen and many well-known entertainers and cultural figures. Concierge says it has an estimated value of $21.8 million. It will sell in co-operation with Barry Cohen of Re/Max Realtron Realty. There will be an unpublished reserve.
Black, whose newspaper group included the London Telegraph, Chicago Sun-Times, Jerusalem Post and many of the large daily newspapers in Canada and Australia said in a statement: “It is a big house for two people. We will be abroad a good deal and moving to a more manageable home will be a convenience to us now as our careers have evolved. Auction is the best way to achieve this end, as it sets the timeline on what will be, in physical terms, a large relocation.”
Crafted and constructed by international architect Thierry W. Despont – who has been commissioned by other notable clients including Bill Gates, Gianni Agnelli and Stavros Niarchos – 26 Park Lane Circle is a Georgian residence that has everything from an indoor pool and spa to a chapel consecrated by two cardinals.
“Taking the term ‘grand entrance’ to a whole new level, the residence is located down a winding, romantic driveway set back from the road, nestled amongst the trees without another building in site,” says Concierge in a news release. “Upon arrival, guests are greeted within the three-storey foyer, complete with a grand staircase, impeccably detailed moulding and an ornate chandelier. Offering endless options for entertaining, the estate is comprised of uniquely configured reception and living spaces where Black and his family have hosted Richard Nixon, Margaret Thatcher, Henry Kissinger, The Duke of Edinburgh, Sir Elton John and many other prominent figures.”
The house has an elegant formal dining room, dual sitting and dressing rooms, a two-storey/two-room library, state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen, a media room, billiard room, wine cellar and multiple working fireplaces. Including the guest apartment and coach house, the property includes a total of nine bedrooms, 11 full bathrooms and four half bathrooms.
“Our firm has sold fine homes around the world, but this is one of the most extraordinary properties we’ve had the pleasure to represent,” says Mike Russo, vice president of Concierge Auctions. “From the design esthetic to the family history to its bevy of distinguished guests, 26 Park Lane Circle is a remarkable estate in one of Canada’s most sought after neighbourhoods. The chance to own here is rare and should be seriously considered by luxury buyers globally.”
Cohen says, “26 Park Lane Circle is one of the largest residential parcels of land within the Greater Toronto area, nestled within arguably the best and most affluent neighbourhood in Canada.” Cohen has also worked with Concierge on three successful sales in the neighbourhood including 24 Park Lane Circle, also sold by Black on a reserve format last year. “Never offered for sale, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a distinguished estate that is nothing short of incomparable,” he says.
Concierge Auctions will conduct previews of 26 Park Lane Circle by appointment only. Brokers are protected. For more information, call 212-257-5018.
