Auction for Conrad Black's mansion called off

It would appear that Conrad Black's Bridle Path mansion won't precipitate a bidding war at auction after all. The Globe reports that just prior to the start of a scheduled auction for the media baron's Georgian estate at 26 Park Lane Circle, it was revealed that a pre-emptive bid for the property had killed the auction.

A small number of millionaires had gathered at the Four Seasons Hotel for hors d'ouevres, wine, and a chance to bid on the estimated $21.8 million home but were ultimately left hanging when the live bidding never materialized.

That's a bit of a shame if you're fascinated by real estate dramatics. There was a lot of hype surrounding the auction, which required that participants put up $250,000 to obtain a bidding paddle. But, hey, at least they didn't go home on an empty stomach.