Black’s mansion on auction block

• Former press baron Conrad Black is looking to sell his 23,000- squarefoot home in Toronto’s exclusive Bridle Path neighbourhood.

Nestled on a 6.6- acre lot, the nine- bedroom, 11- bathroom property will hit the auction block on March 8.

The mansion, which includes a caretaker suite and a converted coach house guest apartment, has an estimated value of $ 21.8 million, according to an online listing.

Black’s house was built in six stages and has undergone extensive renovations by New York architect Thierry Despont, who has also designed and built homes for Calvin Klein and Bill Gates.

“It is a big house for two people,” Black said in a statement. “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.”

The building features a two- room, two- storey library, an indoor swimming pool with skylight, a carved granite Jacuzzi and a copperdomed chapel consecrated by two cardinals.

It was first built by Black’s father, George Montegu Black, and has been in the family for 65 years. The auction will have a reserve price, though Concierge Auctions said they would not disclose it.

The front door of 26 Park Lane Circle enters into a three- storey foyer with a grand staircase and ornate chandelier. Black has entertained many high- profile guests at there, including Margaret Thatcher, Richard Nixon and Elton John.

The Bridle Path neighbourhood, a relatively short drive north of downtown Toronto, is sometimes called Millionaire’s Row and is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the country.