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Exterior photo for the property auctioning this upcoming Tuesday, July 12, 2011 in Hudson, Que.Grand Estates Auction Company

There may have been no minimum price when a sprawling Quebec mansion was auctioned last month, but actually paying for the purchase was part of the deal.

The $3.4-million dollar unreserved auction results have been cancelled and the home in Hudson, Que., is back on the market after the buyer failed to find financing. The 17,000-square-foot mansion features an indoor swimming pool, and advanced geothermal heating system and even a secret passage.

John Hooper put it on the block after growing frustrated at his failed efforts to sell it via traditional methods, asking $6.9-million in 2008.

Grand Estates Auction Company handled the sale, and said about 20 bidders showed up to make offers. The company was not mentioned in Mr. Hooper's morning press release, and could not be immediately reached for comment.

It was believed to be the first unreserved auction of a luxury property in Canada.

"We were certainly disappointed that the auction did not lead to a final sale. However, we are aware that in order to sell a unique and exclusive property, we need to be creative," Mr. Hooper said in a release.

One way he's hoping to attract interest is by allowing prospective buyers to spend the weekend in the home, to experience what it would be like to lounge around the five-acre property.

"We have always been viewed as innovators. The out-of-the-box 'weekend escape' idea may seem unusual, but we are willing to try something different. I truly believe that any serious buyer who experiences this elegant country living will fall in love with Oakleigh. Guests never want to leave," he said.

The 17,000-square-foot home features:

* Eight bedrooms

* Six full bathroom, two half-bathrooms

* A three-car garage

* 1,200-square-foot stone patio

* Several balconies

* 5.4-acres of property with mature trees

* 550 feet of waterfront

* Separate guest apartment

* A propane backup generator that can power the entire home

* Two-storey living room with piano alcove

Extras include an elevator, exotic wood floors, media room, audio system, hand-painted murals, security system, solarium, business centre, wine cellar and a secret passage.

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