There was emotion in the air at 4 Queen Road , where sunshine, nostalgia and fierce bidding converged in one of Paddington's standout auctions. The terrace, a deceased estate last purchased for $42,000 in 1985, drew a huge crowd and seven active bidders eager to write its next chapter.

Bidding opened at $2.25 million and quickly leapt to $2.45 million, then $2.56 million, as onlookers packed the street. DiJones listing agent Christie Mortimer said the atmosphere was buoyant. "It was such a beautiful day, we got lucky with the weather," she said. "Everyone could feel the significance of this sale."

Momentum surged as offers climbed past $2.8 million, before slowing in tense final exchanges between a handful of bidders. When the hammer finally fell at $3.075 million, it was a young Irish

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