The National Trust has received their biggest gift to date, with philanthropist and arts patron James Fairfax officially handing over the title to his historic property at Bowral on Tuesday.
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A spokeswoman estimated the 32 hectare Retford Park to be worth above $20 million, while Mr Fairfax also included a significant endowment for the property’s ongoing conservation.
Public open days will be operated as part of the Route 31 heritage trail.
“It has long been my wish that Retford Park be preserved so that future generations can see how the property was lived in and used. I know that I am transferring the property into safe hands to be preserved for future generations of Australians,” said Mr Fairfax.
Mr Fairfax acquired Retford as a 4 hectare holding in 1964 for £15,000, over time increasing the holding to 120 hectares, though 90 hectares on the eastern and western curtilage is now under development for residential purposes.
A significant portion of the sale proceeds of that development was also gifted to the National Trust Heritage Foundation to help the ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the property.