James Fairfax, the former chairman of publisher John Fairfax Ltd, died on Wednesday at his home at Retford Park in Bowral. He was 83.

Last year Mr Fairfax bequeathed the Retford Park homestead, estimated to be worth $18 million, to the National Trust. The Trust's chief executive Brian Scarsbrick describes the estate as "a real jewel in the crown" of the organisation's heritage properties.

James Fairfax made numerous gifts to art galleries and was a regular benefactor for many organisations and charities including the World Wide Fund for Nature. Credit:Robert Pearce

The property is being preserved in perpetuity for the community, with funds for its upkeep coming from the neighbouring residential property developed when he subdivided part of the 120-hectare Retford Park estate.

Known for his philanthropy, he was made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 2010 for "eminent service to the community through support and philanthropy for the visual arts, conservation organisations and building programs for medical research and educational facilities".