Well actually, he was being very charitable. Philanthropist James Fairfax, formerly of newspaper fame, has donated his huge home, worth around $20 million, to the National Trust of Australia.

This makes it the largest donation to them on record. And not only that; he’s also handed over another few million to help with the upkeep – can you imagine how many staff it takes to keep the place looking clean and tidy?

The property in question is Retford Park, Bowral, in the NSW southern highlands. It’s spread over 32 hectares and the plan is that the Old South Road house and garden will be opened to tourists who want to take a look around.

“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,” said Mr Fairfax on Tuesday as he announced the handover.

Retford Park, where Mr Fairfax once lived, has seen its fair share of the rich and famous over the years. It has hosted guests including members of the British and European royal families, Australian prime ministers, and a variety of artists from around the world. If only those walls could talk!

In 1964, the property was purchased for a mere 15,000 pounds with a four-hectare holding, so it’s certainly proved a good investment.

We don’t get many people coming to us for advice about who to donate their $20 million homes to, but we certainly salute Mr Fairfax for this gesture of goodwill.