James Fairfax's Bilgola Beach weekender up for grabs for $4 million

Set among the many flashy houses that line the clifftops of the northern beaches peninsular is the idyllically positioned cottage that for more than half a century was the private weekender of the late newspaperman and philanthropist, James Fairfax, AC.

Following his death a year ago, aged 83, the Bilgola Beach property was left to his good friend and northern beaches neighbour Richard Walker, who has returned it to the market for about $4 million.

The last of the oceanfront-reserve houses set on The Serpentine, it was owned by the designer Roger McLay from the 1940s until 1960.

The late Leslie Walford redecorated the interiors for Fairfax. Photo: Supplied

The late newspaperman and philanthropist, James Fairfax, AC. Photo: Robert Pearce

Fairfax is regarded as one of Australia’s great art collectors and philanthropists, having gifted his Italianate revival mansion Retford Park at Bowral to the National Trust of Australia.

Peter and Jacqueline Blacket, of The Blacket Agency, have the exclusive listing.

• Related: Joe Hockey sells Hunters Hill mansion

• Related: Mining mogul buys up neighbours in Mosman

• Related: Mosman on a bull run of prestige sales

The cottage is the last on the clifftop on The Serpentine. Photo: Supplied