Private Merchant

GORDON Merchant, Billabong surfwear founder, is believed to have paid $1.1 million to safeguard his privacy at his hilltop Tugun home.

He’s apparently snared a neighbouring 2.6ha holding that is the only other title on the hilltop that is accessed by a bridge across the Tugun bypass.

The land, bought by a company linked to Philippines investor Philip Cea as part of a $2.8 million deal in 1995, carries approval for a luxury mansion.