TripADeal co-founder buys in Byron

Richard Johnston, the co-founder of TripADeal, one of Australia's leading travels deals site, and wife Claire Alexander have spent $2.31 million in Byron Bay.

The exclusive waterfront beach house, that had previously acted as a B&B, is set in expansive tropical gardens with uninterrupted nature reserve views.

Comprising four bedrooms and two bathrooms, the home on a large 1,207 sqm double block overlooks the tranquil Belongil Creek.

The garden paths wind past the fish pond and the lawns to the waters edge where there's a jetty and gazebo.

It was sold by Ed Silk Byron Bay agent Ed Silk.

Johnston and best mate Norm Black came up with the idea of TripADeal when in Bali in 2010.

Little did they know the company would turn them into multi-millionaires and chance the face of Australia's travel industry.

The Bangalow-based Richard Johnstone had previously owned a surf shop up on the NSW north coast, while Norm had a retro clothing store. 

Johnston had also worked on surf films during his 20s and 30s and was a freelance writer for surfing magazines.

The couple have been based in one of Bangalow's cutest heritage cottages.

The business pair credit much of their success to starting their multimillion-dollar global business in a town better known for board shorts rather than boardrooms.

The group employs 56 people in Byron, overtaking the local chicken processing factory as the biggest ­employer in town.

This article first appeared in the Daily Telegraph.