Patti Payne's Cool Pads: Former Visa International exec selling Friday Harbor home

Prominent Friday Harbor resident Barbara Von Gehr, retired senior vice president with Visa International, has listed her 8-acre estate in Friday Harbor for $7.5 million.

Von Gehr is an active volunteer on San Juan Island, involved in many organizations, such as the Friday Harbor Labs Advancement board, San Juan Community Theatre, San Juan Island Community Foundation, Peace Island Medical Center and others. She often uses her home to host events for these organizations.

“Even though I’m retired, I like to be part of things and part of giving back, and so all this creates a wonderful involvement with the community,” Von Gehr says.

She and her late husband George Von Gehr moved into their home in 2012.

The Von Gehrs were looking for a house with plenty of room for visiting family members and entertaining. This 6,327-square-foot manse has an open floor plan, all on one level, ideal for gatherings and ample space for their four adult children to visit with their families. And the spacious garage area was perfect for George, a car aficionado.

The home includes three bedrooms, five bathrooms, two offices, a bonus room, a chef’s kitchen and a media room with a large theater screen and surround sound.

Walls of windows frame incredible views throughout this open and flowing floor plan.

“Almost every room in the house has a wonderful view,” Von Gehr says. “I love the spectacular view of the water, of marinas and the ferry dock. What’s really amazing about it are the twinkling lights and the beautiful sunsets and night view. It’s very special.”

An enormous terrace has accommodated some very large parties, with its unique built-in fire table, and leads to a storybook lawn and down to a low-bank waterfront and a coveted dock. The estate has about 136 feet of waterfront.

This island property is co-listed with brokers Lisa Turnure of Coldwell Banker Bain and Lisa Brooks of Coldwell Banker San Juan Islands.