When Sally Parslow moved into Millers Point in the mid-1970s, the area was home to many single, retired wharfies who lived in boarding homes owned by the Maritime Services Board.

In a terrace in Lower Fort Street, she and her young daughter lived with elderly gentlemen with names like "Jocky" and "Bluey", who had spent their lives working at the nearby docks.

In the 40 years since, Ms Parslow has turned the rundown 19th-century boarding house into a home. She raised her daughter there, invested her personal savings into preserving its heritage value and paid the maintenance bills.

"The place was in extreme disrepair when I moved in. I have put my life into caring for this property and I thought I'd die here," Ms Parslow said.