On the market: A Manayunk rowhouse transformed by ‘blood, sweat and tears’

Ellen Bailey's daughter wanted to go to the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, so in 1995, Bailey relocated from New Jersey to a three-bedroom home in Manayunk to make that happen.

"It looked quite different back then, but I fell in love with the huge outdoor patio with the ivy-covered wall," she said.

In the ensuing decades, Bailey renovated the entire 1,656-square-foot home.

"I poured a lot of blood, sweat, tears, money and love into this place over the years," she said.

Renovations included replacing full floors, exposing brick walls, adding a powder room, and transforming the kitchen into a 1950s-style diner, complete with red booth.

Despite the dramatic kitchen makeover, Bailey said her favorite project was adding the skylight to the master bedroom.

"It may be my favorite feature of this house, but it's hard to choose," she said.

In addition to working on the home, Bailey said she has enjoyed raising a family in the bustling Manayunk neighborhood.

"Manayunk is obviously a great place to be a young adult, but it's also a good place to have a baby," she said. "There are lots of great programs for little ones available."

Bailey said the family is ready for a change. She has recently decided to sell the home, but her love of the city will keep her in Philadelphia.

"There comes a time when you need to press the life 'reset' button," she said. "This is that time for us — new beginning, new school for my daughter, new old house to work on for me."

The home is listed with Daniel Devine at RE/MAX for $280,000.