The outside of the weathered Georgian building gives scant clues about its famous owner.

But inside, a tigerskin rug strewn across the bare floorboards and the children's drawings proudly pinned to the walls hint at its past.

This is the seaside retreat where TV presenter Paula Yates found solace for eight months before her death.

The Grade II listed building in the bohemian Old Town of Hastings has triggered a flurry of interest since it was placed for sale last week at £175,000.

When first viewings opened yesterday, 11 people booked a slot to look around the three-storey property in Ebenezer Road.

Its modest front drawing room enjoys uninterrupted views across the historic conservation area and West Hill.

And the home has retained many period features, including an antique roll top bath with brass taps, a Georgian staircase and original calling bells.

Richard Smallman, senior negotiator at John Bray and sons, said: "It's a fascinating place, full of character which Paula loved.

"She adored the Old Town and always seemed cheerful. In the months that I saw her she always had her daughters with her and they loved the place too."

Most fascinating are the insights the property gives of Miss Yates who was 40 when she died.

Drawings sketched by her four daughters are pinned to walls, while cartoon-character bed covers remain folded in a cupboard.

Several sea shells sit in the drawing room fireplace in front of a tiger print rug.

Outside, the rear garden is overrun with colourful fragrant flowers, including fatsia, rhododendron and tamarisk.

The artistic Old Town comes alive during summer with processions and a carnival atmosphere.

Miss Yates had fully integrated herself into its lifestyle and was regularly seen at church events, in and around the shops and on the beach with her daughters.

Old Towner Paul Guy, 36, said: "She was a really lovely lady. She always looked so relaxed whenever I saw her, like she didn't have a care in the world. I suppose being away from the hustle and bustle of London had done her a lot of good.

Miss Yates had bought the property from Mr Smallman's estate agents eight months ago for just under the current asking price.

But, despite it needing up to £30,000 work, Mr Smallman said interest in the house had been astounding.

He said: "The Paula Yates connection has certainly played a part in helping boost its profile. But the Old Town is a beautiful and much sought-after area anyway, particularly among Londoners. It is within walking distance of the beach which Paula loved and is generally a lovely place to live."

Sadly, the tranquillity proved insufficient for Miss Yates, who died of a drugs overdose last year, three years after the death of her lover, INXS rocker Michael Hutchence.