Mrs Thatcher adored Chequers, a Grade I listed 16th century manor house in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, given to the state by Sir Arthur Lee in 1917.
As she wrote in her 1993 memoir, Downing Street Years: “I do not think anyone has stayed long at Chequers without falling in love with it.”
The estate boasts a heated swimming pool in the Orangery — which Mrs Thatcher used only in the summer — as well as a 1,500 acre lawn.
Mrs Thatcher’s husband, Denis, is also said to have enjoyed playing golf on the grounds.
It was while there that Mrs Thatcher “took a close interest” in the community, personally thanking the locals, writes Norma Major.
