For sale: Margaret Thatcher's Chelsea flat, where she decided to pursue politics

This flat in well-heeled Chelsea has no ordinary history: it was the marital home of Margaret and Denis Thatcher in the Fifties.

Mrs Thatcher arrived in the flat in 1953 at the age of 28, having been married for two years. She was working as a lawyer while also looking after her twins Carol and Mark, then less than a year old. 

It was at this time that Mrs Thatcher said she was determined to pursue a political career.

She described the flat in her memoirs as being "light... with a fine view of London". Now, the view through the original Crittall windows on the sixth floor takes in the Shard.

The apartment has two bedrooms and could be converted into three, a large sitting room and a dining room with a hatch leading to the kitchen. 

On the market for £1.235 million with Strutt and Parker, it is available on a 24 year lease, which can be extended for an estimated £600,000.

The flat, at 112 Swan Court in Chelsea, is described in the estate agent's brochure as being in need of "complete refurbishment". It is in an apartment block which is part of the Cadogan Estate, and has 24-hour porter services.

The modest flat is far less luxurious than Mrs Thatcher's former home on Chester Square in Belgravia, which is currently on the market for £30m.