As he said in the Chequers Estate Act 1917, 'It is not possible to foresee or foretell from what classes or conditions of life the future wielders of power in this country will be drawn. To none of these in the midst of their strenuous and responsible labours could the spirit and anodyne of Chequers do anything but good.' The thinking was that the respite from life in the city would allow politicians to think more clearly, as well as be healthier. Bought for Lee by his wife in 1912, the couple fully restored the property, adding a walled garden. During the First World War it was used as a hospital, as were many of our country houses, becoming a convalescent home for officers - so Boris isn't the first man to gather his strength here.