The Best Inns of England's Lake District
L’Enclume, Cartmel
Great Value This pretty village in the southern part of the district is notable for its 12th-century priory, a lazy stream, and a profusion of antiques shops clustered around the main market square. Since the opening of L’Enclume (doubles from $138) seven years ago, chef-owner Simon Rogan’s inventive cooking has quietly grown in acclaim, culminating in a Michelin star for the restaurant in 2005. Housed in a converted blacksmith’s workshop, L’enclume has 12 pared-down guest rooms: seven above the restaurant; three at L’enclume House, in the village center; and two new luxury suites (from $252), across from L’enclume House. One suite has a muted mocha-and-cream color scheme and sisal carpets, the other was designed with strong Art Deco lines; and both have Molton Brown amenities in the bathrooms. The latest addition: Rogan has opened Rogan & Company—a less formal restaurant with stellar roast salmon and braised lamb shoulder—just down the road.