Turning a Cumbrian village into a luxury must-see | Global News Avenue

Cartmel in Cumbria has long been known as the home of sticky toffee pudding and is now experiencing a sweet taste of its own success. How did this small village on the edge of the Lake District become one of the country’s leading luxury destinations?

Some 60 years ago, amenities included a gas station and a school.

While Cartmel has always attracted tourists for its 800-year-old abbey, racecourse and famous desserts, the people who live here have shifted from a seasonal influx to a year-round influx.

About 20 years ago it became home to chef Simon Rogan’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant L’Enclume, which, along with growing interest in the Lake District, shaped the village’s reputation.

“Now we have a steady stream of tourism that we never had before,” said resident Barry Dean, who also represents the area on Alliswaite and Cartmel Parish Council.

“It also stimulates other trade.”

The parish of Lower Alliswaite, which includes Cartmel, has just under 2,000 residents, according to the Office for National Statistics, and Dean said around 400 people lived in Cartmel.

However, there are dozens of hotels, guesthouses and self-catering units within a few miles of the village, many of which are aimed at the higher end of the market. There’s more to come.

While tourism brings important employment opportunities, it also creates challenges.

“We had a huge event – ​​Christmas in Cartmel – but it was so popular we were swamped,” Dean said.

“Previously this would have attracted locals but we weren’t able to do that this year because of the crowds.”

Dean said while the success of the Cartmel brand was great for the village, it had also led to investment from second home owners and property investors, meaning locals were increasingly able to buy property here. Come less and less.

“The downside is that it drives away a lot of the people who look after the village, the doers who are involved in the community.”

Jenny Boak, 62, has lived in this corner of Cumbria her entire life and remembers the days when Cartmel was a sleepy village.

“The only reason you come to Cartmel is to go to school,” explained Burke, now a Lib Dem member of Westmorland and Furness Council.

“The growth is all organic, it’s coming from businesses and there’s been an increase in employment.”

While there are many holiday homes in and around its main square, Bock is keen to stress that the area has successfully secured social housing.

She claimed the council produced a “robust community plan” which identified areas that could be developed and ensured a “balance” between tourism and the community.

Newlyweds Lauren and Greg Foggo are the latest investors to be attracted to Cartmel, buying the village’s multi-million pound old grammar school, which The school will become a hotel and wedding venue.

“Cartmel seems to be a real luxury destination,” Mrs Foggo said.

“Obviously you’ve got L’Enclume and (sister restaurant) Rogan and Co, you’ve got the racecourse, you’ve got lovely bars, and all of that seems to be working well together as a community.”

The couple, who had never worked in the hospitality industry, received news of the purchase of the 1790 Grade II listed building just 10 days after marrying in October.

They are getting ready to open in the new year.

Mrs Foggo explained her parents bought a property near Cartmel and fell in love with the area, which was what drew them here.

Christie’s, which is handling the sale, said the previous owner had carried out extensive renovations but wanted to sell the property to retire.

The 28-year-old said: “Feedback from the local community is that they are delighted that it will be a hotel again and it will attract more people to the village and hopefully we can bring something to them as well.”

While the cost of living crisis continues to impact many industries, Cartmel continues to attract wealth.

“We’re seeing strong demand in higher-priced, higher-value markets post-pandemic,” said Jim Walker, president of Tourism Cambria.

As for Cartmel’s success, he attributes it to its “lively” offerings, and he doesn’t think its charm will stop attracting tourists any time soon.

“It has become quite a center of excellence in terms of a super experience for visitors.

“It’s a real community, very vibrant, but it’s earned its place by working hard to provide visitors and locals with some fantastic food.”