The Lake District: For centuries poets and painters have used its sublime, verdant hills, valleys, and dark pools to frame the ideals and virtues that define Western Romanticism. Before they lent their creative minds to the region, however, this famed stretch in northwestern England, which stands at the heart of ancient Cumbria, had already gained a character that was carved from its centuries of history as a rugged barrier that straddled both the Celtic and Saxon cultures. Today, the Lake District and surrounding Cumbria, which remains England's least densely populated county, continue on within the minds of both residents and visitors as a place that, largely untouched by the advance of time, continuously reveals all the splendor and mystery that nature can offer to mankind.

To call the area 'beautiful' would be an understatement unworthy of land that, situated to the south of Scotland and along the Irish Sea, remains England's preferred destination for those who seek both the comforts and traditions that only a rural location can bring. Cumbria is also a pilgrimage site for lovers of history as well as those who simply love its daring, mountainous landscape: As a land over which armies, merchants, and settlers crossed throughout centuries, it has a disproportionately large share of landmarks and preserved vistas. Among these are Carlisle Castle, a Norman stronghold built atop Roman ruins and that, for generations, was the focus of invasions, diplomacy, and intrigue, Furness Abbey, the sprawling ruins of which are considered one of the most haunted in England, and Hadrian's Wall, a relic of the Roman period that has become a favorite subject of painters and photographers.

The past is not the only thing that makes Cumbria and the Lake District special, however. Though overwhelmingly rural and lightly populated, which is an obvious benefit to anyone who values their privacy and time away from the noise and distractions of modern life, Cumbria is also host to Carlisle, one of England's most charming cities. This former mill town, which hosts a variety of sports teams and academic institutions, has the distinct honor of being home to the most microbreweries and associated pubs in England. Its excellence in the culinary field even extends to more traditional dining, as the town is noted for the high number of Michelin Star establishments that line its ancient thoroughfares. When its other amenities, including a thriving entertainment and cultural scene, are included in any analysis that notes its proximity to the Lake District, Carlisle's appeal becomes self-explanatory.

Carlisle and the Lake District, however, are not the only locales that grace Cumbria with a special sense of place and historical power. The ancient kingdom of Rheged, the tales of which were recounted by the archaic Welsh poet Taliesen, once had borders that spanned the northern section of the county and spread into what is today southern Scotland. In contemporary times, the dreamlike, rolling hills that served as the foundation for its battlements have become favored among both vacationers and the owners of large estates, alike. To the south, where the craggy, mountainous edge of Cumbria darts into the wind-swept Irish sea, the dramatic shoreline of Barrow-in-Furness has long held a following among those who prefer homes that look out toward the seaside and, due to their connection with such ever-changing vistas, evoke memories of maritime lore.

Ultimately, its vast size, light population, and varied attractions make Cumbria an ideal choice for anyone who wants the culture and history that comes with a European home, yet also desires a connection to the beauty of nature.