Birch, who was born in Michigan, joked: "I believe I manifested this storybook country life by watching so many English period films!” While the current gardens date back to the 17th century ...

Think layers of Savoiardi biscuits dipped in homemade strawberry cream and covered in decadent lashings of mascarpone, sweet but light strawberry coulis, and white chocolate curls. Sound irresistible?