Claudia’s garden retreat is so private and quiet, you’re never aware of the bustling city all around you. Thoughtfully designed, everything provided, it is beautiful inside and out, especially in July amid towering roses. Two major supermarkets are short walks away. Around the corner is a children’s wading pool. The village square in Kew Gardens has eateries and a bookstore. The District Line is one stop from Richmond, where an air-conditioned train gets you to Waterloo Station in less than an hour (or to Windsor in the other direction). The main reason to stay in Kew is the Royal Botanic Garden; I bought a membership and walked there almost every morning. Claudia and her sweet family are thoughtful and generously accommodating, and I hope I can stay in their garden studio again!