The Whiteley Homes Trust believes everyone has the right to live well in a good home as they age, regardless of their financial means.
We are proud to be one of the oldest charities in Surrey and our Patron was the former Prince of Wales.
We own and manage Whiteley Village near Walton on Thames, where we have been supporting older people in need for over a century. Our charity offers housing with care support to around 400 older people, most of whom are beneficiaries and unable to buy or rent their own home on the open market.
At Whiteley Village we offer a wide variety of homes including:
- Over 250 listed almshouse cottages – one of the largest provisions of almshouse accomodation in the UK.
- 50 extra-care flats in Huntley House – the first such facility built in Surrey.
Although most of our accommodation is intended for older people of limited means, we do have a small number of purchase leasehold options.
Also on site is a facility that offers residential nursing care. Owned and managed by Kingsley Healthcare the Eliza Palmer Care Home is a stunning, modern care centre with 30 large care suites and also features a therapy and exercise room and a beautiful octagonal glass atrium, reflecting the design of the village.
Opened in 2019 by The Whiteley Homes Trust and originally named Eliza Palmer Hub, the sale and transfer of ownership to Kingsley Healthcare took place in May 2024.
A Thriving Community for Older People
Our community... proud, connected and safe
Whiteley Village
Housing with a social conscience
The Whiteley Homes Trust
Living longer, ageing well
The Whiteley Foundation
Our History
Our founder, William Whiteley, was a successful retail entrepreneur. When he died in 1907, he bequeathed £1 million to create housing for ‘the needy poor in their old age’.
The Whiteley Homes Trust was founded in 1907 and it began building Whiteley Village here at Walton-on-Thames in Surrey in 1914 – the first purpose-built retirement village in the UK, as far as we know.
Our first resident was Eliza Palmer, a retired nurse, who moved into her cottage on 10 October 1917. Since then, Whiteley Village has survived two World Wars, hosted two royal visits and completed two cottage refurbishment programmes.
William Whiteley’s vision and his social and architectural ambition made the Village outstanding for its time and it remains so today.
The Trust is committed to delivering on the original objectives and principles of the charity, whilst adapting and improving how we operate to ensure a sustainable future for our Village and everyone who lives and works here.
Further information about our historical milestones, important Whiteley artefacts and much more, can be found in the collection at the Whiteley Village Museum which is cared for and curated by our residents. Visits can be arranged on request.
The Whiteley Village Museum
Further information about our historical milestones, important Whiteley artefacts and much more, can be found in the collection at the Whiteley Village Museum which is cared for and curated by our residents.
Whiteley’s History Society are delighted to offer pre-booked tours to explore the history and architecture of the Village and visit our museum.
To book contact the team on: 01932 842360.
