The Packhouse
Our Story
A place built on curiosity, creativity and independent spirit.
The story of Packhouse began over 25 years ago with a single rented shelf.
What started as a small antiques business has grown into one of Surrey's most distinctive lifestyle destinations – home to over 60 independent traders, beautiful interiors, unique gifts, fashion, jewellery, food, coffee and inspiring spaces to explore.
FROM ONE SHELF TO A DESTINATION
Find us in the Surrey countryside
The Packhouse story began when founder Alison Hougham rented a shelf in a local antiques centre for £25 per month.
With a passion for sourcing unusual finds and an entrepreneurial spirit, that single shelf gradually evolved into a successful business.
In 2003, Alison purchased the historic Grade II-listed building now known as The Packhouse.
Today, The Packhouse has evolved into a destination unlike any other – a collection of over 60 independent businesses housed within a beautifully restored 400-year-old former hop kiln.
THE ART OF DISPLAY
Inspiration Around Every Corner
One of the most distinctive features of Packhouse is the ever-changing collection of interior displays created by our talented visual merchandising team.
The ground floor is carefully styled as a series of inspirational room settings, bringing together furniture, lighting, artwork, textiles, home accessories and decorative pieces to help visitors imagine how items might look in their own homes.
Unlike traditional showrooms, many of our pieces are one-offs. When an item is sold, it leaves with its new owner, meaning our team is constantly reimagining spaces, restyling displays and creating new room sets throughout the store.
As a result, Packhouse is always evolving.
Some visitors return regularly simply to see what's new and to gather ideas for their own homes.
A BUILDING WITH HISTORY
400 years of heritage
The Packhouse is housed within Hewett's Kilns, a
beautiful 400-year-old former hop kiln just outside
Farnham.
Originally built to dry hops grown throughout Surrey's
historic brewing region, the building has been lovingly
restored whilst retaining its original character.
Timber beams, brickwork and unique trading spaces
create an atmosphere that simply cannot be recreated
in a modern retail environment.
Every corner tells a story.
MORE THAN SHOPPING
Food, drink & celebration
Packhouse has never aimed to be a conventional shopping centre. Instead it has evolved into a destination built around discovery.
Visitors come for interiors, gifts, fashion, jewellery and vintage finds, but they also come for inspiration, atmosphere and experience.
New stock arrives daily. Visiting traders bring fresh ideas.
No two visits are ever quite the same.
A LIFE OF ADVENTURE
Alison's entrepreneurial spirit extends far beyond
Packhouse.
A former firefighter, sailor and hot air balloon pilot, she has travelled extensively around the world.
Her adventures have led to the creation of Treasured
Retreats, a collection of distinctive holiday properties
including a handcrafted Canadian log cabin in the
Scottish Highlands, a medieval watchtower in Umbria
and most recently a French mountain chalet.
Each reflects the same passion for character, craftsmanship and memorable experiences that
inspired Packhouse.
THE PALM HOUSE
"I dreamed of occupying the building myself one day
as it's such an amazing space."
One of Alison's long-held ambitions was to create a
restaurant that would complement the Packhouse
experience.
Inspired by botanical glasshouses and Art Deco
elegance, The Palm House offers breakfast, lunch,
afternoon tea and seasonal celebrations throughout
the year.
Together, The Palm House and The Packhouse allow
visitors to truly make a day of their visit.
SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES
60+ INDEPENDENT TRADERS
At the heart of Packhouse are the independent
businesses who bring the building to life.
From interiors and furniture to jewellery, gifts,
fashion and home fragrance, every trader contributes
to the unique atmosphere visitors know and love.
By shopping at Packhouse you're supporting local
entrepreneurs, makers and small businesses who are
passionate about what they do.
A LABOUR OF LOVE
"This has been a labour of love. I've poured my heart
into creating warm, welcoming spaces that offer a
vast range of quirky and quality products,
outstanding service and memorable experiences."
— Alison Hougham
Whether you're visiting for interiors, gifts, food,
inspiration or simply a wonderful day out, we look
forward to welcoming you.
