Paul Craddock is a young man who fell out during the Second Boer War and is offered to care for the neglected Shallowford manor house in Devon. Paul has to use all his charm to convince the locals of his skills. He is assisted by John Rudd. After a bad marriage to Grace Lovell, Paul marries Claire Derwent. They make a great couple and together take on all the challenges that the town offers. The greatest challenge appears to be the approaching First World War.