The story is about a long-established and highly respected family firm of auctioneers, the House of Caradus, in Chester, England, which is now in serious financial trouble. The series captures the drama of the auction room, the excitement of bid and counter-bid, taking in dealers' rings, forged art treasures and the growing invasion of the antiques scene by London-based auction houses starved of pieces to sell. As the House of Caradus struggles to stay alive, by fair means or foul, its clients cover the whole spectrum of need and greed.

A demobbed serviceman finds that his village has fallen on hard times. With the help of family, friends and the villagers he enters his boat in a yacht race. Winning will mean orders for new boats and life for the village.