Seeking the promise of sun and warmth on the Mediterranean island of Corfu, the widow Louisa Durrell decides to move with her four children, leaving behind gloomy, wet Bournemouth.

Louisa deals with a number of problems, including a disintegrating house; Gerry's animal collection grows; Margo suffers from unrequited love; Larry requires medical care; Spiro tries to distract Louisa with foraging.

Louisa avoids Sven after an argument; Leslie laments an ex-girlfriend; Margo's employment woes continue; Louisa worries about Gerry's friendship with a former criminal.

Louisa takes action to save Leslie from the clutches of two thugs after he's accused of armed robbery; Margo notices an attractive gardener, threatening her job; Gerry's room undergoes a transformation.

Louisa's domineering Aunt Hermione arrives and demands the family return to England after she sees the relationship between Louisa and Sven; Gerry acquires some baby owls.

Sven's true intentions come to light; Gerry questions caging his animals after an injury to Leslie; Nancy demands Larry return to England with her; the family plans a celebration.