A father can't afford to take his family on holiday so he forces them to spend a week in their basement. He sets up lounge chairs and paints palm trees on the walls. At one point the family hears a burglar upstairs but the father refuses to allow them to investigate as they are supposed to be away at a resort.

Teenager James Greville has lived in children's homes his whole life, so he is surprised when a Great Uncle invites him to his country manor for a holiday. While exploring the sprawling Greville Lodge he soon discovers that it has many secrets.