Penmarric, a huge gaunt house in Cornwall belonging to the Castallacks. Janna Roslyn a village girl who becomes mistress of Laurence Castallack, wife of his son. From 1867 through to 1940, the fateful passions and chequered fortunes of the rich, landed family and their illegitimate Parrish brothers are played out as they struggle to gain control of their North Cornwall estate.