It is the 1980s and deep in mid-Wales the inhabitants of the Nant Valley believe they are successfully holding out against the modern world. However, outsiders have discovered the Valley and believe it to be an idyll. The rich and mysterious Stefan, for example, buys a derelict manor house and sets about being a squire - but finds that his money is failing to impress anyone, and he can't even get served in the pub as Gwillim the landlord hates all customers. Jane and Rob, poor and arty urbanites, want to live The Good Life, but find that their enthusiasm for alfresco nudity has tragic repercussions for the farming community. Dafydd, the all-seeing postman, doubts the Valley is ready for outsiders, and as the locals struggle with sexual scandal, hostile artisans, an unsuccessful laundromat exhibition and a corpse, the omens are not good