At first Ben has his doubts about the old house by the sea where he and Grandma have come to stay. The doors and shutters are creaky, there&&&^s only a wood stove for cooking and heat, and the garage is filled with the discards of many years. But as he and Grandma establish their special rapport, exploring the beach and testing the icy surf, playing checkers and snuggling in to wait out a storm, Ben begins to understand the magic of this place that holds the memories of many happy summers.