The successful entertainment artist Ralf Keul must either develop his land on the Baltic Sea or else forfeit it. Inexperienced yet courageous, he hurls himself into the undertaking, which spares him no unpleasantness. He battles over the transportation and procurement of materials, constantly on the verge of a nervous breakdown, while his craftsmen offer little assistance.

About halfway through the project, he runs out of money and is forced to sell his prized coin collection. Finally, after countless stresses, job-related irritations, and overlapping marital crises, the house is built. His wife and daughter are thrilled, and enthusiastic visitors show up in droves. But what a price to pay!