For Richard Beaton, Chedsy Place, his beloved family home, is locked in the past - a place of warm childhood memories - and he cannot afford to keep it. But for his wife, Celia, walking round the grand house sparks the kernel of an idea: to restore it to its former glory by opening its doors once more for Christmas - only this time, to paying guests.Horrified by the idea, Robert can only watch as guests arrive from far and wide: the domineering Judith Kimball with her shy secretary Sidney Lattimer, and their chauffeur, who takes a shine to Sidney; the Paynter family with their excitable twin daughters, Cicely and Angela; Miss Nettleton, who travels indomitably about the British Isles seeing the sights; Mrs Stephenson-Pollitt, who retires each afternoon to seek communion with the spirits, and her nephew, Brian, who is destined for the clergy but must battle with his conscience when he meets Angela. As the guests settle in for Christmas, Robert knows that Chedsy Place will never be the same again . . . Bringing together a memorable cast of characters, Chedsy Place is a warm and witty novel, filled with the humour, piercing observation and remarkable characterization that makes Richmal Crompton one of the world's best-loved writers. ". . . written with ease and brightness, and Miss Crompton's many admirers will read it with enjoyment." Gerald Gould, Observer"Miss Crompton gives her characters an eventful week, and Chedsy Place is one of her best books." Sunday Express