The Lamb's young son, Fish, is brain damaged after nearly drowning. Miles away, in a life-changing moment, Sam Pickles loses the fingers of his right hand. Fate brings both families into a big, boarded-up house at No. 1 Cloud Street.

The industrious Lester and Oriel Lamb open a store, irritating feckless Sam and Dolly Pickles. Sam gets a job at the mint, and Dolly spends more time at the pub. Quick Lamb witnesses another tragedy, and Oriel makes a drastic decision.

Years have passed. The Lambs and Pickles still live together, their children are now young adults. Dolly extinguishes her daughter's ambitions, while her son is now a jockey. Fish's erratic behavior challenges Quick, and Oriel declare war on a competitor.

Rose learns that her boyfriend isn't what he seems. Lester protects Sam from debt collectors, with unexpected results. With Quick away, Oriel copes with Fish. Quick learns that his connection with Fish is deeper than he knew, and Sam finds good luck.

Bad news from Adelaide drives Dolly further into the bottle. Events and bizarre visions bring Quick back home, where the house is groaning more than ever. Rose feels detached from her family, especially her mother.

A threat of losing the house makes everyone realize how much life there means to them. Reconciliation finally happens within the Pickles family as it unites with the Lambs. With the families in harmony, there is one more journey to complete.