The story concerns the Avakian clan, a wealthy provincial Ottoman Armenian family who divide their time between their city home and the country retreat that gives the film its name. As World War I breaks out, the Avakians, led by Aram, a successful merchant, have friendly relations with local Turkish authorities, and are not concerned that any change will come to their world. Indeed, the Avakians ignore the warning signs, and set about preparing for a family reunion with the impending visit of Aram’s brother, a physician now living in Venice.

However, the Avakian’s way of life is to come to an end with the existence of the Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as the family is subjected to murder and deportation into the Syrian desert. Against incredible odds and due to a combination of luck, cunning, and unexpected acts of kindness, some members of the family are able to survive.