Love, Once and Always

Lucy Windsor is a rising star at a London museum, on the verge of being named the new director by her mentor, Isabelle. Her life is upended when she inherits Wycliffe House, a magnificent Gilded Age estate in Rhode Island, from her Great Aunt Grace. Upon arrival, she is shocked to find Duncan, the son of the former caretakers and her childhood sweetheart, living in the house. The estate lawyer, Hannah Rourke, reveals that Grace left the property to both of them 50/50. Duncan, now a Boston architect, views the crumbling mansion as a financial burden and wants to sell it to billionaire developer Richard Niven to be turned into a golf course. Lucy, horrified by the idea of destroying history, insists on preserving it. To fund immediate repairs like a leaking roof, they sell off various antiques, which leads to a temporary truce and a trip to the local town festival. Lucy proposes a compromise: a 'historical resort' that combines a luxury hotel and museum with a golf course, preserving the architecture while generating revenue. They decide to pitch this idea to Niven during a revival of Grace's famous Gilded Age Ball. During the preparations, the two rediscover their romantic connection, though Lucy remains conflicted about her career in London. At the ball, Lucy's professional life intrudes when she has to take a disastrous conference call with London trustees, which is interrupted by a persistent sheep named Percy. Niven initially rejects their proposal, stating the restoration costs are too high and suggesting a complete tear-down instead. Lucy overhears Duncan discussing the tear-down option with Hannah and feels betrayed, believing he has chosen profit over their shared history. She prepares to leave for London to accept her promotion. However, Duncan realizes he cannot destroy the house or lose Lucy again. He intercepts her on the way to the airport, and together they chase Niven down before he can fly away. They present a revised 'seed investment' plan focused on Niven's legacy. Niven is impressed and agrees to the deal. In the end, Lucy turns down the prestigious London job to stay in Rhode Island with Duncan, realizing her heart and her future are at Wycliffe House.