The story of Tinderbox Cottage revolves around a special young man called Toby and an old dwelling known as Tinderbox Cottage, which is situated on a farm in the Kent countryside. Due to circumstances beyond their control, Toby and his parents are forced to leave their old home and move to the cottage, where his father has managed to secure employment as a mechanic and general hand. On their way to their new home Toby and his mother stop at a motorway service for refreshment where they encounter a travelling family. One of the family, known as Granny Alice, has the gift of second sight. She immediately recognises a latent talent in Toby, which begins to manifest itself when he moves into the cottage. With the dawning of his gift and the help of a new found friend Tina May, and a mysterious ferret known as Newes, he uncovers the mystery of the cottage and helps the wandering spirit of a woman, executed as a witch hundreds of years before, find rest.