Mary Johnston-Watterson

Meet Mary Johnston-Watterson: The Heart and Hands Behind Arthur Cottage

Nestled in the quiet charm of Cullybackey, Arthur Cottage is more than just a historic site - it’s a living, breathing window into the past. And at the centre of it all is Mary Johnston-Watterson, a woman whose passion, creativity, and curiosity have transformed this humble cottage into a vibrant experience for visitors from near and far.

A Serendipitous Start with a Passion for the Past

Mary’s journey into tourism wasn’t planned - it was serendipitous. With a lifelong love of history, traditional crafts, domestic life, and storytelling, she found herself perfectly suited to the role of Craft Demonstrator at Arthur Cottage. What began as a baking demonstration gig quickly evolved into something much more expansive. Today, Mary wears many hats: artist, maker, crafter, tour guide, storyteller, tutor, gardener, caretaker, and event organiser. Her days are as varied as the skills she brings to the table.

“I have a rather peculiar combination of interests and skills,” Mary says with a smile, “which by complete chance fitted me for my job at Arthur Cottage.”

Recognising the importance of delivering high-quality visitor experiences, Mary undertook OCN Level 2 Tour Guide training early in her time at Arthur Cottage. More recently, she completed the OCN NI Level 2 Award in Event Management, which includes the mandatory unit “Managing a Small Event.” These qualifications reflect her eagerness to learn and upskill, ensuring that every visitor encounter is both engaging and professionally delivered.

A Day in the Life at Arthur Cottage

Mary’s workday begins with a ritual that sets the tone for everything that follows. “Coming up the lane is like travelling in space and time,” she says. “Opening the doors and shutters feels like waking the place up.” From lighting the fire to preparing for visitors, each day unfolds differently. Some days are filled with tours, others with baking for events, crafting demonstrations, or preparing workshop samples. Weather plays a role too - on rainy or snowy days, you might find Mary spinning wool by the fire or sewing period clothing on her 120-year-old sewing machine.

“There’s no such thing as a typical day,” she says. “And that’s one of the things that keeps me inspired.”

Bringing History to Life

What brings Mary the most joy is the blend of people, place, and creativity. Arthur Cottage is not just a venue - it’s a portal to the past. Dressed in 19th-century attire, Mary helps visitors connect with the lives of those who came before. From the story of Chester Alan Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, whose ancestral home this is, to the tales of local families who lived, worked, and loved in the area, Mary weaves history into every interaction.

Visitors don’t just hear history—they taste it in her baking, smell it in the turf fire, and feel it in the textures of hand spun wool and handsewn garments. “Arthur Cottage is a window into Mid and East Antrim’s past,” she says. “It’s a glimpse of how things were.”

Creativity That Travels

Mary’s talents aren’t confined to Arthur Cottage. With her deep well of creativity and hands-on skills, she has also delivered craft workshops at other heritage sites, including the Andrew Jackson Cottage in Carrickfergus. Her ability to adapt her demonstrations to different settings and audiences showcases her versatility and commitment to sharing heritage in meaningful, accessible ways.

Moments That Matter

Mary treasures the emotional connections visitors make during their time at Arthur Cottage. “The sights, smells, and tastes often trigger memories,” she shares. “Some can be quite emotional, and each and every one of these is very special for me.”

These moments of connection are what make her work so meaningful. Whether it’s a visitor recalling their grandmother’s baking or a child mesmerised by the spinning wheel, Mary’s work touches hearts.

A Community That Embraces

Though not originally from Mid and East Antrim, Mary has found a warm welcome in Cullybackey. “I’m what they call a ‘blow in’,” she laughs, “and I’m reliably informed that even if I stayed for 50 years, I’d still be one. But nowhere could I have gotten a warmer welcome.”

The community has embraced her eccentric charm, including her habit of wandering through village shops in period costume. “Cullybackey has a real village feel,” she says. “They’ve gotten quite used to the crazy lady who works in Arthur Cottage.”

Passion and Purpose

Mary’s passion is fuelled by the opportunity to indulge in all her favourite hobbies and interests while constantly learning more. “I can’t imagine ever getting tired of that,” she says. Her role allows her to celebrate the culture, heritage, and creativity of the region in deeply personal ways.

To those considering a career in tourism or hospitality, Mary offers heartfelt encouragement: “There are many more facets to tourism than I realised. There’s a place for you almost no matter who you are - but you won’t know unless you give it a try.”

Shaped by Sea and Stone—and So Much More

For Mary, being part of the “Shaped by Sea and Stone” brand is about more than landscape and geology. “If it weren’t so terribly cumbersome,” she jokes, “it could be called ‘Shaped by Sea, Stone, People, Community, Culture, and History.’” Every one of these elements shapes her work and her story.

She feels proud to be part of a region that continues to make a global impact. “This relatively small part of the world has had - and continues to create -a large impact far beyond our shores.”

Mary Johnston-Watterson is a shining example of how passion, creativity, and community spirit can shape unforgettable visitor experiences. Through her work at Arthur Cottage - and beyond - she brings the past to life and helps visitors feel the heartbeat of Mid and East Antrim, one story, one craft, and one warm welcome at a time.