Ally,
I don't thnk you'd fnd the cottage environment on-site at MD "over-the-top." Tasteful, trending toward the higher-end, but restrained in the main, would be my description of the overall presentation thus far. The newer, restoration projects described will be a bit more rarified from what I can gather. IM me and I can put you on some possible B&B's in town. We went to a crack'n pub in town that had great live music and a memorable vibe to the place. The name escapes me at the moment, but I'll come up with it shortly.
It's not a bad taxi ride to town from MD, though if you want to really immerse yourself in the local scene, staying in-town makes sense. I will say that the quiet, quaint feel of the morning hours around MD and Machrihanish Old, which is right across the street from the MD village, are on the level of Dornoch, which is pretty damn special in my view. Either way, your group will all be winners in Kintyre...just make sure you have proper, QUALITY caddies lined up WELL ahead of the trip. Even with just one per group, they will make for a much better experience, unless you don't want them and wish to go 'round blind.
P.S.- Dunaverty,Dunaverty Dunaverty...don't you dare miss it! A super, sporty little 18 holer at the tip of the Mull, about a scenic 25 minute run from the MD parking lot. It's a blast, with maybe 8-9 par threes, some that are an absolute hoot to play! The lone par 5 is a great hole. It would stand proudly as a championship four on ANY links course in the world. No. 1 and 18 are somewhat weak, but the rest is a treat.
This course is a perfect after-lunch or early evening romp after a morning 18. It's a fairly easy walk, save one stiff climb to a glorious, downhill tee shot to a 270 yd. par four that is just epic, as it sits hard near the sea with a killer view of the lighthouse and course. Play it...you'll be glad you did, especially on a decent weather day.
Adam,
I agree that the local seafood is often hard to find in the towns where it is off-loaded. A rather strange aspect of Scottish life, as you would think they'd want to showcase their delectable fare. They do fetch premium prices for what they catch in France and other nations though, and I suspect that is why so much of it leaves the area as export.
Cheers,
Kris