When Marty McCafferty talks on the phone while sitting outside his home, people on the other end often wonder where he is because of all the birds chirping in the background. His yard is full of trees, with forest preserves on either side. There’s a path where deer sometimes enter the property.

McCafferty’s and Jerry Jay’s front yard looks like a park, and the backyard has beautiful sunset views, McCafferty said. “Our house is set back off the street with a beautiful long lawn. And the forest preserves make it very nice and private. I love being outside here.”

This is a slice of life in Lakeland Estates, the most northerly subdivision in Lake Barrington, situated off Anderson Road near Routes 12 and 59.

Residents of the subdivision have a lot in common — they love nature and wildlife, they enjoy socializing with neighborhood friends and they like meeting new residents and welcoming them into the neighborhood.

A 15-year resident of the community, McCafferty says he was surprised at how friendly people are in the neighborhood and how easy it is to meet people.

“People often gather at the beach or at someone’s house for social events. I’ve had people over for wine and a bonfire, and a 50th anniversary for my parents,” he said. “In the spring, people come out for the spring cleanup where we pick up everything that has blown in the trees. When you volunteer for this type of event, you meet a lot of people.

“I love it here. That’s why I’ve been here for 15 years. Some people have moved within the neighborhood from one house to another because they didn’t want to leave the area. Residents of the neighborhood are a diverse group of people from retirees to new young families, which makes it really nice.”

Lakeland Estates is a well-kept secret, said Donna Lavin, real estate broker with @Properties in Barrington. Very few people know about the subdivision.

“I like the feel coming into this neighborhood where the homes are far apart, and they’re not cookie-cutter homes. Homes are all different with unique styles and various landscaping that makes it so beautiful,” Lavin said. “It’s a private area that shows the pride residents have in the neighborhood.”

The neighborhood features a variety of home designs, such as traditional, Colonials, two-stories and ranches, all on larger lots and some with acreage. Homes have a wide range of square footage, typically from 2,500 to more than 5,000. Sizes range from two to six bedrooms and two to four baths with two- or three-car garages.

A big attraction in the neighborhood is the 15-acre lake, its waterfront homes and sandy beach area for gatherings. Residents can swim, fish, sail and kayak in the lake and enjoy a resort type of lifestyle.

Lakeland Estates sits minutes from the towns of Wauconda, Fox River Grove and Barrington with shopping and Metra train access. And the property’s proximity to routes 59 and 12 allows homeowners to get places quickly and easily without having to sacrifice a private family retreat, Lavin said.

The village of Lake Barrington is a hamlet of neighborhoods and residential nooks nestled in open spaces, woodlands and wetlands in the southwest corner of Lake County, about 40 miles northwest of Chicago. The village works to preserve its countryside character and open spaces by resisting intense development.