Koda - The Lazy Dog

The Lazy Dog story starts with Koda, our loyal, adventure-loving pup who inspired both the name and the laid-back spirit behind our vacation homes. During the pandemic, we decided to turn our lifelong love for the beach into something more — creating spaces where families, friends, and fellow beach lovers could relax and make lasting memories. Having grown up taking summer trips to Ocean City, MD, we knew there was no better place to start. Later, we fell in love with the charm and serenity of Corolla, NC, which led us to open our second Lazy Dog home on the Outer Banks. Each property is designed with the same easygoing comfort and coastal charm that Koda would approve of — because every great getaway deserves a little lazy time.

The O'Briens

Our Story

Lazy Dog Living began as a family dream rooted in memories, tradition, and a deep love for the beach.

We’re the O’Brien family—Jim and Shelly, our two sons Andrew and Aidan, and of course our original Lazy Dog, Koda, the family pup who inspired our name. For as long as we can remember, our family vacations revolved around the coast. We grew up spending summers in Ocean City, where days were filled with beach mornings, boardwalk nights, salty air, and the kind of simple moments that turn into lifelong memories.

As Andrew and Aidan grew older, those trips became more than just vacations—they became part of who we are as a family. Over the years, we rented beach homes across the U.S., Caribbean, and Mediterranean. Those experiences shaped what we value most as guests, inspiring us to create thoughtfully designed homes - now known as Lazy Dog Living.

That dream turned into our first Lazy Dog Living home in Ocean City, Maryland—a thoughtfully designed vacation rental made for families just like ours. From day one, our goal was simple: create a home that feels like your beach house, not just a place to stay.

As our love for hosting families grew, so did Lazy Dog Living. We expanded south to the Outer Banks and purchased our second home in Corolla, North Carolina—a beach town that offers a quieter, more laid-back coastal experience while still delivering unforgettable memories. With wide beaches, peaceful surroundings, and room to slow down, Corolla became the perfect next chapter for our family and our brand.

Today, Lazy Dog Living is about more than vacation rentals. It’s about helping families relax, reconnect, and recharge—whether that’s in Ocean City or Corolla. We’ve poured our own experiences, values, and care into every detail of our homes, because we know how special these trips can be.

From our family to yours—welcome to Lazy Dog Living. 🐾