Palm Beach Woman Honored for Preserving Historic Bungalow

Beth Ailes receives prestigious Polly Earl Award for sensitive renovation of 1920s property

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:14am

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus scene of sunlight filtering through rain-streaked glass, creating a warm, hazy atmosphere that evokes the cozy interior of a historic home.A sensitive renovation preserves the historic charm of a vintage Palm Beach bungalow, honoring the island's architectural legacy.Palm Beach Today

The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach has awarded Elizabeth 'Beth' Ailes with its Polly Earl Award, which recognizes exceptional renovations and restorations of small-scale historic properties on the island. Ailes was honored for her careful update of 318 Australian Ave., an investment property she owns that dates back to the 1920s.

Why it matters

The Polly Earl Award is one of Palm Beach's highest honors for historic preservation, given only to those who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to saving the island's smaller, more modest historic structures that help maintain the community's unique architectural character. Ailes' project is seen as a model for how to sensitively update a vintage bungalow while preserving its original charm and historic integrity.

The details

Ailes renovated the 1920s-era bungalow at 318 Australian Ave. as an investment property, taking great care to update the home's systems and finishes while retaining its original architectural details. The Preservation Foundation praised Ailes' work, noting she 'sacrificed much to save the smaller jewels of the island' that help define Palm Beach's historic identity.

  • The Polly Earl Award was presented to Ailes in April 2026.

The players

Beth Ailes

The owner of the renovated 1920s bungalow at 318 Australian Ave. in Palm Beach, Florida.

Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach

The nonprofit organization that presents the annual Polly Earl Award honoring exceptional historic preservation efforts in the community.

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The takeaway

Ailes' project demonstrates how historic homeowners can thoughtfully update vintage properties while preserving their original character, setting an example for others in Palm Beach's ongoing efforts to maintain the island's unique architectural heritage.