Significant alternations were made in 1972, some of which were removed in 1992-1993 when the Avent lease expired to restore it to be closer to its appearance when it was used as a studio.

For example, to improve illumination, two large openings were created: a window at the southwest elevation, and at the southeast wall, a pane glassed door providing access to the porch.

[2] The cabin is located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Elkmont, Tennessee on the west side of Jake's Creek Valley.

At an altitude of 2,700 feet (820 m), the cabin lies on a steep side of a ridge overlooking Jake's Creek Valley.

Small areas of the forest were cleared by the Ownby family for apple orchards, potato and corn fields and for bee-keeping.