Travel

A Family Day Out In Rutherglen, With Josh And Jenna Densten

When Josh and Jenna Densten left behind their inner-city lives to get back to their regional roots, they also knew it was an opportunity to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.

The renovation power couple and their two daughters moved to Rutherglen in regional Victoria just over a year ago, with an ambitious plan to turn a derelict country farmhouse into their dream family home.

We recently joined them for a day out exploring their favourite spots in the beautiful wine region, travelling in style with the all-electric EQV from Mercedes-EQ. Hear about how they’re building a greener future for their family below!

Written
by
Lucy Feagins
Supported by Mercedes-Benz

Josh and Jenna and their kids Freddie and Story share the best of Rutherglen on a road trip in the all-electric EQV! Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

The spacious 7-seater is the perfect vehicle for a family adventure. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

‘Josh loved the adjustable suspension mode to make it easier to get up our steep gravel driveway,’ Jenna says. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

The Denstens have been tackling their renovation of a heritage property since moving to Rutherglen, and have just commenced work on their extension. ‘It’s hard work, but so rewarding!’ Jenna adds. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

‘If you’re building, allow for an EV charging station at home as you’ll likely do most of your charging here,’ Jenna says. ‘Solar panels will help with the cost of charging at home so it’s a win, win!’ Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Their new property also features space for the family’s 14 free-range chickens! Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

The couple decided to get back to their regional roots to give their kids more sustainable, country lifestyle. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

The EQV takes just 45 minutes to charging at rapid DC charging stations if you need to recharge on the road. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Writer
Lucy Feagins
2nd of April 2023

It’s been just over a year since self-professed ‘serial renovators’ Josh and Jenna Densten made the move to Rutherglen, located about three and a half hours’ drive from Melbourne.

The former The Block favourites made the treechange to be closer to family after Melbourne’s lockdowns, but they also knew that a move to the region would give them more land – and an opportunity to live off the grid!

‘We both grew up in the country, so it was important for us to go back to our roots and give our kids [Freddie and Story] a similar upbringing,’ Jenna says.

‘We really wanted to create a self-sustainable lifestyle for our family. We installed a 14.6KW solar system which is enough to run the house and charge an electric vehicle. We also have 45,000 bees, 14 (very happy) free range chickens that supply 12 eggs a day, one duck that provides entertainment, 80,000 litre rainwater tank, a thriving veggie garden, and over 50 fruit trees.’

Embracing sustainability has also led the couple to explore electric vehicles, and the Denstens recently put the EQV from Mercedes-EQ to the test with a road trip around Rutherglen! The all-electric van features 7-seats and an indicative driving range of up to 418km, making it perfect for family adventures.

‘We loved spending the day in the EQV!’ Jenna says. ‘It had loads of space! If we wanted to split the kids up, one could go in the back row, which was a game changer. We also loved the automated doors which made loading the kids into the car a breeze.’

She notes they’re able do most of their charging at home thanks to their EV charging station, but if you do need to charge the EQV on the road, it takes around 45 minutes at rapid DC charging stations.

‘Don’t be afraid to go electric, it’s a change to what we’re all accustomed to but it’s a good change and we could never go back’ Jenna says.

With school holidays coming up, here are Josh and Jenna’s favourite family-friendly spots to visit in their local region, from wineries to parks, and scenic spots to stop along the way!

Scion Winery

Scion Winery is located in a beautiful bush setting with a relaxed vibe, just 2km south of the Rutherglen township. Established in 2002 from the ground up, Scion is all about offering a modern spin on the region’s traditional grape varietals, using solar power and rainwater to run the winery and cellar door.

Visit them for a wine tasting experience, or you can also pre-order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the gum trees. And Jenna says their wine is ‘amazing!’

‘We love going for a wine at cellar door while kids play with the winery dog or on the toy table in cellar door,’ she adds. ‘Try the Blonde and Daylight Red.’

Scion Winery is one of the family’s favourite stops in the area. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

‘Rutherglen is a beautiful wine region with so much to offer! We thought after leaving Melbourne we would really miss the food and coffee scene, but there are so many great restaurants and cafes in the region.’ Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

‘Within a short road trip, you’re also able to access towns like Beechworth and Yarrawonga so it’s the perfect base to explore the region.’ Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

The EQV brings together Mercedes-EQ luxury with a forward-thinking drive, without compromising on style or space. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

The family recommends stopping at Bangerang Park to enjoy some fresh air. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Bangerang Park

Just 15 minutes from Scion Wines and into NSW, you’ll find Bangerang Park in Corowa. The park features a pretty impressive playground, which includes a twin tower and a skywalk, a spin dish, swings and sculptural pieces to explore. It’s also surrounded by beautiful green grassed areas that are ideal for lazing under the shade of the trees.

‘This is a great local park and we often grab a coffee and pie and spend a couple of hours here,’ Jenna notes.

Parkers Pies

Everyone knows country bakeries trump any offerings you can get in the city, but Josh and Jenna say the pies at Parkers Pies are ‘by far’ the best they’ve ever had.

The local, family-run bakery has been in business for nearly 25 years, having won over 250 awards. ‘It’s worth the drive to Rutherglen just for a pie!’ Jenna notes.

Lake Moodemere

The Denstens also love visiting Lake Moodemere, soaking up the picturesque views of the natural billabong. The lake is an offshoot of the Murray River, and if it’s warm enough you can take a dip in the designated swimming area or launch a canoe from its shores.

It’s also a great place to spot the region’s abundant birdlife and native red gum trees before hopping back in the EQV to head home.

Explore the all-electric EQV from Mercedes-EQ online here.

Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Grab a classic country pie from the award-winning Parkers Pies for lunch or an afternoon snack. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

The picturesque Lake Moodemere. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

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