KELSEYVILLE -- The Big Valley Rancheria purchased the Ferndale Resort and plans to re-open the vacation spot early next year.
"We're definitely excited," tribal chairman Anthony Jack said about the acquisition, which allows for "some diversification we've been wanted to do for awhile."

The $1.1 million sale was completed Monday morning, according to realtor Jim Magliulo of CPS Country Air Commercial.

The resort, located in the Soda Bay area of Kelseyville, contains 18 vacation units, including different-sized cabins and hotel-style rooms. The property also features 20 docks, a fueling station, restaurant and store. Jack said tribal maintenance crews would begin renovating the facilities in the coming weeks. The tribe hopes to re-open the resort by March 1.

Operating a casino on the site is a future option the tribe is considering, according to Jack. The Big Valley Rancheria would have to first get the land into trust, a process that could take 18 to 30 months, he said.

The Clear Lake Queen boat is docked at the property but was not acquired by the tribe as part of the transaction.