Developing Architectural Pearls in Mallorca: Interview with James von Enden, Founder and CEO of Perlentaucher
Over the past 15 years, James von Enden, Founder and CEO of Perlentaucher, and his team have been crafting authentic architectural and design-led properties. With each project named after a pearl, Perlentaucher has carved out a distinct presence in Mallorca’s luxury real estate scene. Based in Port Adriano, the company continues to redefine contemporary Mediterranean living with a recognizable stamp.
What’s the story behind Perlentaucher, and why name all your projects after pearls?
At Perlentaucher, we see ourselves as seekers of the extraordinary — like divers looking for the rarest pearls beneath the surface. Each of our projects is a handcrafted gem, full of character, soul, and identity. The name Perlentaucher (which means “pearl diver” in German) reflects this pursuit of uniqueness. That’s why every home we create is not just a house, but a Perle — a true masterpiece.
How has developing luxury real estate projects changed over the past 15 years?
Fifteen years ago, luxury often meant size and status. Today, it’s about emotion, experience, and values — timeless architecture, a connection to nature, seamless indoor-outdoor living, and high-end design paired with sustainability. Clients are more informed, more design-conscious, and they expect not just beauty, but meaning in every detail. This shift has completely transformed how we develop and present our homes.
What distinguishes the Perlentaucher signature across your projects?
It’s the combination of emotional storytelling, architectural clarity, and uncompromising attention to detail. From the first sketch to the final styling, we focus on atmosphere and emotion. A Perlentaucher home always has a soul — a calm energy, natural elegance, and a deep connection to its surroundings. It feels curated, but never staged.
How do you manage to personalize each project while keeping a strong identity?
We treat each Perle as its own universe. The location, light, landscape, and layout are always unique — and so is the narrative. But across all projects, our DNA remains: holistic design, warm minimalism, craftsmanship, and an obsession with harmony. Think of it like a couture fashion house — every piece is bespoke, but you always recognize the signature cut.
What are clients’ expectations in today’s luxury real estate market in Mallorca?
Today’s clients want more than a beautiful home — they want a feeling, a lifestyle, and peace of mind. That includes flawless execution, transparent processes, personalization, and access to services far beyond the purchase. Many are international and expect hotel-like experiences: seamless, curated, intuitive. That’s why we also created our Home Service, giving owners ongoing care for their property.
In such an established high-end property market, where do you still find space to raise the bar?
By challenging ourselves. We push design further, rethink materials, integrate technology more meaningfully, and create emotional value beyond the walls. Also, our storytelling sets us apart — each Pearl has a name, a narrative, and a vibe. We’re not just developers. We’re curators of experiences. And that energy is contagious.
How does Lionsgate Capital complement Perlentaucher and add value for your clients?
Thanks to our collaboration, Lionsgate Capital offer our clients strategic and tailored financing solutions for the purchase of their property in Mallorca. This means our buyers not only acquire a luxury home, but also optimize their investment through the Lionsgate Capital team of mortgage experts. It’s all about providing trust, security, and exceptional service every step of the way.
Your base is in Port Adriano, which are the top areas in Mallorca for new developments?
We focus exclusively on the southwest of Mallorca – this is where we dive for our pearls. Areas like Santa Ponsa, Bendinat, Costa d’en Blanes, and Port Andratx offer the perfect combination of top-tier infrastructure, breathtaking views, and excellent accessibility. For us, it’s not about quantity, but about finding rare gems in this region where land, architecture, and emotion come together in harmony. That said, we’re also expanding into new territory: for the first time, we’re developing a project in Palma – La Geoda, a collection of 24 exclusive apartments. This project is more than just residential – we’re creating a lush green oasis in the heart of the city, a sanctuary surrounded by nature and filled with soul. La Geoda offers a true sense of community among like-minded individuals – something that simply doesn’t exist in Palma today. That’s what makes it so unique, and why it reflects the next chapter of the Perlentaucher story.
You also offer a Perlentaucher Home Line — What does it include and how does it reflect your overall design approach?
Our Perlentaucher Home Line brings the soul of our projects into everyday life. It includes hand-crafted room scents, soaps, and other essentials — all based on our own carefully developed recipes. These products reflect our design philosophy: pure, natural, and full of character. It’s about creating a sensory experience that extends the Perlentaucher feeling beyond the architecture — into the personal spaces of our clients.
What is your favorite Sunday plan in Mallorca?
For me, the perfect Sunday is simple: no schedule, no pressure – just enjoying life with family and friends. We start the day with a relaxed breakfast in the garden, I squeeze in a bit of sport – often a round of golf, which I truly love – while the kids run around the house. Friends often drop by; we fire up the grill or make pizza together in our oven. Music’s playing, there’s laughter, a glass of wine in hand – and suddenly, you realize how special the little things are when shared. It’s that feeling of ease, joy, and connection that we also aim to build into our homes. Not just houses – real homes, made for moments like these.
Interview by Juanita Casanas and Drew Aaron
President and Chairman of Lionsgate Capital
Their goal at Lionsgate Capital is to create unparalleled solutions for the most demanding clients and create value through service, making Lionsgate Capital the major player for financing in the Balearic Islands and mainland Spain.
