With exception to some waiting at the intial stages of the check in process, it had been a pleasurable stay at Ncola's place. While I did not meet Nicola, one of his friends helped us into the house and gave us some recommendations.
Nicola's place is located in very near the Duomo, giving it a great location as a starting base in Florence. Relatively painless to get to from the train station as well, with a short 20 minute walk. Plenty of good food around the area too (Touch Bistro, which is down the same street, was one of my favourite meals in all Italy).
The bedroom can get a little stuffy, and light sleepers may be woken up by the occasional loud noise from downstairs, but overall, it's a pretty quiet and homely neighbourhood.