Nicola's apartment is quite possibly the best thing that can happen to you in Venice. I spent 6 weeks there and I want to go back now!
First - a couple of things that I would not call downside, but that are better to be aware of. Downstairs bedroom does open into a birreria/pizzeria, which means that you hear everything. The place wakes up shortly after 7 am - like the rest of the city, and shuts down at 11 pm, with a possibility that a few particularly energized customers keep hanging around for another half hour. The kitchenette has virtually no counter space. Signora Rosanna who checks you in speaks only Italian. However, sleep from midnight to 7 am is quite undisturbed; full-scale cooking is still very possible; and Signora Rosanna is a warm and welcoming person, and you don't need much Italian after all to understand how to use the apartment.
The apartment is perfect for a couple, a family, even a small group of friends. It's equipped with everything you might possibly need even for a long stay. The living space upstairs is amazing, huge, full of light, and extended by a balcony that is as big as the living room itself. You can dance there. Wi-fi works great.
The location is excellent - 5 min to two vaporetto stops (only one bridge on your way to San Silvestro) or two traghettos to the other side of the Grand Canal; 10 min on foot to the Rialto Market; no more than 10 min to one half of the city's main attractions; no more than 20 to the other half. Shops, bakeries, cafes, some of the best restaurants in town - all within a few minutes' reach.
The last but not the least: this apartment belongs to a person who really loves Venice. It is full of great Italian books about the city, its art and history, plus has quite a few guides in other languages helpfully left behind by previous visitors.
Overall, the price/quality ratio is outstanding. Recommended without reservations. Thank you so much, Nicolas, for this wonderful experience!