Sam,
Yes, when actually done in a persons house it would look like ordinary stairs. That's the whole point, hide it in the open so that people wouldn't know. As for a locking mechanism it could be one of the risers on the staircase, twist it around to unlock. Or set up another type, the possibilities are endless with this.
It's just a reminder of what you can do or have a contractor do for you in your home. People have been building hidden spots in their houses since houses have been around. Glad you guys liked it, maybe I'll have to post his shooting bench.