Abstract We propose a simple model on which the effects of steric hindrance on domain growth after deep quenches can be studied. The work is motivated by recent experiments on cyanoadamantane. We observe extremely slow domain growth which is unusual for systems with non-conserved order parameter and non-diffusive (Glauber) dynamics. Moreover the conversion halts before reaching the ordered phase. We suspect that the system enters a metastable undercooled phase but further study is needed to confirm this conjecture.