Hi Papillon - wow sorry I didnt' see this thread earlier.

Typically, a space that contains a lot of dense "dead" or heavy energy puts up a lot of resistance. If you are drumming/chiming a bell, the sound itself is more muffled when you start and actually increases in pitch, clarity and resonance as the space clears. It's one of the ways that you know whether to keep clearing or whether the space is clear again.

So I'm not surprised to hear there was resistance to the movement of your sage smoke, given what you know about the history of the place. Remember that as well as clearing out the old energy, you need to 'set' or 'tune' the new energy that you want the place to keep. This can be done using your intent, prayers, sound (eg tibetan bell) and also by sealing the new energy ritually, eg by lighting a candle in a colour that is significant for you, leaving an offering to your spiritual guides/guardians, etc.

Sounds like you're doing a great job - remember you can clear any time the house or it's occupants need a "lift"!!